Data plays an essential role in understanding the needs of a community. Currently there is little to no data on the financial situations of LA-based artists.

Modeled after the US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, which collects data on people in the US to determine how federal and state funds are distributed each year, the L.A. Artist Census will provide much needed statistical information on the quality of life of artists living in Los Angeles. The data will include information about debt, housing, employment, and healthcare.

Similar to the American Community Survey, the objective of collecting this information is to provide artists, art institutions, funders, and policy makers with a clearer picture of what the needs are of artists in our county. The Census will take the form of an online application and will be promoted as a community-wide endeavor, and implemented in Spring 2020. Statistics and data that are collected will be compiled, published, and made available as a public resource.

This is a social practice project that pragmatically responds to the expanding art scene in Los Angeles and the subsequent need for more support for artists in the county. It aspires to foster community and self-empowerment amongst artists whilst creating a public dialog about these issues. This work will directly impact the art communities in Los Angeles by creating a framework to address artists needs.

Los Angeles Artist Census is for the L.A. art community but could extend as a model to other cities, acting as a measure to assess what needs and resources exist for artists in cities throughout the US.

Organizing Commitees

Census Commitees