Join Otis College of Art and Design for a live virtual conversation among leaders in the Creative Economy, who will be discussing the topic of Race and The Creative Economy.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, California has suffered a devastating blow to the economic growth experienced by the Creative Economy over the last decade. In the summer, the killing of George Floyd raised awareness of, in very stark ways, the inequalities and social injustices disproportionately faced by Black people in this country. The gap in unemployment rates between Black and White people is the largest it’s been in five years (source). The number of Black-owned businesses has dropped 40% during the pandemic, more than any other racial group (source).
Over the summer, social media campaigns and energy behind new initiatives to amplify the work of BIPOC creatives have endeavored to undo decades of underrepresentation and address more inclusive communities, asking: What can we do to empower talent, particularly BIPOC artists and designers, in cultural and creative industries?
Starting in 2007, Otis College of Art and Design has published the Otis Report on the Creative Economy. In advance of the 2021 edition, this virtual panel will shine a light on the impact of COVID-19 on Los Angeles’ Creative Economy and how Los Angeles can address sustainable racial equity and inclusivity within these important sectors.
Event Program:
Welcome by Charles Hirschhorn, President, Otis College of Art and Design
Opening Remarks by Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, L.A. County Board of Supervisors, Second District
The Current State of the Creative Economy by Adam J. Fowler, Director of Research, Beacon Economics
Panel Discussion Moderated by Dakota Ortiz, Director of Social Impact, Endeavor
Participants:
Lauren Anderson, Head of Content, IMDB TV, Amazon Studios
Eletrice Harris, Vice President, Southern California Chapter, National Organization of Minority Architects
Maurice Harris, (’05 BFA Fine Arts), Bloom & Plume
Kristin Sakoda, Director of Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture
Francis Roberts, Head of Creator Partnerships, Snap, Inc.
For more information about this virtual event, including participant bios, please visit this link. To register to attend, please click here.
Event sponsors include:
City National Bank (An RBC Company) and Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors Second District
