With the Broad and Petersen museums now open, countless concerts to attend and Christmas plays galore, LA's arts and culture scene is booming in big ways. Today, the National Endowment for the Arts announced they're giving REDCAT (Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater) a grant to help contribute to the explosion.
If you're not familiar with REDCAT, it's a center in the back of the Walt Disney Concert Hall complex that focuses on innovation in the arts. The NEA's first round of grants for the year will include one of $45,000 for "adventurous programming" at the Downtown theater (can't wait to see what that means).
Some examples of REDCAT's recent programming include a series of films "curated with an eye toward the intersection of art, history and cultural identity," and a performance featuring the work of Mexican modernist composer Julián Carrillo.
REDCAT's executive director Mark Murphy released a statement to express his enthusiasm. “This grant supports our vital programs for local artists... as well as important projects by such distinguished visiting artists," he said.
In its 50 years funding the arts, the NEA has given out more than $5 billion in grants. This $45,000 Art Works grant was part of the federal agency's first round of funding (which totaled $27.6 million) for the upcoming year.