Grand Performances inspires community, celebrates diversity, and unites Los Angeles through free access to global performing arts. We believe that access to free, quality, diverse performing arts contributes to both individual and community health and growth.
Ruling year info 1996 President and CEO Rafael Gonzalez Main address 350 S Grand Ave Ste A-4 Los Angeles, CA 90071 USA Show more contact info
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Physical Address 350 S Grand Ave Ste A-4 Los Angeles, CA 90071
Payment Address 350 S Grand Ave Ste A-4 Los Angeles, CA 90071
Donation Payable Legal name of organization: Grand Performances EIN for payable organization: 95-4576761
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What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Grand Performances brings artists and audiences together by thoughtfully curating an array of music, dance, film, theatre and spoken word featuring great artists from around the globe and our very own streets of Los Angeles. Each summer the outdoor stages at California Plaza, the program’s architecturally unique venue, come alive with performances, workshops, masterclasses, and audience discussions serving more than 40,000 people annually – an audience recognized as the most demographically diverse in the country. Because all programs are presented free to the public, entire families, seniors, school and youth groups, and others are able to enjoy the performing arts regardless of their financial ability. Grand Performances makes every effort to utilize our unique combination of venue and program to serve the community and enliven our public space.
Population(s) Served Ethnic and racial groups Children and youth Low-income people Immigrants
How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.
Summer Performing Arts Series
Output - describing our activities and reach
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
1) Use the arts to promote better understanding between communities and a greater respect for human differences.
2) Break down barriers to participation as a performing arts audience member for underserved and marginalized communities and to build audiences from every socio-economic group.
3) Deepen the engagement of various diaspora communities and increase their participation in Los Angeles' cultural and civic life.
4) Increase exposure in the Los Angeles area for new art forms and artists contributing to the artistic growth of local performing artists.
1) Grand Performances presents programming for FREE giving every Angeleno the opportunity to share the experience regardless of financial ability.
2) Grand Performances crafts each season with a balance of both local and international artists that appeal to a wide range of communities in Los Angeles.
3) Grand Performances thoughtfully curates programming that introduces us to the big issues of society and to each other.
Established in 1987, Grand Performances (GP) is Southern California’s longest-running presenter of free performing arts. It was launched at a time of redevelopment in the Bunker Hill area of downtown Los Angeles and became a nonprofit in Oct 1996. Since then, GP has grown into a national leader in its field, widely known for its eclectic programming and for its commitment to serving the arts, artists, and the community. GP presents world-class artists with roots in Latin America, Africa, and Central/East Asia and highlights the work of local artists nurtured in L.A.’s diverse neighborhoods. Historically, events have been hosted every summer at our beautiful outdoor venue California Plaza. In recent years, GP has explored programming initiatives offsite and online to expand outreach into local communities. These art experiences reach a multigenerational, multicultural audience who comes from every socio-economic group and geographic area of Los Angeles County and beyond.
When underserved communities are served by other performing arts presenters, it is typically through outreach activities that are separate from the primary performing arts program or through limited free ticket distribution. Grand Performances believes that underserved communities are served best when integrated into a diverse audience experiencing a rich and varied program. Without the barrier of ticket prices, audiences connect with the art and each other in deeper and more meaningful ways. Grand Performances builds community and promotes cross-cultural understanding by providing the opportunity to see one's own culture validated and the chance to get an informed view of other cultures. Here are some community responses about Grand Performances impact in the community:
"What can I say about Grand Performances at California Plaza other than it's one of the most amazing places in LA to see live music. I truly love it. . I am so thankful to Grand Performances for enriching my life with world class music every summer."
– audience member Sylvia Ochoa
“GP is needed now more than ever. We have attended many shows over the past five years. I decided that THIS year I needed to do more than just attend. So I became a member! The quality of events that GP produces (and provides for FREE) is unmatched in Los Angeles.”
- member Pamela Smith
“Grand Performances is known in Los Angeles for putting on not only amazing indigenous voices, but also all sorts of global eclectic voices.”
- Zaib Shaikh, Consul General of Canada in Los Angeles
“One of the things that makes Grand Performances unique is the diversity and the inclusion. It speaks to a deeper purpose. The organization exists to bring people together.”
- Jae Deal, Artist
“Thank you Grand Performances! You've always been the trailblazer in LA's cultural scene and making sure communities of color and immigrants are reflected and celebrated through all of our cultures and music. Thank you for being the bold leader all these decades. everyone else is just catching up."
- Tom Nguyen, Enclave LA
Seeking feedback from people served makes programs more responsive and effective. Here’s how this organization is listening.
done We demonstrated a willingness to learn more by reviewing resources about feedback practice. done We shared information about our current feedback practices.