Los Angeles Collectives Evolve into Collaboratives Focused on Space Creation
Over the last ten years, Los Angeles has witnessed a shift from art collectives to collaborative spaces. These initiatives have sprung up in unique venues, such as an old kung-fu movie theater and renovated warehouses, and thrive on volunteer efforts. Founded in 2005 by Piero Golia and Eric Wesley in Chinatown, the Mountain School of Arts (MSA) provides debt-free educational opportunities, hosting lectures from notable artists like Dan Graham and Paul McCarthy. Human Resources, situated in a repurposed David Kordansky Gallery, prioritizes performance art and community engagement. KCHUNG radio, established by MSA graduate Solomon Bothwell, features a variety of programming. The Women's Center for Creative Work (WCCW) has grown from exclusive dinners into a range of community-driven events, all powered by grassroots volunteers.
Key facts
- Los Angeles collectives have morphed into collaboratives focused on making space rather than defining content
- The Mountain School of Arts was founded in 2005 by Piero Golia and Eric Wesley in Chinatown's Mountain bar
- MSA operates through volunteer collectives, takes no money, pays no salaries, and has featured lectures from Dan Graham, Pierre Huyghe, and Paul McCarthy
- Human Resources occupies a former David Kordansky Gallery space and focuses on performance art, music, exhibitions, and community events
- KCHUNG radio station was founded by Solomon Bothwell with Luke Fischbeck and Harsh Patel, broadcasting from Chung King Road with $10 monthly dues for shows
- The Women's Center for Creative Work emerged from women-only dinners organized by Kate Johnston, Sarah Williams, and Katie Bachler
- All participants in these Los Angeles collaboratives are volunteers working outside traditional patronage systems
- These groups operate from unconventional spaces including former movie theatres, pho shop offices, boutique backrooms, and rehabbed warehouses
Entities
Artists
- Andrew Berardini
- Piero Golia
- Eric Wesley
- Dan Graham
- Pierre Huyghe
- Paul McCarthy
- Solomon Bothwell
- Luke Fischbeck
- Harsh Patel
- Jennifer Moon
- Yelena Zhelezov
- Norman Klein
- Kate Johnston
- Sarah Williams
- Katie Bachler
Institutions
- Mountain School of Arts
- Human Resources
- KCHUNG
- Women's Center for Creative Work
- David Kordansky Gallery
- Art Book Review
- Hammer Museum
Locations
- Los Angeles
- United States
- Chinatown
- Chung King Road