The LA County Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) recently conducted an inventory and assessment of all its departmental programs. As a result of that assessment, they identified existing disparities in programming, notably that programming was non-institutionalized and non-systemic. As part of this Artist-In-Residence, the creative strategist will work in collaboration with DPR staff to establish standards for the creation, development, and enhancement of arts and culture core programming and curriculum across all of its facilities, particularly in local and community parks addressing equity, inclusion, and access. The Creative Strategist will also develop and implement a plan to help evaluate the extent to which DPR is reaching vulnerable populations. This will include working with DPR staff to measure and evaluate the efficacy of its current arts and culture programming in regards to metrics, and key milestones to assess progress per park, or per Service Planning Area. The Creative Strategist will also facilitate partnerships between DPR and local artists as a means for DPR to connect with the vast resources of the local community while also providing a platform for local artists.

A large part of this work will include developing culturally-relevant arts based tools, activities, programs, and training materials that address existing inequities, including: race and ethnicity, socio-economic status, gender, LGBTQ populations, and disabilities. As such, the creative strategist will help DPR gain the tools and data required to refine its programming to meet the distinct and diverse needs of each community, but also to ensure the greatest opportunity for equity, inclusion, and access to the arts and culture programs for all participants. The efforts of the Creative Strategist will allow DPR to incorporate arts and culture into its other programming, such as for its award-winning Parks After Dark program.

All applicants must submit:

1. A Resume including name, mailing address, phone number(s), email, and web page (if applicable). NOTE: Artist Resume should not exceed three pages.
2. A combination of up to ten images or video clips of artistic work:
   • Submit digital images in PC compatible .JPEGs with a pixel resolution no larger than 1920X1920. NOTE: do not zip or stuff your files. Maximum file size for each image should be no larger than 2MB.
   • Title each image with the artist’s name and a number which corresponds to the annotated image list—for example: 01JaneJones.jpg or 02JaneJones.jpg.
   • Do not insert multiple photos into one image.
   • Optional: Artists may submit up to two videos of relevant past work with a length of up to one minute each and/or up to two publications documenting past work. Please note however, that only ten examples are allowed, so anything that exceeds this amount will not be reviewed.
3. An annotated image list that includes:
   • The title, date, and location of artwork
   • A very brief project description (250 words max)
   • The medium and dimensions
   • Project budget
   • The commissioning agency or client, and project manager (if applicable)
4. Two letters of recommendation specifically addressing the strengths and outcomes of artist work.
5. A letter of interest addressing the following (NOTE: include, where possible, examples of where you have done the kind of work you are describing):
   
   Only letters that specifically address all questions will be considered

   Creative Strategist Artist-In-Residence General Questions

   1. Why are you interested in an Artist in Residence in County government?
   2. What is your experience with engaging or organizing community members in creative and collaborative processes?
   3. What are your ideas about the role of art in society/How can art help bridge conversations between generations and cultural backgrounds?

   Parks and Recreation

   1. How will your skills, knowledge, and vision assist Parks and Recreation develop an arts and cultural program framework?
   2. How has your experience and background prepared you to work in diverse unincorporated communities to assess their needs for arts and cultural programming?
   3. Describe how you intend to approach the scope of work and goals of this Creative Strategist Artist-In-Residence.

The LA County Department of Parks and Recreation meets the recreational needs of residents and visitors from all over the world through programming, facilities, land acquisition, environmental stewardship, and more! Today, the Department owns 182 beautiful parks, including natural areas, wildlife sanctuaries, lakes, trails, arboreta, and botanic gardens, as well as local, community and regional parks. The Department also operates the largest municipal golf system with 20 courses at 18 locations and owns great cultural venues including the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre and the world famous Hollywood Bowl. The Department is committed to providing social, cultural, and recreational opportunities for all to enjoy.