History

Los Angeles County maintains citizen advisory commissions as a way to engage expertise and recommendations to assist the Board in serving the community. When the Board of Supervisors created the Commission in 1947—first called the Los Angeles County Music Commission—they recognized the importance and necessity of a healthy arts community for the County. Over time, the name of the Commission changed as the arts grew and in 2018 the Board of Supervisors made a historic decision to create the LA County Department of Arts and Culture while maintaining the advisory body. Today, the Arts Commission continues to promote the arts through its mission, working closely with the Department and serving as ambassadors, advisors, and advocates for the arts in LA County. 

Mission

The Commission supports and advocates for the mission, vision and values of the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture, providing leadership, information, and resources with the community, artists, educators, arts organizations and municipalities in cooperation with the Department. The Commission is an advisory group to the Board of Supervisors, with three appointees for each District.

Committees

The Arts Commission maintains standing committees, including the Executive and Nominating committees. In addition, the LA County Cultural Equity & Inclusion (CEII) Advisory Committee is a standing committee of the Commission and includes both Commissioners and community members.