March 23, 2020
Dear Friends of LA Plaza,
We fully recognize that our top priority in these uncertain times is the health and welfare of our LA Plaza familia – our staff and their family members, our vendors and performers, and our visitors. That’s why we are following closely the pandemic guidelines issued by local, state and federal authorities. Consequently, our doors have been closed to the public since March 14 and all of our dedicated employees are working remotely. We will maintain this status until we receive an “all-clear” signal from the proper governmental agencies.
Yet, nothing disappoints us more than being unable to see all of you at many of the exciting programs and exhibitions we had scheduled for this season. We had a robust menu of film screenings, talks, food programs, concerts, Family Days and more on our schedule that we were eager to share with you. We want to assure you that most of these programs are being rescheduled to later dates, either later this year or next. Stay tuned to our digital channels and we’ll keep you informed.
LA Plaza continues to be operational behind the scenes. We are strengthening our social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, You Tube, and our website) with new content that maintains our commitment to supporting local Latinx history, art and culture. And we invite you to be a part of it:
– If you have relevant content you’d like to share with others – a song, a poem, a thought, an image, a video – send it to adelpena@lapca.org and we’ll review it for posting to our LA Plaza digital community. You can post on your own Facebook and/or Instagram page and tag us at @LAPlazaLA and use the hashtags #LAPlazaAtHome #LAPlazaEnCasa, and #LAPlazaStrong.
– Last week, we “virtually” opened a new exhibition, Carlos Almaraz: Evolution of Form, that gives a fresh, rarely-seen look at some of the early works of one of the Chicano art world’s most innovative artists. Check out a virtual walkthrough of the exhibit with insightful commentary by Carlos’ wife Elsa Flores Almaraz, and Dr. Susana Smith Bautista, LA Plaza Senior Curator at Large on our Facebook page and soon on our YouTube channel.
– We’ll also be posting archival footage from some of our past exhibitions, including photographer Rafael Cardenas, artist Gilbert “Magu” Luján and Ya Basta: The East LA Walkouts and the Power of Protest. You can presently logon to our YouTube channel for walkthroughs and media clips of other past exhibitions, including Murales Rebeldes: Chicana/o Murals under Siege and Mujeres de Maiz: Twenty Years of ARTivism & Herstory en L.A.
– You can enjoy hours of videos of Family Day performances, music concerts, food programs, and panel discussions on our Facebook video page.
We want you to know that the LA Plaza team is working diligently to resume our schedule as soon as we’re assured we can again safely conduct large public gatherings. Our annual Pobladores Awards Gala, which this year honors Cástulo de la Rocha, President and CEO of AltaMed Health Services Corporation and Chicano arts advocate, and legendary Chicano rock group Los Lobos, has been postponed from its original date of July 22 to a new date to be determined.
These uncertain times also present financial challenges for us all. Arts organizations like ours face a downturn in revenue streams from several sources. Now is the best time to show your support of LA Plaza by becoming a member and keeping us strong and vital. Use this Link to show your support of our familia. You can also make a monetary donation of any amount to LA Plaza’s Annual Fund at this link.
We thank you for your support and extend our best wishes to you and your families for good health and blessings in these challenging time
Monday, March 16, 2020 – 7:11pm
To minimize health risks during the coronavirus outbreak, LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes is closed until further notice. We have canceled or postponed public programs and rentals through mid-May. School hands-on workshops, tours and teacher training are cancelled or postponed throughout March, April and mid-May.
Keep up-to-date on developments on our website and on our social media pages.
Thank you for your support.
Saturday, March 14, 2020 – 10:00am
To minimize health risks during the coronavirus outbreak, LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes is closed until further notice. We have canceled or postponed public programs and rentals throughout March. School hands-on workshops, tours and teacher training are cancelled or postponed throughout March and April.
Keep up-to-date on developments on our website and on our social media pages.
Thank you for your support.
Thursday, March 12, 2020 – 4:40pm
While the situation with the coronavirus COVID-19 is rapidly evolving, our highest priority is the health, safety, and well-being of our staff, visitors and LA Plaza community.
We are committed to following the recommendations of local health officials, including the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
To minimize health risks during the coronavirus outbreak, LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes is taking the following measures:
• Our galleries and LA Tienda museum gift store will close to the public beginning March 16 until further notice.
• We have increased the cleaning and disinfecting of our facilities and have ample prevention supplies on hand, including sinks with soap, hand sanitizers, and tissues.
• LA Plaza’s public programs and rentals through March are cancelled or postponed. Programs will be rescheduled and/or livestreamed as appropriate.
• Guided School Group Visits, Hands-on Workshops and Teacher Trainings are cancelled for the months of March and April.
• Our staff will be on a limited work schedule.
If you have already purchased tickets for any of our paid events, you will receive a separate notification via email with additional information related to your reservation.
We appreciate your understanding and collaboration as we respond to this public health challenge. Please be assured that we are assessing new developments in this rapidly evolving situation, in order to assure the safety of our community and visitors.
Please visit us at this page and our social media pages for updates and more.