September 19, 2024

Renewed Iconic Chicano

Santa Ana Murals Unveiled

Some of the original artists work on restoring the murals on Civic Center Drive in Santa Ana.

The iconic Civic Center Drive “La Raza” murals made by Chicano youth in the 90s have finally been restored through a community-wide effort. Facing such hurdles as a fragile wall foundation, deteriorating paint and what seemed like an insurmountable price tag, the dream of restoration finally became a reality.

Read more here.

Bronze Sculpture Honoring Lifeguards in San Clemente Approved

A proposed sculpture of two lifeguards would sit in a grassy area at Parque Del Mar overlooking the wooden San Clemente pier.

A bronze sculpture depicting two lifeguards has been approved by San Clemente’s city council. Titled “The Rescue,” this piece of public art designed by artist Bill Limebrook will highlight the coastal town’s appreciation for the first responders who keep residents and tourists safe at the beach.

The San Clemente Lifeguard and Junior Lifeguard Foundation recently presented the idea at a city council meeting. Now the nonprofit will be working to raise $250,000 for the approved project.

Read more here.

Western States Arts Federation

Rebrands as Creative West

The Western States Arts Federation announced on September 18 that after 50 years they are rebranding as Creative West. With the launch of their 50th Anniversary Archive project earlier this year, they have been taking a look back at how they got from where they began to where they are now. As they reflect on the past and plan for the future, they wanted to have a new, inclusive identity to reflect who they are now.

To learn more about Creative West, click here.

Governor Newsom Signs Bills Regulating AI Performance Replicas into Law

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed two union-supported bills restricting the use of AI digital replicas of performers into law. In a symbolic move, the governor visited the Los Angeles headquarters of performers’ union SAG-AFTRA on Monday to officially greenlight the bills, AB 2602 and AB 1836, which were passed by the California state Senate in August. SAG-AFTRA sponsored both bills after instituting initial AI protections for members in its 2023 TV/theatrical contract.

Read more here.

California for the Arts Unveils 2024 Election Engagement Resource Guide

California for the Arts and California Arts Advocates have released their 2024 Election Candidate Engagement Resource Guide. This helps voters create their own individual voting plans as they find ways to engage local or statewide candidates who are running for office. It’s easy to download and it’s free.

Read more here.

Final Chance to Purchase Tickets

for OC Arts Awards

There are still a handful of tickets available for the 24^th OC Arts Awards, which will be held on September 24 in the Samueli Theater at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Please join us at this celebratory event that brings together the entire arts community for an uplifting evening that includes an honoree and sponsor reception and dinner, an awards ceremony and an after-party for all guests.

For a list of honorees and to purchase tickets, click here.

We acknowledge with respect our presence on the ancestral lands of the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians - Acjachemen Nation and the Tongva People.