“My heart and soul were in as I walked the brand new space for the ICA/LA, during the Martin Ramirez exhibition in the fall of 2017; The acknowledgment and celebration of the endurance of the “Human Spirit of Ramirez, allowed me to experience the strong values of this institution.
Art that challenges assumptions, invites the critique of the familiar and empathy with the different.
Learning and engagement programs that build community and spark curiosity advance the conversation about sustainable social change and transformation. The board is a chosen family whose purpose is to care for the ICA/LA. I understand how important is to be present and available to nurture effective partnerships, and I understand about cultivation and building community.
I am grateful and honored to serve and partner with the ICA/LA family.”
- Claudia Flores
ICA/LA
Mission
ICA LA's mission is to support art that sparks the pleasure of discovery and challenges the way we see and experience the world, ourselves, and each other. ICA LA is committed to upending hierarchies of race, class, gender, and culture. Through exhibitions, education programs, and community partnerships, ICA LA fosters critique of the familiar and empathy with the different.
Vision
ICA LA will fully become a place to gather, learn, and transform. Artists' empathy, creativity, and ability to impact social change will guide every experience. Together, we will model a sustainable future for culture and community across Los Angeles.
Values
Community Building ICA LA believes we have a responsibility to nurture the essential role artists play as members of our community and catalyzers of change. With a permanent home in Downtown LA and responsive programming, created with and for artists, ICA LA fosters opportunities for our communities to explore the issues we face as a society.
Artist's Perspective Artists' ideas, empathy, and creativity are central to everything we do. Our curatorial and educational approach is guided by artists' ability to critique what is familiar and to value difference, expanding our capacity for empathy and encouraging us to challenge the status quo.
Criticality ICA LA staff continually aspire to develop knowledge alongside artists, young people, community
leaders, and colleagues in our field. We encourage critical thinking as a tool that is essential for real social change, expanding the definition of what art can be, and what museums should do for society.
Inclusivity From the design of our building to our commitment to a diversity of voices and perspectives, ICA LA aims to be a warm and welcoming space for all people to gather. We strive to create an environment in which art and the artistic process are shared and interpreted with a sense of openness, accessibility, and curiosity. We are committed to accommodating the evolving individual, physical, cultural, and social needs of our visitors.