GRAND PERFORMANCES
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Mission Statement
Grand Performances believes that access to free, quality, diverse performing arts contributes to both individual and community health and growth. Every effort is made to utilize our unique combination of venue and programming to create a vibrant and inclusive public space by reaching deep into the community with messages that all are welcome. Our mission is to present free performing arts that reflect the best of global culture and inspire community among the diverse peoples of Los Angeles.
About This Cause
Grand Performances is Southern California’s premier presenter of free performing arts. The organization was launched in the late ‘80s at a time of redevelopment in the Bunker Hill area of downtown Los Angeles and became a non-profit in 1996. Under the leadership of Michael Alexander, the organization has grown into a national leader in its field, widely known for its eclectic programming and respected for its commitment to serving the arts, artists and community. Each summer the two outdoor stages at California Plaza, the program’s architecturally unique home base, host local and international touring artists for 30-40 live performances, related workshops and audience discussions. Grand Performances draws more than 50,000 people from across the region each year to experience an exciting mix of music, dance, film and theatre performances. Because all programs are presented free to the public, a diverse audience of new young professionals residing in Downtown, families from neighborhoods near and far, seniors, urban adventurers and individuals from across the region come together to share positive cultural experiences regardless of ethnicity, age or economic level – one of L.A.’s rare true gathering places. Representing the diversity of Los Angeles, a 17-member Board of Directors provides financial support and guidance for Grand Performances while serving as advocates for the program in the community. The season is executed by a passionate staff of eleven year-round employees plus a seasonal crew made up of some of the region’s finest theater technicians. Over the years, the program has presented artists who were nurtured in our own neighborhoods - often providing early career opportunities. Artists such as daKAH Hip Hop Orchestra, Ozomatli and Diavolo Dance Company all received breakthrough presentations on Grand Performances’ stage and have continued to perform here as recently as this past summer. A decades-long commitment to presenting contemporary artists from Latin America, Africa and Central/East Asia brings important world-class touring artists to our community and ensures the stage reflects the many faces of Los Angeles. It is the thoughtfully-curated programming that sets Grand Performances apart from other free presenters – locally and nationally – programming that addresses local, national and even international issues through the performing arts. Grand Performances also works closely with non-arts organizations such as Downtown Women’s Center, The Wall las Memorias, the African American Voter Registration and Education Project, and L.A. Bicycle Coalition to serve our audiences. These collaborations attract new audiences to our programs while creating community dialogue around important issues (ie: voter registration, AIDS awareness, and alternative transportation options). Summer partnerships with community youth groups help provide local low- and middle-income families opportunities to discover how the arts can play a vital role in their lives. Students ranging in ages from 6 to 18 years attend noontime concerts and participate in post-show lecture-demonstrations. They are drawn from partners such as A Place Called Home, Bright Prospects, the William Grant Still Arts Center, Tierra Blanca Arts Center, Nishi Center, and DAYS Summer Camp. By bringing together people from all backgrounds and walks of life in Downtown Los Angeles, our program demonstrates to a broad audience the roles the arts can play in developing a greater respect for human differences; appreciation of the arts as an integral part of a healthy lifestyle; and a deeper understanding of the relationship between the audience, the arts and civic participation.