Annual Report - Chief Executive Office - Los Angeles County

Photo by Jesus Vallinas Photo by Howard Pasamanick
Recreation and
Cultural Services
Steve Rountree
President
(Appointed 11/4/02)
Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Budget
Gross Total
Less Intrafund
$19,282,000
Transfer $0
Net Total $19,282,000
Revenue $891,000
Net County Cost $18,391,000
Speaker Series event at Dorothy
Chandler Pavilion.
Institute for Educators.
Compañía Nacional de Danza 2.
54
County of Los Angeles Annual Report 2006-2007
Music Center of Los Angeles County
The Music Center —a public-private partnership with the County of Los Angeles—is
one of the great international destinations for arts and culture. For more than 40 years the
Music Center and Los Angeles County have maintained one of the nation’s most
successful public-private partnerships to serve the region’s residents. Los Angeles County
provides the general maintenance, custodial services, utility costs, insurance, security and
usher services at the Music Center. The programming is supported by private sector
contributions and earned revenue.
The Center supports internationally recognized resident companies—the Los Angeles
Philharmonic, Center Theatre Group, Los Angeles Opera, and Los Angeles Master
Chorale—by providing outstanding performing venues. The Center’s nationally recognized
education program is in its 26th year and its dance program in its third. The Center
contributes to the civic-cultural life of the region with its Speaker Series and other civic
forums. The Active Arts program provides free or low-cost participatory art events that
engage people from diverse backgrounds and experiences in recreational art-making events.
The Music Center works strategically with Los Angeles County schools to make education
in the arts a fundamental part of the learning experience of every child. In 2006 the Center’s
school programs served 234 public schools in 49 different school districts, 67 private
schools and three independent charter schools, presenting 8,561 performances, student
workshops, and teacher trainings in these schools. Thirty-five performances for children
and families were hosted by the Center.
Major Accomplishments 2005-2006
Held 4,500 events at Center, serving a total audience of more than 1.2 million.
Completed third dance season, which brought five dance companies to the Music
Center for 18 performances before an audience of 43,700.
Promoted high profile discussion on public policy, popular culture and civic leadership
at second season of Music Center Speaker Series, welcoming an audience of 20,000.
Engaged more than 8,000 people from diverse backgrounds and experience through
third year of Active Arts Program, hosting 30 low-cost or free participatory art events.
Participated in leadership of the successful Grand Avenue Festival, a free day-long event
attended by 20,000.
Provided leadership to Los Angeles City’s Council of Education Advisors and the Cultural
Affairs Commission. With Grand Avenue colleagues, assisted in securing Los Angeles
Unified School District approval for new arts high school, now under construction.
Welcomed more than 27,000 visitors for tours of Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Received a prestigious grant for the Institute for Educators from National Endowment
for the Arts for the Institute for Educators, as well as two $1 million foundation grants.
Embarked on systematic planning for renewal projects at Mark Taper Forum, Dorothy
Chandler Pavilion and the Plaza.
Received major grant from California State Department of Homeland Security for
additional security infrastructure.
Major Objectives 2006-2007
Expand Active Arts Program and diverse programming for children and families at
Music Center, while undertaking collaborations with resident companies and REDCAT.
Provide ongoing planning support to local school districts as they implement plans to
restore arts education in grades K-12.
Commence renovation of the Mark Taper Forum.
Build dance program audience and expand offering of activities, including lectures,
workshops and performances for K-12 students.
Continue to advocate for public policy forums on education, civic, government and
health policy, reinforcing the Music Center’s vital role in civic leadership.