Creative Strategists: Integrating artist residencies into Los Angeles County governance and initiatives

Los Angeles County’s Creative Strategist Programme embeds artists within government departments to address civic challenges through creative strategies. Since 2018, 12 artists have collaborated with various departments, enhancing public engagement, cultural participation, and equity.  

Integrating creative strategies into public service in Los Angeles County 

In 2017, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors agreed to fund paid artist residencies in county departments. Led by the Department of Arts and Culture, the Creative Strategist Programme supports the implementation of the Countywide Cultural Policy – seeking to improve county responsiveness to community needs; broaden the understanding of the role arts can play in government; introduce arts-based engagement methods for employees and communities; and foster cross-sector and interdepartmental collaboration. 

Since its launch, the Creative Strategist Programme has hosted twelve year-long artist residencies across various county departments. These Creative Strategists apply their artistic practice and creative problem-solving skills to develop and implement solutions to complex civic challenges – while increasing access, fostering inclusion, and strengthening community bonds through arts-based methods. 

Using cultural programming to foster intergenerational connections 

In 2018, Purposeful Ageing LA recommended the expansion of participatory arts and culture programmes for older adults would increase quality of life, address social isolation and have positive effects on cognitive and physical health.  

In January 2022, artist Carol Zou began a two-year Creative Strategist residency, working with staff at the Los Angeles County Department of Ageing and Disabilities to develop intergenerational, culturally relevant arts and culture programming for four senior and community centres that could then be replicated. 

Carol kicked off her first residency with a town hall, facilitating community members to co-create a tapestry vision board for a community garden. She then curated a series of workshops on herbalism, cooking, flower arranging, and nature-inspired artwork led by guest artists. At other centres, she paired young people with older adults to design art for community spaces; and hosted Spanish-Mandarin-American cooking classes which turned into a trilingual recipe book.  

Adapting cultural strategy to each department, community and cause 

Other Cultural Strategists developed projects that addressed topics such as immigrant inclusion, transportation safety, employee wellness, and civic engagement.  

In the Media, Communication and Creative Services department, Deborah Aschheim sketched voters during the presidential primary elections to build public awareness around voting accessibility. Artist Patrisse Cullors collaborated with the LA Homeless Initiative to shift public narratives around homelessness, while Phung Huynh brought her own experience as a refugee and immigrant to her creative work with the Office of Immigrant Affairs. 

Creative Strategist Alan Nakagawa partnered with LA County Library to develop participatory art at five library branches; and Olga Koumoundouros has brought an artistic lens to the new Office of Violence Prevention (OVP), within the Department of Public Health. After meeting with members of the American Indian and Alaska Native community, Jacob Pratt used film to raise awareness and celebrate the diversity of the Native American community in LA County.  

Their work demonstrates the value of integrating arts into governance, fostering innovation, and promoting inclusive policies that reflect the diverse communities of Los Angeles County.