We’re eagerly refreshing the Instagram feed of CURRENT:LA today because they have given Mayor Eric Garcetti the log-in for a first day of summer takeover this afternoon.
CURRENT:LA is welcoming the mayoral boost to raise visibility for their upcoming public art biennial. The concept, launched recently by the LA Department of Cultural Affairs, is to use contemporary art to address major issues facing the city and community; for the inaugural event, they chose a theme of water. Obviously, both CURRENT:LA and water issues are close to our mayor’s heart, so it’s no surprise that the first snap of his takeover is of him standing proudly along the bank of the LA River.
The biennial, taking place July 16 to Aug 14, describes itself as a project to make art accessible to all by bringing contemporary art out of the traditional gallery or museum setting and putting it outdoors and in unexpected spaces, scattered across Los Angeles’ diverse neighborhoods. The artists and curators also seek to engage everyone who views the art in a conversation about the local and global issues around water and sustainability.
More than 130 artists submitted proposals to create temporary installations, of which 13 were selected. They’ll be popping up on a collection of public sites including Point Fermin Park, the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area and even the origin point of the LA River.
So, what are we hoping to see Mayor Garcetti Instagram on his tour today? Whether it’s sneak peeks of in-progress artworks or just some mayoral shoes posed for #fromwhereIstand shots, we’ll be watching along.