The impact of spaces like Sovern LA is remarkable, but we face disproportionate financial uncertainties in the field which threaten our sustainability, despite the arts industry’s generation of almost 1 in 6 jobs in Los Angeles County, as noted in the Otis College of Art and Design 2025 report (OCAD, 2025). In partnership with our community stakeholders, Sovern LA has built an arts and healing model with demonstrated scalability and success. Since our genesis, we have contracted over 300 artists and facilitators by presenting 4-5 group or solo exhibitions annually alongside rotating donation-based programming led by BIWOC+ facilitators.

In the past year alone, Sovern LA presented five unique exhibitions alongside more than 200 classes and workshops. Through these exhibitions, we supported over 30 BIWOC+ artists and invested $60,000 in mentoring, commissioning, and platforming emerging talent. Our programming reached more than 2,000 attendees, over 90% of whom identified as BIWOC+, reflecting the deep trust and relevance we have built within the community. These programs not only support individual artists and entrepreneurs, but also strengthen community bonds through culturally relevant and healing-centered practices.