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welcometolace.org

Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions

Art & creative community0 open opportunities listedLos Angeles, California, United States

About the organization

Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions (LACE) was founded in 1978 by a coalition of artists seeking an independent, artist-centered space in Los Angeles. From its early days on Broadway in downtown, LACE distinguished itself by prioritizing emerging and under-recognized practices, often before they entered mainstream discourse. Its mission is to support the creation, presentation, and critical reception of contemporary art, with a particular commitment to work that is experimental, interdisciplinary, and socially engaged. Over four decades, LACE has remained a vital platform for artists working across media—from performance and video to installation and public interventions—while fostering dialogue between local communities and international art contexts.

Programs & opportunities

2 listed
ClosedDeadline · 2026-09-24

Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions — 2027 Lightning Fund

ClosedDeadline · 2026-09-24

Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions — 2027 Lightning Fund

Taking part

Artists should approach LACE with a clear sense of how their work engages with contemporary critical conversations and community contexts. Proposals are reviewed by curatorial staff and guest jurors; demonstrated alignment with LACE's history of risk-taking and interdisciplinary practice is valued over polished presentation. The Lightning Fund, for example, supports Los Angeles-based artists with unrestricted grants, so applications should articulate a compelling artistic vision rather than a fully realized project. It is advisable to review past exhibitions and programs to understand the institution's curatorial temperament, and to submit concise, well-documented materials that convey the essence of the practice. Deadlines and guidelines are typically announced on the website and through newsletters; early preparation and adherence to format are recommended.