LACIA first cohort kickstarts the year

Celebrating the Spectacular Journey of the LACIA 2023 Youth Fellowship Program!

Step into the world of creativity and empowerment as we recap the incredible year of our first cohort in the LACIA 2023 Youth Fellowship Program! With 8 sessions, the program kicked off on September 20th till October 21, 2023, across Los Angeles.

Established in 2019 by the brilliant visionary MARIKEL, in collaboration with the esteemed nonprofit partner International Eye LA, LACIA was born with a powerful mission in mind: to harness the untapped talent from underserved communities and propel them into the expansive world of the creative industry. Unlocking the potential of diverse creators and giving them access to invaluable resources, remarkable mentoring, and groundbreaking opportunities throughout the creative landscape.

Over the course of eight sessions, our incredible fellows immersed themselves in instructional experiences, projects, and captivating conversations. They had the privilege of tapping into the expertise of industry leaders, remarkable artists, and trailblazers who shared their awe-inspiring professional journeys. From in front of the camera to behind the scenes, they discovered a multitude of potential career paths that set their hearts ablaze with inspiration.

This phenomenal program wouldn't have been possible without the generous support and partnership from the Office of Supervisor Holly Mitchell, the remarkable California Arts Council, the LA County Department of Arts and Culture, and a host of passionate community organizations. Together, we were on a mission to heal the inequities that persisted across the creative industries and pave the way for a future where diversity and talent knew no bounds.