Learning Exchange: Artists Matter in Los Angeles

Why It Matters

The conversation outlines a model for cultural institutions to strengthen community ties and pipeline young talent through hands-on mentorship and school partnerships, with potential to broaden arts access and boost local creative economies. Institutional shifts toward integrated, community-rooted programming can increase engagement, equity and long-term audience development.

Summary

A Los Angeles event marking a decade of the Learning Exchange brought artists, educators and community organizations together to discuss how museums and arts institutions can mentor young people and foster belonging. Speakers emphasized that arts programming should be integrated into community life—not treated as an add-on—and highlighted partnerships that bring local schools into museum spaces to build identity and connection. Participants described the emotional impact of visibility and celebration for young artists, and shared practical lessons on collaborative, non-hierarchical learning between artists, institutions and students. Attendees left with commitments to translate ideas from the forum into programs that expand access and mentorship citywide.

Original Description

On Saturday, 2 May 2026, the Learning Exchange: Artists Matter traveled to Downtown Los Angeles. The gathering focused on the ways artists can contribute to building mentorship pathways, pathways, strengthening community partnerships and expanding access to the arts for young people—an ethos that has long guided the gallery’s Learning initiatives. The event followed the gallery’s inaugural Learning Exchange in New York in 2023, and in Somerset in 2024.

Learning Exchange: Artists Matter was anchored by a conversation between Senior Director of Learning, Partner Debbie Hillyerd and artist Mark Bradford, who spoke about his socially engaged practice. Their conversation underscored how artists can offer a form of leadership where creativity and social responsibility are intertwined, and how those who support artists can help sustain this work. Bradford's contribution reminded those in attendance that they are experts in their own lived experience, and that sharing their expertise can open doors for others. His message was simple but resonant: we are here to share what we know and to help carve

pathways for one another.

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Hauser & Wirth is an international contemporary and modern art gallery with spaces in Zurich, London, Somerset, New York, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, St. Moritz, Monaco, Menorca, Paris and Basel.

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