As a supporter of public art, vibrant urban spaces, and the economic revitalization of Los Angeles, I strongly support the motion to designate the LUMINEX Art and Technology Exhibition as a Citywide Special Event. Since its inception in 2021, LUMINEX iterations have brought close to 75,000 people to the Downtown Los Angeles urban landscape within a 5-block radius in the South Park District. As Los Angeles' premier outdoor digital art biennial exhibition, LUMINEX transforms urban streets into a walkable cultural destination through world-class art installations, technology, and public engagement.

The event remains entirely free and open to all. In every iteration, we showcase and promote local multidisciplinary artists such as Refik Anadol, Carole Kim, Petra Cortright, and more. This provides true art accessibility beyond the barriers of traditional art institutions. Becoming a Citywide Special Event would have immeasurable benefits to our local economy, attract visitors, and streamline crucial interdepartmental coordination for logistics like street closures and municipal permits. With this official designation, LUMINEX producers will be able to adopt long-term plans and implement new, innovative experiential art.

Please consider the following critical impacts of this designation: Proven Economic Impact: A Beacon Economics study on LUMINEX 2.0 reported $900,000 in direct-generated funds in a single night, drawing over 28,000 attendees. Urban Revitalization & Safety: High pedestrian flow is essential to reshaping Downtown Los Angeles's narrative into a positive, welcoming environment. The surge in foot traffic directly supports our local small businesses, hospitality, and restaurants. Multi-Year Planning and Smooth Coordination: Large-scale exhibitions require extensive human capital and long-term milestones. Without a Citywide Special Event designation, the production teams cannot implement a strategy to grow. Comparative exhibitions across the nation have scaled in overwhelming numbers because of their civic partnerships and long-term commitments. Our streets also need to reflect the influence of our artists who are commissioned internationally.

This motion allows for smoother, multi-year planning. I urge the City to support NOW Art’s efforts to provide free, large-scale digital art and tech exhibitions by creating a funding line item for the LUMINEX event in the General City Purposes (GCP) fund. This will directly allow this project to scale and support the creative economy as well as position future implementations well in advance without the constraints of strict fiscal year deadlines. Additionally, I ask that the relevant city departments be instructed to assist with the operational steps necessary to make this a reality. Thank you for your time, leadership, and opportunity to weigh in on this vital cultural issue. I look forward to seeing the City of Los Angeles champion large-scale public art programming that serves our residents, workforce, and visitors while driving a sustainable economic future.