dA Mission & History

Mission Statement:

The dA Center for the Arts is a diverse, multidisciplinary, non-profit organization, aiming to enhance the quality of life for the greater Pomona community by educating about and providing opportunities to experience, appreciate, and support the arts through inclusive and healthy community activities.

History:

The dA Studio was founded in 1979 when a group of artists, musicians, poets, and actors were seeking a space in the Pomona Valley to gather and create. Initially used as studio space, the artists soon discovered that there were no art programs for the 150,000+ households in Pomona. In 1984 they applied for and were granted not-for-profit status, becoming what is today known as the dA Center for the Arts. The dA soon became a hub of activity for local artists with community-based programs. Some examples include a 2004 partnership with Judy Chicago and Cal Poly Pomona to engage the public in creating a collaborative public art mural entitled “Envision the Future”. In 2006, the dA collaborated with the Claremont Graduate University and the City of Pomona Library to secure funding from the National Endowment for the Arts to launch a Chalk Festival in conjunction with “Big Read”. This annual event continues today. In 2013, the dA committed to placing the engagement of the Pomona community at the forefront of its mission, targeting efforts toward creating a more accessible, inclusive, and equitable arts center that reflects the community culture. The dA now presents over fifteen educational exhibitions annually with engaging programs. The art exhibits highlight both local youth and internationally renowned artists. In 2016, the 15th d’Aztlan: A Sense of Place was part of Getty’s Pacific Standard Time LA/ LA - a celebration of the contributions of Latinx artists to our culture. As part of this exhibition, the dA offered over thirty free programs in art, music, literature, food, and theatre in English and Spanish for all ages. From 2014-2018, the dA’s class offerings have grown from three to 30. Studio art classes include life drawing, drawing, painting, clay, silk screening, and printmaking for all levels. Music lessons in violin, voice - songs of social justice, and youth mariachi as well as a spectrum of musical concerts are available and affordable for all ages. In 2014, the dA revitalized and expanded its literary and theater programs, with a Young Writers Contest, Mic and Dim Lights, and theater classes. Other offerings include Art and Theatre Labs for Adults with special needs, a community Quinceañera, an LGBTQ Prom, Autism Creates, Dear Imagination - an art, theatre, and activism program for youth, and the Locals & Legends outreach program highlighting local artists who introduce their own work and present a famous artist who inspired them. The dA works with the City and Schools when funding is available. The dA’s community outreach and increased numbers of exhibitions and classes have resulted in greater awareness within the community and more Pomona residents discovering the dA. The dA is now serving as a cultural hub for Pomona and the surrounding community with an average of 300 individuals attending an activity, class, or exhibition weekly. In 2016, the dA hosted The LA County Board of Supervisors Arts & Equity Town Hall and the Director now serves as an advisor on the Cultural Inclusion and Equity Initiative II. In 2017 the dA became a certified voter registration site and the dA Director completed the Arts for LA ACTIVATE Cultural Policy Track. The dA operates 7 days a week with one full-time employee, two part-time, and many volunteers.