The Los Angeles Lakers, a prominent fixture in the world of sports and culture, are taking strides to nurture an anti-racist organization by shining a spotlight on local BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) artists. Today, they announced the appointment of 15 Contributing Artists for their 2023-24 In the Paint program, an initiative aimed at recognizing and uplifting creative communities that have historically been overlooked. Furthermore, the Lakers organization revealed that 10 local BIPOC artists will each receive a generous $10,000 grant courtesy of the Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation, providing invaluable support for these artists to further their creative endeavors.
Now in its third season, the Los Angeles Lakers’ In the Paint program, presented by DWS, serves as a platform to celebrate and support BIPOC artists within the Los Angeles community. The program extends its assistance through grants for emerging artists and long-term initiatives designed to foster a thriving creator economy. A select committee played a pivotal role in choosing the Contributing Artists, who will have the opportunity to showcase and sell their artistic creations via the Lakers-promoted In the Paint digital marketplace, slated to launch in December. Proceeds from the artwork sales will benefit both the artists and the Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation.
Additionally, the Lakers’ players and staff will select three pieces of art for purchase, which will be prominently displayed at the UCLA Health Training Center. These art pieces are expected to visually reflect the organization’s commitment to anti-racist values while contributing to a diverse and inclusive environment. Last year, the Lakers’ employees chose “Basketball Series V” by the 2022-23 Contributing Artist, Conan Zhao, for display at the heart of the Lakers’ offices near the employee hub.
The 2023-24 In the Paint Contributing Artists include:
- Jennia Fredrique Aponte
- Christen Austin
- Domonique Brown
- George Evans
- Bryan Ida
- Brandon Jones
- Edwin Marcelin
- Michael Massenberg
- Khang Nguyen
- Jora Nelstein
- Syndi Peeler
- Alicia Savio
- Heddy Torres
- Jacqueline Valenzula
- HK Zamani
In an effort to bolster up-and-coming BIPOC artists, the selection committee has also identified 10 recipients of the $10,000 grant from the Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation. These grants aim to provide support, tools, and exposure to enhance their artistic journeys.
The 2023-24 In the Paint grantees are:
- Nicholas Dunn
- Daniela Hamilton
- Devin Harrison
- Jackson Hunt
- Samira Idroos
- Mary Lai
- Eric Mancha
- Hubert Neal Jr.
- Kyong Boon Oh
- Jameah Palmer
The theme for the 2023-24 In the Paint program is “CROSSOVER,” reflecting a desire to explore the vibrant cultural tapestry of Los Angeles. Artists participating in this program are tasked with creating works of art that celebrate both the city’s diverse individual communities and the collective efforts aimed at enhancing the metropolis. The Lakers have partnered with the LA-based arts and culture company, Band of Vices, to host this year’s In the Paint program.
The first two seasons of In the Paint featured artwork from 30 local BIPOC artists, and a total of $200,000 in grants were distributed to 20 emerging BIPOC artists in the community.
About In the Paint: In the Paint is an organizational initiative by the Los Angeles Lakers designed to foster an anti-racist ethos within the organization. The Lakers, who have long been a bridge between the worlds of sports and culture, continue to strengthen this connection by recognizing, supporting, and uplifting the local community of BIPOC artists in Los Angeles. This dynamic program seeks to change the trajectory of the careers of a cohort of Los Angeles-based BIPOC artists every year.
