In Hollywood’s backyard, a push to rectify arts inequities

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Years of budget cuts have stripped arts classes from much of the Los Angeles school district, leaving many children in the world’s entertainment capital with no instruction in music, visual arts, dance or theatre.

Now the nation’s second-largest district is trying to enlist Hollywood studios to “adopt” schools and provide students with equipment, mentorships and training as a way to reverse the layoffs that have decimated the curriculum.

The financial picture is slowly changing. The arts budget has grown to $26.5 million, about 40 per cent higher than five years ago, but still a fraction of what was once available.

In 2014, the district hired former TV writer and producer Rory Pullens as its executive director for arts education. He has hired an arts teacher at every school.