LACMA Inaugural Art + Film Gala on November 5, 2011

(Los Angeles, September 9, 2011)—The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is pleased to announce the inaugural Art + Film Gala honoring actor and filmmaker Clint Eastwood and artist John Baldessari at LACMA on Saturday, November 5, 2011. Co-chaired by actor Leonardo DiCaprio and LACMA Trustee Eva Chow, the evening will celebrate the art of the moving image and will bring together luminaries from both communities. Proceeds from the gala will be used to support LACMA’s initiative to make film more central to the museum’s curatorial programming, while also funding LACMA’s broader mission. This will include the newly reinvigorated film program led by Film Independent’s Elvis Mitchell, as well as exhibitions, acquisitions, and educational programming, in addition to screenings that explore the intersection of art and film. The 2011 Art + Film Gala has been made possible with the generous support of Gucci.

“Los Angeles is the hub of the film industry,” says Michael Govan, LACMA CEO and Wallis Annenberg Director. “It's also now one of the most important centers in the world for contemporary art. What an opportune time to bring these two globally important creative communities together at LACMA, acknowledging motion pictures’ increasingly significant place in the whole history of art. We are most indebted to Leonardo DiCaprio and Eva Chow for their outstanding leadership in this effort, and for their help in honoring two remarkable creative forces, Clint Eastwood and John Baldessari.”

“Supporting LACMA’s Art + Film Gala is essential to our ambitious goals for film at the museum,” said Gala Co-Chair Eva Chow. “I am thrilled to sit on LACMA’s Board with many highly respected film industry leaders and to co-chair this important fundraiser with Leonardo DiCaprio, whose support for this initiative is so critical. We are looking forward to an incredibly exciting evening, including fabulous entertainment and a special dinner prepared by world-renowned chef Joachim Splichal. I am certain that everyone who attends will have an amazing time.”

Clint Eastwood is one of the most distinguished filmmakers and actors in contemporary American cinema. With more than 70 movies to his credit on both sides of the camera, he most recently directed the upcoming drama J. Edgar, starring DiCaprio in the title role.

LACMA Announces Inaugural Art + Film Gala Honoring Clint Eastwood and John Baldessari on Saturday, November 5, 2011 LEONARDO DICAPRIO and EVA CHOW TO CO-CHAIR