https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2024-02-21/actors-writers-strike-hollywoodarts-collective
If you can’t get past the paywall: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1APBldMU6evJ_niZ0TMvuWqv8l1etNGz/view?usp=sharing
The stories of Tatyana Kim and Anatoliy O kick off an exploration of the plight of Hollywood artists. These two artists from Kazakhstan are chasing the elusive Hollywood dream, and their story exemplifies the hardships faced by many in the arts and entertainment industry. Their transition from rent-strapped apartments to the inexpensive Hollywood Arts Collective mirrors the broader picture of artists facing the city’s soaring cost of living and the industry’s volatility. However, the creation of the Hollywood Arts Collective marks a significant shift in addressing the community’s desperate need for affordable housing. By keeping rents within a manageable range of income, the program aims to alleviate the financial burdens that suppress artistic freedom. The story is
set against the backdrop of a staggering number of arts workers who find themselves rent-burdened and struggling to make ends meet in one of America’s most expensive urban landscapes.
In this context, I would like to discuss the following points with you: How does the cost of living affect your ability to pursue your interests or hobbies? Reflecting on the sense of community within the Hollywood Arts Collective, how important are supportive networks in overcoming professional and personal obstacles? Finally, given the rising cost of housing and the economic uncertainty facing many industries, what can communities and local governments do to create an environment where individuals in different professions can thrive without jeopardizing their passions and love?