How the Getty is Reshaping Art & Community in Los Angeles
The J. Paul Getty Trust, a cornerstone of Los Angeles’s cultural landscape, is undergoing a profound transformation under the leadership of President and CEO Katherine E. Fleming. Recognized on this year’s Art Power Index, Fleming is redefining what it means for a world-leading cultural institution to serve its community, merging traditional stewardship with pressing civic and environmental responsibilities relevant to every Angeleno.
A New Era for Cultural Stewardship
Fleming oversees an impressive ecosystem, including the Getty Foundation, Research Institute, Conservation Institute, and two museums, all stewarding a $9 billion endowment and an unmatched global collection. However, her vision extends beyond mere preservation; she sees the Getty as a “living experiment” integrating cultural heritage with active civic and environmental engagement. This perspective has been critically tested and affirmed, particularly by recent events that directly impacted our local community.
Responding to LA’s Challenges: Wildfires and Community Support
The 2025 Palisades wildfires brought the Getty’s legendary fire protection systems into sharp focus. Their resilience not only saved invaluable art but also solidified Fleming’s belief that cultural institutions must help humanity endure its crises. This conviction drove the Getty’s leadership in establishing the $14.3 million L.A. Arts Community Fire Relief Fund, a vital lifeline for artists and cultural workers whose lives and studios were devastated by the fires, showcasing the deep solidarity within LA’s creative ecosystem.
Reimagining the Visitor Experience for Angelenos
Fleming is actively reimagining the Getty as a more inviting public experience. This includes upgrading public spaces, introducing new trails and hospitality offerings, and exploring the health benefits of art. The goal is to engage and delight visitors from the moment they arrive, transforming a visit into a holistic experience encompassing travel, leisure, dining, and social interaction, reflecting the evolving “experience” and “lifestyle” trends sought by modern audiences. The Getty is striving to feel less “hands off!” and more hands-on for everyone.
| Traditional Museum Perception | Getty’s Evolving Vision |
|---|---|
| Exclusive, “hands-off” repository | Inviting, “hands-on” community hub |
| Focus on art viewing & study | Holistic experience: art, wellness, social interaction |
| Passive cultural preservation | Active civic & environmental responsibility |
Technology and the Democratization of Art
Technology is playing a crucial role in making art ownership more immediate and accessible to wider groups. Platforms allowing direct artist-audience engagement and fractional art ownership are democratizing the art world. While traditional power structures persist, new avenues emerge, particularly benefiting emergent and independent artists who no longer solely rely on established channels. This promises a more diverse and inclusive art landscape for LA’s vibrant creative scene.
Strengthening Climate Resilience and Conservation
Given Southern California’s susceptibility to natural disasters, the Getty was conceived with resilience in mind. However, climate change intensifies these risks. The Getty Conservation Institute conducts extensive research on climate impact on art, developing mitigating technologies. The Trust is also proactively reducing its carbon footprint by slowing exhibition cadences, reusing packaging, advocating for science-backed temperature norms, and rebuilding its energy facility for maximum decarbonization, ensuring the collection’s longevity and setting an example for other institutions.
Looking Ahead: Wellness and Community Connection
A significant unrealized opportunity Fleming is excited to tackle is integrating wellness explicitly into the institution. Research supports the assertion that looking at art improves well-being, aligning perfectly with people’s growing focus on health and wellness. With its mountain trails, sculpture gardens, and stunning vistas, the Getty is uniquely positioned to offer a healthy respite from the “madness and confusion” of the contemporary world. Expect the Getty to double down on initiatives that support LA’s creative genius, from the Getty Prize to potential roles in upcoming Olympic events, solidifying its place as a vital public resource and generator of knowledge in our city.
FAQs About the Getty’s Evolution
- What is Katherine E. Fleming’s main goal for the Getty?
To redefine the Getty as a living experiment that merges cultural stewardship with civic and environmental responsibility, making it a more engaged and resilient institution. - How did the wildfires impact the Getty’s strategy?
The fires highlighted the Getty’s critical role in safeguarding humanity’s creative legacy while also prompting their leadership in establishing the L.A. Arts Community Fire Relief Fund, emphasizing collective resilience. - What changes can visitors expect at the Getty?
Visitors can look forward to upgraded public spaces, new trails, enhanced hospitality, and a focus on art as a tool for wellness and social connection, making the experience more engaging and accessible. - How is the Getty addressing climate change?
The Getty’s Conservation Institute researches climate impact on art, develops mitigating technologies, and the Trust is reducing its carbon footprint through sustainable practices and energy facility decarbonization. - What is the Getty’s role in supporting LA’s creative community?
Beyond direct relief funds, the Getty is strengthening its support for LA’s creative resilience through initiatives like the Getty Prize and considering ways to engage with major city events like the Olympics.
As the Getty continues to evolve under Katherine Fleming’s leadership, it becomes not just a repository of world art, but a dynamic, community-focused institution actively contributing to the well-being and resilience of Los Angeles.
Getty Reshapes Art and Community in Los Angeles
