Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Yossi Govrin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Yossi , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
“Building a thriving cultural center with no city or state funding”.
Through a profound commitment to the freedom of thought and action, I identified a Coultural void within the city. I took pride in conceptualizing, designing, building, and managing this transformative art center named “Santa Monica Art Studios at the Santa Monica airport.
Under my guidance, the Airport Art complex evolved into a meaningful sanctuary for artists, fostering a supportive and dynamic environment. Artists participated in a myriad of cutting-edge exhibitions on both national and international stages, collaborating with established curators,We created a diverse community focusing on schools, universities, and nonprofit organizations. This strategic approach showcased students’ work, addressed social disparities, and forged inclusive partnerships within the community.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am a Multi disciplinary Artist, specializing in sculptures, paintings, drawings, and installations. At times my main focus is building monuments for individuals and leaders that contributed to the society immensely .Among my work Bronze monument for the Prime Minister of Israel, Mr. Rabin placed at the site of his assassination in front of Tel Aviv City Hall. A Bronze bust of general Doolittle placed in three museums across the USA, and the monument to Donald W Douglas placed in front of the museum of aviation in Santa Monica.
I take great pride in building and managing the SMAS a center for artist and community at large.. With vision and determination I attracted an estimated 10,000 visitors annually who actively participated in the programs. Under my management, the Airport Artist Studios Complex emerged as one of the most unique and exciting art centers within the state of California, significantly contributing to the cultural landscape of Santa Monica and extending its influence on national and international levels. For my achievements, I received the “Critical Art Leadership” award from the Santa Monica Art Foundation in 2014; and in 2015, certificates from the State Assembly of California presented by State Assembly Member Mr. Richard Bloom declared SMAS “the most thriving art center in the state of California.”
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Artists play a crucial role in society by fostering cultural expression, promoting social change, and encouraging critical thinking. They reflect and challenge societal values, inspire creativity, and provide a means for emotional and intellectual engagement. Through their work, artists can highlight important issues, preserve cultural heritage, and bring communities together, contributing to a richer, more diverse, and reflective society.
City and state will benefit by assisting Artist to thrive not only by providing grants, but by encouraging large scale entrepreneurial project to assist the artist to learn , to communicate with the community and become a better artist.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
In 1985 I converted a 10,000 ft.² warehouse into complex of artist Studios, providing studios lectures and exhibitions, facing challenging times.with No fundings but borrowing moneys from family friends and banks.. At some points when facing financial hardship my land lord picked up 15 of my bronze sculptures in lieu of rent. After 18 years she forced us out. In the years 2000 the city published a list of one Thousand artist the left city of Santa Monica due to high rent. At the time I approached the city with grand Initiative and wide range program to bring the artist back to the city for which I rented the City property at 22,000 ft.² building and turned it into a Mecca of art. Now the center included 3 Galleries and 29 artists studios. This time around I embarked on an ambition programs that included artist from 22 countries, lecture series with artist and Scientist. And involved the majority of the schools and universities from Los Angeles and way beyond. Regrettably .In 2018 mayor of Santa Monica Kevin McKeown and SM Cultural affairs Manager Shanon Daut , along with Jan Williamson, Director of 18th Street Arts Center, engaged in a staged fraudulent process (RFP 190) that led to the takeover of my private business to be divided between the city and this second class Art organization, devastating the artist and the community Case #20STCV43902
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Yossigovrin.com
- Instagram: Yossig + yossi Govrin Art
- Facebook: Yossi Govrin
- Linkedin: Yossi Govrin Artist
Image Credits
Yossi Govrin
Hector puig