Pacific Standard Time (Project)

Pacific Standard Time Art in L.A. 1945-1980 is a collaboration of more than sixty cultural institutions across Southern California, coming together for six months beginning in October 2011 to tell the story of the birth of the Los Angeles scene and how it became a major new force in the art world. Exploring and celebrating the significance of the crucial post-World War II years through the 1960s and 70s, Pacific Standard Time encompasses developments from L.A. Pop to post-minimalism; from modernist architecture and design to multi-media installations; from the films of the African American "L.A. Rebellion" to the feminist activities of the Woman's Building; from ceramics to Chicano performance art; and from Japanese American design to the pioneering work of artists' collectives. The partner institutions in Pacific Standard Time are communicating the findings of their research through a multitude of simultaneous exhibitions and programs. Pacific Standard Time is an initiative of the Getty supported by grants from the Getty Foundation.

Background Note

Pacific Standard Time Art in L.A. 1945-1980 is a collaboration of more than sixty cultural institutions across Southern California, coming together for six months, beginning in October 2011, to tell the story of the birth of the Los Angeles scene and how it became a major new force in the art world.

Exploring and celebrating the significance of the crucial post-World War II years through the 1960s and 1970s, Pacific Standard Time encompasses developments from L.A. Pop to post-minimalism; from modernist architecture and design to multi-media installations; from the films of the African American "L.A. Rebellion" to the feminist activities of the Woman's Building; from ceramics to Chicano performance art; and from Japanese American design to the pioneering work of artists' collectives.

The partner institutions in Pacific Standard Time are communicating the findings of their research through a multitude of simultaneous exhibitions and programs. As part of this initiative, project organizers are conducting an extensive series of oral histories with many of Los Angeles' key artists, filmmakers, curators, collectors, and critics.

The Pacific Standard Time research project has been active since 2002, with plans to continue through 2013. Pacific Standard Time is an initiative of the Getty supported by ten million dollars in grants from the Getty Foundation.