OpenLA presents rotating exhibitions that showcase a range of artistic practices, from visual art and installation to performance-based work. Artists are selected with intention, creating space for both emerging voices and established practitioners to share work that is rooted in culture, place, and lived experience.

Public programs—including artist talks, performances, workshops, and screenings—invite neighbors, youth, and creatives to engage directly with the work and with one another.

In addition to exhibitions and events, OpenLA functions as an active creative studio. The space supports hands-on training, production, and collaboration for BHAC programs, particularly the Mural Workforce Academy. Artists and participants use the space for planning, skill-building, and collective work between public projects.

This dual role allows OpenLA to operate as both a public-facing gallery and a behind-the-scenes site for learning and making.

At its core, OpenLA is a place to gather. The space is designed to be welcoming, flexible, and responsive—supporting creative exchange across generations and disciplines. Whether attending an exhibition, participating in a workshop, or collaborating on a project, visitors experience OpenLA as a shared cultural resource grounded in care and connection.