The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is thrilled to announce a generous $1 million gift from The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation (TCLFF). This significant contribution will support MOCA’s flagship arts education program, Contemporary Art Start (CAS), which has been an integral part of Los Angeles’ school-based learning initiatives since 1985. Additionally, the partnership with TCLFF will enhance the reach of the foundation’s Young Sheldon STEM and Music Grant programs, extending these resources to forty-eight CAS schools.
CAS, an award-winning program recognized for its impactful results, provides comprehensive educational experiences for students and teachers in Los Angeles County. Serving over 167 teachers and 8,350 students annually, CAS offers sustained teacher training, classroom curriculums, class visits to MOCA, and family involvement opportunities. The program caters to students from 3rd through 12th grade and was honored with the 2023 Superintendent’s Award for Excellence in Museum Education.
Johanna Burton, Maurice Marciano Director of MOCA, expressed deep gratitude for TCLFF’s contribution, stating, “This generous gift from The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation enables us to continue connecting students and teachers with the transformative power of contemporary art. It ensures the sustained impact of the CAS program while introducing exciting STEM and music enhancements to the schools we serve.”
Trisha Cardoso, President & Chief Giving Officer of TCLFF, shared her enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the doubled reach of their STEM and music grant programs. “We are thrilled to collaborate with MOCA to provide equal access to art, music, and STEM education in Los Angeles’ most underserved neighborhoods,” she said.
Catherine Arias, MOCA’s Director of Education & Visitor Engagement, emphasized the broader impact of the partnership, noting that “CAS connects a diverse range of students to the arts, fostering a deep connection to the human experience and essential tools for navigating today’s media-saturated culture. This remarkable gift ensures the sustained expansion of CAS, bolstered by previous support from the Leonard Hill Charitable Trust.”
The $1 million gift will support CAS over four fiscal years from 2024 to 2028, enhancing MOCA’s mission to build meaningful relationships with Southern California schools and help administer a portion of TCLFF’s Young Sheldon STEM and Music Grants.
Key Highlights:
- MOCA receives a $1 million gift from The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation to support the CAS program.
- CAS serves over 8,350 students and 167 teachers annually, providing comprehensive arts education.
- The partnership expands TCLFF’s STEM and Music Grant programs to 48 additional schools.
- Funds will support CAS for four fiscal years, ensuring the program’s sustained impact and growth.
This collaboration between MOCA and The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation exemplifies a commitment to enriching arts, STEM, and music education for Los Angeles’ students, fostering creativity, leadership, and a deeper connection to the arts.
Report PPLM News staff
