The Vision Behind LA as Subject
In 1994, the Getty Research Institute, GRI, asked its associates to create proposals for new project to present to incoming director Salvatore Settis. Special project associate, Karen Stokes envisioned creating an egalitarian network of archives and collections in Southern California with the goal of highlighting the "less-visible" collections and those most at-risk. Initially, Karen’s proposal was rejected and thrown in the metaphorical trash. Nevertheless, Karen persisted and in the end her proposal was the only proposed project that Salvatore Settis approved.
Through a combination of hard work, perseverance and serendipity LAAS continued to grow and evolve.
For more insight into the origin of LAAS watch our interview with Karen Stokes.