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Addy Gonzalez-Renteria
Co-Founder / Director 11:11 A Creative Collective
Professional Background
Addy Gonzalez-Renteria is a passionate advocate for the arts and community engagement, whose career has been dedicated to fostering structures and support systems that harness the transformational power of art. As the co-founder and co-director of 11:11 A Creative Collective, Addy has played a pivotal role in empowering communities through artistic expression. Founded in 2009, 11:11 ACC has become a cornerstone in the San Fernando Valley's cultural landscape, offering a diverse range of public art initiatives, educational programs, and live events over its 12 years of operation. Under Addy's leadership, the organization continues to expand its outreach and impact, contributing to the cultural enrichment of Los Angeles County and beyond.
With over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Addy Gonzalez-Renteria has developed a robust skill set that straddles the realms of cultural development, policy advocacy, and promoting arts accessibility, particularly for BIPOC and culturally underserved communities. Her commitment to the arts has garnered her several accolades, including certificates of recognition from the Los Angeles City Council and the Public Works Department, acknowledging her contributions as a Latina woman in the arts.
Addy's professional journey began in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, from where she moved to the United States. Growing up in southeast Los Angeles and later relocating to the San Fernando Valley at the age of 18, she embodies the spirit of the communities she serves. Before dedicating herself to the arts, Addy gained experience as an architectural drafter and designer at T.W. Layman Associates, which allowed her to develop a keen understanding of space and design—a background she integrates into her current work in the arts.
In addition to her role at 11:11 ACC, Addy has made significant contributions through various positions. She served as a project director at Now Art LA, project manager at CG Custom Tile & Marble, and as a consultant for cultural planning and community engagement with the City of Los Angeles Council District 7, where she developed a public art plan targeting the Van Nuys corridor. As an alumna of the Arts for LA Activate Cultural Policy program, she has both the educational background and practical expertise to influence policy that better serves the arts community. Addy was also honored to be the inaugural fellow of the Arts for LA Laura Zucker Fellowship for Policy and Research, further solidifying her standing as a leader in the intersection of arts and public policy.
A strong believer in the healing and empowering potential of art, Addy thrives on collaboration, working closely with artists, businesses, developers, and organizations to infuse new visual elements into public spaces. Her vision aligns with her unwavering commitment to creating a more vibrant and interconnected community through cultural initiatives.
Education and Achievements
Addy Gonzalez-Renteria's academic journey laid a strong foundation for her impactful career in the arts. She earned a Master's degree in Arts Administration from Drexel University, where she graduated with a commendable GPA of 3.8. This rigorous training equipped her with essential skills in arts management, financial oversight, and organizational development, which she applies in her leadership role at 11:11 A Creative Collective.
Prior to her Master's degree, Addy pursued a Bachelor's degree in Art History, Criticism, and Conservation at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), achieving a GPA of 3.4. This educational experience deepened her appreciation for art from various cultural perspectives and strengthened her critical ability to analyze and contribute to the arts.
Throughout her career, Addy has actively engaged with several respected organizations. She has served on various boards and councils, including her role as a Board Chair at the Arts In Education Aid Council. Additionally, her internship with the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach provided her with valuable insights into the curatorial process and arts administration, preparing her for future leadership roles.
Notable Achievements
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Co-founding 11:11 A Creative Collective (2009): A testament to Addy's vision and leadership, 11:11 ACC has transformed the San Fernando Valley's artistic landscape through various public art projects and educational programs.
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Awards and Recognition: As a Latina woman in the arts, Addy has received multiple certificates of recognition from the Los Angeles City Council and the Public Works Department, honoring her contributions to cultural development and community empowerment.
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Cultural Development Consultant: Addy's role with the City of Los Angeles Council District 7 involved the creation of a comprehensive public art development plan, demonstrating her expertise in cultural planning and policy advocacy.
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Fellowship Recognition: Being the inaugural fellow of the Arts for LA Laura Zucker Fellowship for Policy and Research showcased Addy's commitment to advancing arts policy and deepening her impact on the sector.
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