AEG Teams Up with Mayor Eric Garcetti to Boost Diversity in Entertainment Industry Through Evolve Entertainment Fund

Evolve Entertainment Fund hosts 2019 Summer Kickoff at L.A. LIVE; Exclusive Panel and Q&A with Issa Rae and Issa Rae Productions Team

AEG, the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company, recently teamed up with Mayor Eric Garcetti in Los Angeles to host the Evolve Entertainment Fund (EEF) 2019 Summer Kickoff at L.A. LIVE on June 15, 2019. 

The EEF is a public-private partnership aimed at creating new opportunities for communities that have been historically excluded from the entertainment industry through an alliance between the City of Los Angeles, industry leaders in entertainment, such as AEG, and digital media, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions. 

“We created the Evolve Entertainment Fund to give people in underserved communities a new opportunity to chase their dreams in Hollywood — whether they want to be the next award-winning director or screenwriter, or are looking to secure a future in below-the-line jobs that are the bedrock of this city’s middle class," said Mayor Eric Garcetti. "But to reach our goals, we need the support of entertainment industry leaders, like AEG, to open the door with game-changing opportunities for people who have been historically underrepresented in our signature industry."

Following orientation at STAPLES Center, during which more than 100 young professionals heard from panelists and guest speakers on the importance of networking and developing a personal brand, the group headed to the GRAMMY Museum at L.A. LIVE for an intimate panel with Issa Rae and her team from Issa Rae Productions, where she was introduced by AEG’s Executive Vice President of External Affairs. 

“We are proud to support this important initiative that opens doors for so many people in our community who are seeking their first break,” said Martha Saucedo, Executive Vice President, External Affairs, AEG. “At AEG, we are committed to investing in a diverse workforce and expanding employment opportunities to capture the most promising talent. Diversity in all areas- including diversity of thought and experience is the key to the continued success of our industry.”

EEF is geared toward building career pathways into film, television, and music for women, people of color, and low-income Angelenos through paid internships, focused mentoring, and an ongoing series of workshops and panels.

In 2018 when the initiative was first launched, AEG hosted two paid internships for EEF participants and is committed to supporting EEF through additional internship opportunities.