MISSION
To provide a community based artistic and educational resource center; producing live programs and events with opportunities for active involvement for children and adults to learn how to use art and music as a form of creative expression, cultural pride and social advocacy.
VISION
Educate students, visitors and partners about how these artistic forms create both expression and empowerment for underserved communities and historically what that has looked like. Additionally, through collaboration with our partners, we offer a variety of essential programs, educational and supportive services for achieving economic stability and the process for realizing dreams.
HISTORY
The California Jazz and Blues Museum (CJBM) was founded by the late great Barbara Morrison in 2015 in the iconic Arts District of the historic Leimert Park Village, on Degnan Blvd., doors from the world famous World Stage and the Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center. The museum shut its doors due to pandemic restrictions in March 2020. All art and artifacts were placed into a storage unit in the neighborhood. In March of 2022, Barbara Morrison passed unexpectedly. The Board of Directors has sought to carry on the non-profit and find new space to reopen. Many generous individuals offered space, but the Board felt strongly that the original museum should be located in Leimert Park. That wish was granted, and a donor has granted space to re-open the museum, in Leimert Park, on Leimert Avenue, a short walk from The Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center. The Board need only raise $100,000 for the renovation of the space which we expect to reopen in 2024.
If you would like to donate to the reopening, please contact Karen A Clark, member of the Board.
In the meantime, Museum programs that were delivered out of the museum pre-pandemic have continued utilizing The Performing Arts Center space which also displays curated exhibits from the Museum.
If you are interested in mounting your art show; the availability is open.
PROGRAMS
We are a multi-functional museum, exhibit hall, performance space, educational resource center and cultural venue. We provide opportunity and partnership for community and vendor curated concerts, plays, spoken word, lectures, workshops, think gatherings and educational events as a pathway to mentorship, advocacy, and success.
SERVICES
Educational and cultural performances, historical and artistic events, master classes, film screenings, sr. citizen programming, vocal workshops, youth mentoring ~ sound mixing,
audio, tech.