Above Photo: In a segment for SoCal Connected, Cha (left) meets Elmer Long, creator of The Bottle Tree Ranch, a landmark off Route 66. (Photo courtesy of KCET)
by JIMMY LEE
Nic Cha Kim is an apostle for the arts. And while the notion of an artist tortured by his passion might now sound cliché, his devotion to pursuing art—he’s a playwright—has led to an ongoing rift with his parents, who have refused to accept his choice.
In Los Angeles, Kim has most prominently been an arts advocate and patron, making it possible for artists to get exposure and exposing Angelenos to the creative talents teeming in their city. He was the owner of Niche, a gallery specializing in video art, and most importantly a co-founder of Gallery Row, which inspired the Downtown Art Walk, monthly events that provided thousands of people an environment to experience gallery shows and meet new artists, while also spurring the revitalization of L.A.’s historic core.
Now, he’s directly communicating to the public the joys of art: he’s become a documentary filmmaker. And one of his new gigs is being the arts and culture reporter for the Los Angeles-area public television program SoCal Connected on KCET.
KoreAm caught up with Kim to discuss his new creative pursuit.
Cha enjoys a Drum Circle at the Leimert Park Art Walk; Cha, recording voiceover for a segment at KCET.
What motivated you to become a documentary filmmaker/reporter?
I’ve always been a storyteller, and my background as an arts activist introduced me to many interesting people. After seven years running a video art gallery (Niche), I decided to close the space, move my operations to a co-op, and become a filmmaker.
How is that different, as well as the same, as being a playwright?
It’s very different, but it’s all storytelling. Whether it’s a play, documentary movie or a news segment, my goal is always to focus on the story and characters. It’s all a puzzle. Just a different way to put it together.
Why do you feel it’s important to cover the arts?
It’s important to take the time to appreciate the community we all share. We’re all so busy, it’s easy to take for granted what’s around the corner. It’s important to cover the arts because it helps raise awareness, especially for those that need that extra bit of information to finally make that trip to the gallery. Ultimately, we all want to live in a culturally literate society. Otherwise, we become boring.
Why should the arts play an important part of our lives?
There are plenty of academic, professional and financial reasons why art is important and should be included in our everyday lives, but forget all that. The most important reason art should play an important role in your life is because art is fun. Art is meant to be experienced. That’s it. You don’t even have to like it, but it’s still art. It’s there, and if you choose to look deeper than what’s on the surface, then I see many great conversations in your future. That alone makes art worth it.
This article was published in the August/September 2014 issue of KoreAm, under the title, “Art Matters.” Subscribe today! To purchase a single issue copy of the August/Sept. issue, click the “Buy Now” button below. (U.S. customers only. Expect delivery in 5-7 business days).
