The story of the arts at UCLA is inextricably linked to the story of the arts in Los Angeles. The longstanding tradition of the teaching artist that defines the west coast art scene means that UCLA has served as a touchstone for the city’s vibrant cultural ecosystem since the beginning.
1919 – The Southern Branch of the University of California, later UCLA, is founded.
1919 – Barbara Morgan, who becomes Martha Graham's primary photographer, joins UCLA's first graduating class.
1920 – 80% of the world’s films are shot in California.
1922 – First concerts held at the Hollywood Bowl amphitheater.
1923 – Walt Disney arrives in Los Angeles with $40 in his pocket.
1924 – Los Angeles population tops one million.
1927 – The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences is established.
1928 – Los Angeles City Hall opens.
1928 – John Philip Sousa conducts the UCLA Marching Band on his final visit to Los Angeles.
1929 – Westwood campus opens with 5,544 students and four permanent buildings, including Royce Hall.
1930 – The Department of Art hosts Contemporary Creative Architecture of California, an exhibition & symposium featuring Frank Lloyd Wright, Richard J. Neutra, and R.M. Schindler.