Karen Mack founded the LA Commons organization to engage communities in artistic and cultural expression in telling their unique stories and to serve as a basis for dialogue and interaction. Programs are grounded in the philosophy that culture is a valuable community resource and that art is a powerful tool for creating change. Since 2003, LA Commons has developed over 30 site specific initiatives throughout Los Angeles County. They have engaged over 100 artists and 500 youth touching over 4,000 community members through a variety of innovative grass roots cultural initiatives.