The Goldhirsh Foundation and its LA2050 initiative have named Alejandro Poli, Jr. — better known as “Man One” — the organization’s first-ever artist-in-residence. His term runs through January 2027.

"As an artist and native Angeleno, I’m proud to have been selected as the inaugural artist-in-residence by the Goldhirsh Foundation and LA2050," Man One said. "I look forward to artistically contributing by spotlighting the people and places that continue to make Los Angeles an even better place."

“The Goldhirsh Foundation and LA2050 are excited to collaborate with Man One, whose portraits, murals, and commitment to arts education resonate in communities across Los Angeles County and beyond,” said Tara Roth, president of the Goldhirsh Foundation, who also serves on the board of UCLA Arts. “This continues our longtime dedication to supporting talented artists and arts institutions.”

Poli, Jr. / Man One is an artist from Los Angeles. In 1987, he began painting graffiti on the streets of Los Angeles, then graduating to large public murals and canvas paintings. His artwork has been shown in museums including the Getty Center, Museum of Latin American Art, and LACMA, and he has done commissioned work for LA Metro, Coca-Cola, Nike, and more. Socially conscious and community-focused, Man One has been officially recognized by the U.S. Department of State for his dedication to promoting international understanding and cultural exchange through the arts.

Man One is already working on the visual language for the 2026 LA2050 Grants Challenge, as well as developing an upcoming special project celebrating Angelenos, which will be unveiled later this month. To see that work when it posts, follow @LA2050 on Instagram, @LA2050_ on TikTok, visit LA2050.org, and subscribe to the LA2050 newsletter.

In addition to the artist-in-residence role, the Goldhirsh Foundation also continues to offer an annual design fellowship. The work of recipients Lauren Song, Jonathan Huang, Ashley Lukashevsky, Megan Park, Mana Koike, and currently, Raina Jia, can be viewed here in a gallery.

Throughout the years, the Goldhirsh Foundation and LA2050 have supported the following and more arts institutions, organizations, and projects: Serpentine Americas Foundation; Frieze Los Angeles; Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles; LA Plaza De Cultura y Artes; Destination Crenshaw; People’s Pottery Project; Las Fotos Project; and The Triforium Project. Also, just last month, LA2050 gave away 500 original VaLAntine’s Day cards in a collaboration with Grand Park.

Image: Los Angeles Skyline, 2026. by Man One, for Goldhirsh Foundation / LA2050.