Discover the Arts campaign offers Angelenos deep discounts

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Today marked the kick-off of an art-goers dream -- three months of deep discounts on tickets to more than 50 cultural institutions across Los Angeles. If that's not tempting enough, there's even 20 percent off at most gift shops.

The Department of Cultural Affairs is partnering with the Convention and Visitors Bureau and has support from Wells Fargo and other sponsoring businesses. The Discover the Arts campaign is a way to stimulate visitor numbers during a historically dry season.

Olga Garay English is the executive director of the Department of Cultural Affairs.

"January is the slowest month of the year because everybody is broke from the holidays. So people don't spend a lot. They don't have a lot of extra income to spend on going to museums or shows."

That's where the Discover the Arts campaign, now in its fourth year, comes in.

Will-dog Abers, a bassist for the LA-based band Ozomalti, was there with his bandmates offering a lively performance at the kick-off event.

"We grew up going to museums and being part of public arts. That's the only reason we're a band."

The campaign aims to ensure kids have better access to the arts, but also to draw tourists to the city. Arts institutions hope L.A. will become known not just for Hollywood, but as a mecca for sculpture, painting, music, plays, and interactive exhibits.

Photo c/o flickr user tcd123usa