Java Gala is an annual benefit and arts showcase presented by the Academy of Visual and Performing Arts (AVPA). Held near the end of each school year, the event brings together students from AVPA’s five disciplines—Visual Art, Dance, Theatre, Music and Film—for performances, exhibitions, screenings and interdisciplinary presentations. Java Gala also serves as the AVPA Foundation’s principal annual fundraiser, with proceeds supporting classes, visiting teaching artists, productions, equipment and other arts programming. Recent editions have used multiple locations across the Culver City High School campus before culminating in a large-scale performance or presentation, traditionally at the Robert Frost Auditorium.

The event began in the late 2000s as an annual celebration of the academy’s work and has developed into one of AVPA’s signature traditions. Java Gala 16, held in 2024, used a “Choose Your Own AVPA Adventure” format in which visitors moved among live film shoots, musical performances, dance, theatre and visual-art installations around the campus before gathering for a final showcase in the Robert Frost Auditorium. Java Gala 17 followed in 2025, while Java Gala 18 in 2026 marked the 30th anniversary of AVPA, which was founded in 1996. That anniversary edition was held at the Wende Museum and Glorya Kaufman Community Center and featured student performances, presentations, exhibits and fundraising activities.

Java Gala

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