Juan
The Southeast Los Angeles SELA Cultural Arts Center project could be a game-changer, where a Latino community can have a home base for arts, culture, education, and resources !
"Children, young people and their families in Southeast LA need a space to live and thrive. A one stop to resources, arts and culture,” says Juan Escobedo, the founder and director of The East LA Society of Film and Arts (TELASOFA). They provide arts, film classes and a mentorship programing through various initiatives. TELASOFA also produces the annual East LA Film Festival that started in 2008.
A proposal by Assemblyman Anthony Rendon seeks to build one of the best cultural arts center in Southeast LA, in the most unlikely area, but it is awaiting approval.
"This could be the beginning of change for our community. It can be the home base to address so many issues our community is faced with but with arts and culture at its root. Arts heal ! And makes us think and inspire solutions within ourselves or as a group or community. The importance is enormous; our children and young people can take art classes down the river, it's invaluable, it’s addressing so many issues that need to be addressed. We have food insecurities, mental & physical challenges, what better way than to have a beautiful Frank Gehry SELA Cultural Arts Center to address these issues. Similar to the way our grandparents or parents did, by traveling through rain, mountains and yes, the river to seek art and education,“ adds Escobedo.The petition, initiated by Escobedo and a community group, would mark the commencement of an art center that integrates education, art, and addresses the lack of interest from municipal and state governments.
"This petition seeks to reclaim the value of the Southeast Los Angeles and beyond. Many people may think that to travel outside our community for many youth can be easy when wanting to go visit a museum on the westside or DTLA - going outside of East LA. But it's not, it can be difficult for some to travel to a side of town that it’s unfamiliar. We need to have a space for recreation and education that can be a home base. The funds are allocated and we need to make sure they go to SELA’s Cultural Art Center, he added.
World-renowned architect Frank Gehry has designed the SELA Cultural Arts Center, and this would be the first time in history that a multi-arts facility with world-class architectural design could be built in SELA.
"We also need to ensure we have a financial strategic plan to secure the future of SELA Culture Arts Center for years to come " says Escobedo.
SELA Cultural Center, the next great mecca for the arts in Southeast Los Angeles
We all need the arts.
I am signing this petition for my sons and for the generations to come. Our community needs to cultural center on our side of town.
This long over due! I fully support this initiative!
Para apoyar a la gente latina que se ubica en esta zona y fomentar en ella el aprendizaje de nuevas habilidades motrices si problemas raciales o de lenguaje
SELA and the Arts Matter
We need a state-of-the-art center in our Latino community to highlight all the amazing talents that we have!
Antonio Villaraigosa, Oscar de la
HOYA, We need you spearheading this effort. #WE NEED ALL HANDS ON DECK!!!!!!
I believe in this project and being the first step in making a change for my children’s future.
This project has been long overdue. Our community deserves better.
This project is way over do. Our community deserves better.
As an aspiring artist a dedicated space where I can feel creative and be with like minded people is exactly what we need!!!
I am signing because this will make an huge difference in my community. #SELAresident
I am signing because I am a resident and this project will make a positive impact on our community!
SELA deserves its own space! We have so much local talent and we need a place to develop it and showcase it!
We need a cultural arts center for our kids, low income families many times do not have access to this programs.
SELA loves art!
Because when I was young I struggle to call my self an artist. And to have a place to recognize what art is at a young age can help all those who are lost.
To keep the Sela culture center going
We need to support the arts!
it is important to me!!
I am signing because I care
This is very important
Es Importante para los jóvenes y la comunidad un ambiente sano donde se puedan desarrollar ideas
We need more opportunities in our communities to make and experience art
I am sining because I thinks it is important to have a Cultural Arts Center where artists of color can use it as a home base and resource center.
The ability to express yourself in a healthy way is priceless. Our community deserves it.
It’s a great resource for the community.
We need more stuff like this in the community
We can do this together.
Latinos need this!
I love Art is really important for a human well being, and mental health 💗 music, painting, acting, dance etc..and to support my friend Juan Escobedo..
I believe in the arts as a vehicle to elevate.
I like to go to places where culture is promoted
Apoyo este proyecto
I am signing because our youth are worthy of a space where they can access the transformative power of the arts!
I am signing today because we need this opportunity for our families in the South East LA communities.
I am signing because the SELA region is in need of a space that fosters enrichment through the arts, honors cultural heritage, and promotes equity by providing resources to a region that is currently underserved.
I am signing because we need a significant center for art in culture in the southeast LA region.
I am signing because I believe in the arts. There has always been a lack of arts in SouthEast LA. Art brings community together. Art allows us to express ourselves as individuals and as a collective.
I love the project! Our community need it.
El arte es uno de los principales atractivos para algunos de mis hijos.
Our city really needs more spots where people share culture, social and positive activities. We need this places to educate and same time enjoy our diversity with peaceful.
Yo firmo porque nesesitamos apoyar
I am signing this petition because it is important show support.
Maria Murillo
Love
We need an arts center in SELA.
Our youth deserve to have a cultural center.
In Southeast L.A there’s no art resources for artists to express themselves. Self expression is a human right. We need this Culture center to build community and create.
I am signing because we need more in SELA
As a member of SELA, I have grown up with a lack of resources— especially in the arts. Bringing this center will better aid the youth into career paths that suits their true passions.
I am signing because I am for the SELA Cultural Center and the impact it will have in our community.
as a creative in SELA, this is MONUMENTAL.
Art is cool
Want a better community
This community deserves an arts and culture center – art inspires and matters.
i want to help the cause
It is a valuable resource to our community!
Better oportunidades para la gente Latina
Better opportunity for latinos
It is important for the community.
I stand behind the Latino Community and anything to help improve it!
It’s important
I support my community
I want to participate.
In hopes for a better community.
I want to
I believe in this
There needs to more outlets for Latinos like this one!
I want to support underserved community
We need Latino representation and safe spaces for the community.
I agree
I believe the arts will help our latino community flourish in all areas of their lives! It’s our right!
Our community is deserving of a Cultural Center that will showcase the vast talents we have in our region. It will also give our families and youth access to a cultural institution in their own backyard, as opposed to having to drive out to the Westside or Downtown.
Art is a great outlet for those in trouble. Also Art connects people , spaces and community
This is long overdue in our SELA community. Investments in Asset and Culture make better citizens and reduce violence in our communities!
I’m signing the petition for the Southeast Los Angeles SELA Cultural Arts Center because it represents a beacon of hope and empowerment for our community. This is more than a cultural center; it’s a transformative space where children, young people, and families can thrive. In the midst of challenges, it offers a one-stop hub for resources, education, and the enriching power of arts and culture.
We deserve it!
The children and families from SELA need more arts, music, culture, and more.
The community needs this.
The SELA Cultural Center has the ability to enhance our community by enriching public health and environmental benefits, providing community-based arts and cultural activities which fosters creative learning, self-expression, and discovery of different cultures.
I am signing this because I am a Latino SELA filmmaker!!
I can
I am signing because this community needs more resources
I am signing because I believe that this arts complex in SELA is not only a good idea but essential for the historical trauma incurred by the generational stake holders living in this region. Undercut and underfunded far too long. It can bring so much to the families of the region and create a economic force that would generate positive outcomes and help citizens and their families thrive.
This is long overdue for the communities of South East LA…
The the SELA art center is an experience everyone should have access to. After my first visit there all I could think about was going again.
SELA must have these opportunities. Wonderful local art!
I am signing because I believe in the work and the approach of Tetris and the existing SELA Art Center. I believe Tetris and SELA should run this new center.
I am signing because I believe in community healing & empowerment through art.
I support cultural art!