Downtown LA Arts District

"The DTLA Arts District exhibition examines contemporary & modern styles of work inspired by graffiti, cubism, and caricature influences. This area, the eastern side of Downtown Los Angeles, used to be known in the 1980s for its abandoned industrial buildings and at that time it was occupied illegally by artists. Local artists gathered for impromptu art installations, theater, live music, poetry readings, happenings, raves, and blowout parties. Many of the activities happened around Bloom’s General Store, the beloved institution named after Joel Bloom, the first advocate for the community and who is remembered as its first and only unofficial Mayor. It was at this time when artists began to paint murals in the neighborhood, attracting other artists and their friends to create amazing artworks that caught the attention of other creative people (TV & film industry). Young professionals willing to pay high prices began to move into the vibrant DTLA Arts District, a thriving place where cafes, boutiques, and restaurants are opening at a fast pace  everyday. Inexpensive lofts and studio buildings are giving way to new condos. DTLA Arts District remains home to a great number of artists who, together with LA’s film and TV industry,  are working to preserve the artistic character of the neighborhood. On any given day while mural tours are offered by The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles (MCLA), national and international artists can be spotted painting artworks in different styles and media, adding to the rich cultural vibrancy of the place.” (Isabel Rojas-Williams, executive director, The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles)