Since moving to San Pedro in 1996, I’ve thought of myself as a social entrepreneur, defined as a person who pursues novel applications, creating the potential to solve community-based problems. Along with many other folks making a difference in this town, social entrepreneurs are willing to take on the risk and effort to create positive changes in society through our initiatives, along with the nonprofit organizations we serve.
Founded as a CRA (the now defunct Community Redevelopment Agency) funded partnership program with the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce in 2009, the San Pedro Waterfront Arts District’s mission is to support, advocate, and promote San Pedro arts and artists in all genres. We celebrate diversity and inspire appreciation of cultural and artistic expression.
Since becoming a nonprofit in 2014, our work is informed by the NEA’s (National Endowment for the Arts) statement on creative placemaking: “In creative placemaking, partners from public, private, nonprofit, and community sectors strategically shape the physical and social character of a neighborhood, town, tribe, city, or region around arts and cultural activities. Creative placemaking animates public and private spaces, rejuvenates structures and streetscapes, improves local business viability and public safety, and brings diverse people together to celebrate, inspire, and be inspired.”
Our purpose is to safeguard, promote, and collaborate with the many cultural assets of the Arts District, so they may thrive, grow, continue to be publicly shared, and enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. We do not want to see gentrification roll over the unique, essential character of our community or displace the artists who make this place a special part of L.A. Our ongoing marketing efforts highlight all manner of arts and cultural offerings.
The arts and the historic waterfront are the Arts District’s primary resources for providing social, cultural, physical, and economic benefits to the surrounding community. A naturally occurring Arts District since the 1940s, many artists and art organizations have moved here and become vital to San Pedro’s cultural life.
On view throughout the Arts District are commissioned 25 artist-painted traffic signal boxes, three large-scale murals, and eight painted storm drains. The district features 90 diverse cultural assets, 48 galleries/artist studios, 35 supporting organizations, and over 100 individual artists, whose work is displayed in notable institutions. Numerous nontraditional spaces offer regular arts events, with monthly art openings, performances, and classes throughout the district.
In 2017, San Pedro was designated as one of 14 California Cultural Districts by the California Arts Council. A coalition of San Pedro cultural organizations joined together to win the state distinction. Our Cultural District is governed by the San Pedro Waterfront Arts District, Council District 15, San Pedro Chamber of Commerce, Friends of the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, Angels Gate Cultural Center, and the Grand Vision Foundation.
FIRST THURSDAY TURNS 25
In operation for 25 years and one of the first in the region, the monthly First Thursday ArtWalk happens between Pacific Avenue, Harbor Boulevard, and 4th and 9th streets. The First Thursday ArtWalk showcases all art disciplines throughout the community.
Following the initiative created by our founding board chair, Pat Carroll, the Arts District conducts Guided ArtWalk Tours every First Thursday in her memory. During the pandemic shutdown, we produced over 17 monthly Armchair ArtWalk online tours, showcasing artists in all genres. Tour information is on our website: SanPedroWaterfrontArtsDistrict.com.
The 25th ArtWalk Anniversary will be celebrated on First Thursday, November 3, and we’ve created a commemorative map and will be conducting a Guided ArtWalk Tour of arts spaces in the Arts District, with special treats for donors, including: Palm Realty Boutique Pop-Up Gallery (255 W. 6th Street), Sunken City Books Grand Opening (403 W. 6th Street), National Watercolor Society (915 S. Pacific Avenue), and Gallery Azul/It’s Showtime/Collage (520 W. 8th Street).
Please help us celebrate the 25th First Thursday ArtWalk Anniversary by making a Pay-What-You-Choose donation when you reserve your spot at tinyurl.com/Guided-Tour.
On Sunday, November 6 at 2 p.m., the San Pedro Waterfront Arts District will be presenting the second installment of our Culture TALKS! series, by presenting Austin Wintory conducting a Videogame Music Master Class, featuring a live performance by the Orchid Quartet. The gathering will take place at the Frank Geary-designed Cabrillo Marine Aquarium (3720 Stephen White Drive) at 2pm. This presentation is gratefully produced in collaboration with Steven Allen Fox, artistic director and conductor of the Golden State Pops Orchestra. Steven will be leading the conversation with Austin Wintory. Tickets for this event are available at bit.ly/3RG3B3Y.
The Culture TALKS! series originally started in 2018 on Mexico’s Independence Day as an expression of our commitment to community arts education. These programs will seek common ground by engaging participants in conversations about culture and how the arts inspire empathy, understanding, and identity. Check our website for future Culture TALKS! (in-person and livestream) events. spt
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