Profiles of Engagement:
UCLA and LA Commons Expose Locals to LA Cultural Enclaves
UCLA and the nonprofit organization LA Commons took Angelenos on a daylong exploration of some of the city’s best-kept secrets.
The event, “Trekking Los Angeles: Local Adventures in a Global City,” was designed to promote Los Angeles’ cultural diversity by introducing people to neighborhoods they may have driven past but never gotten to know.
The tour was the first in a series of summer events designed to allow people to experience the unique and diverse neighborhoods in the city.
“Most Angelenos and tourists know little about the cultural assets of Los Angeles neighborhoods,” said Anastasia Loukaitou-Sideris, professor and chair of the urban planning department at the UCLA School of Public Affairs. “Many inner city neighborhoods and ethnic enclaves are rich with traditions, history, art and cuisine.
“In the face of a rebounding tourism industry and the growing popularity of ‘cultural tourism,’ a valuable opportunity exists to promote these neighborhood cultural assets to a larger public and to help promote neighborhood economic development,” she said. “The tour is a first step towards this direction.”
“Trekking Los Angeles” is the product of a unique partnership between UCLA and LA Commons. The partnership, supported by UCLA’s Center for Community Partnerships, utilizes the university’s academic resources in collaboration with local community members to create a new model for economic development centered on cultural tourism.
The expedition explored three culturally rich but relatively undiscovered enclaves: East Hollywood’s Thai Town and Little Armenia; Leimert Park; and Highland Park. Along the way, were frequent stops so that the 30 passengers could enjoy live performances, public art, gallery openings, culinary samplers, festivals and other activities designed to give those who participated an authentic connection to the neighborhoods.
Participants visited a little-known building in the heart of Hollywood modeled on Noah’s Ark, learned the art of fruit-sculpting from a Thai master, sampled some of the best barbecue and peach cobbler in Leimert Park Village, and listened to the soulful songs of Dwight Trible and the Horace Tapscott Orchestra.
“Trekking Los Angeles” launches a summer of events, including tours and locally produced activities, that give Angelenos intimate access to the artists and everyday people that make Los Angeles’ diverse communities special. Each tour will feature a festive centerpiece event highlighting the cultural strengths and traditions of the neighborhood.
The series concludes Sept. 20 with a lively gala at Thailand Plaza in East Hollywood featuring performances and participatory dancing from all the cultures represented on the tours, as well as recognition of outstanding Angelenos with the naming of the first annual Uncommon Angels.
Additional Events
While the May 12 tour visits each of the neighborhoods below, additional tours will focus exclusively on each of those neighborhoods.
June 9: Highland Park
Highland Park has been a hub for artists since the early part of the 20th century. Situated along the Arroyo Seco, it has an intimate connection with the natural world, and this spirit informs the many art-makers who call the neighborhood home. The influence of its most notable resident, Charles Lummis — an early 20th-century journalist and crusader for the civil rights of American Indians, Latinos and other minority groups — can still be felt in the diversity of the population and the adventurous art and performance on display. The area’s many galleries and street murals testify to the neighborhood’s great creativity. On June 9, these galleries and various other local outlets will feature a puppetry festival showcasing compelling stories about this neighborhood and the rest of Los Angeles.
July 21: East Hollywood
East Hollywood, with its blend of two cultures — Thai and Armenian — is a center for some of the most delicious and authentic international cuisine that the city has to offer. In the Thai community, whose residents began to arrive in the 1970s, one can sample the diverse regional cooking found in restaurants and street markets throughout Thailand. Exquisite Armenian food can also be had. On July 21, these glorious cuisines and many other aspects of these two unique cultures will be on display.
Aug. 12: Leimert Park
Leimert Park is a center for African American culture in Los Angeles. The performing arts shine in this neighborhood, with outlets that present blues, jazz and hip-hop on a regular basis. In addition, there is drumming in the park on weekend afternoons, frequent presentations by noted African American authors and poets at Eso Won Books, and a savory array of soul food eateries to wash it all down. On Aug. 12, the World Stage Jazz Festival, which serves as a hub for soulful expressions of music and culture, will feature outstanding local talent.
[event coverage]
