The doors to art and culture will swing open on Saturday, Oct. 24, when some of downtown Los Angeles’ most prestigious arts groups and institutions take part in the 10th anniversary of “Grand Ave Arts: All Access.”
The free event takes over a mile-long stretch of Grand Avenue from Temple to Sixth streets for an open-house arts and culture experience that will include musical performances, exhibitions, tours and hands-on workshops.
“We wanted a way for people to get to know these beautiful institutions for free and take a look at what they do, go inside and just introduce ourselves to the community,” said Rachel Moore, president and CEO of The Music Center, which co-organizes the event.
Those who attend will be able to check out special programs at places like The Broad, which will team up with L.A. TACO for a community celebration that will include DJs, a graffiti artmaking workshops and a pop-up vendor market.
The Center Theatre Group meanwhile will perform “¡Sí Se Puede!,” at Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center. The piece follows trailblazing activist Dolores Huerta as she fights for farm workers’ rights. For music lovers, the Colburn School will offer live performances from a brass ensemble and give people the chance to take a dance class and even conduct a live orchestra. Underground art, as in literally underground, will also be on display with a tour of the underground exhibit at the Grand Avenue and Bunker Hill Metro station where large-scale artworks by several artists are on display.
For a colorful and meaningful outdoor experience, visitors can check out the opening day celebration for Grand Park’s annual Dia de los Muertos celebration which will include more than a dozen altars, musical performances by groups like the El Rio soul ensemble, plus mariachi and Folklorico dancers.
“We believe that arts in Los Angeles are one of our greatest assets and it is a joy for us to be able to share what Angelinos are doing in the artistic realm,” Moore said.
Grand Avenue Arts: All Access
When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 24
Where: Grand Avenue from Temple to Sixth streets in downtown Los Angeles
Information: Guest table at the corner of Grand Avenue and First St., or grandavearts.org