"The neighborhood surrounding the Watts Towers presents a stark contrast to the well-maintained aesthetics of this national monument, and currently the residents have limited means to capitalize socially or economically on this cultural currency," reads a pamphlet about the Watts House Project, which self-describes themselves as an an artist-driven urban revitalization project that hopes to be a catalyst for solutions and change in the community.
Leading the charge is Los Angeles artist Edgar Arceneaux who is currently fundraising so he can make the first big step in the project this weekend. A neighboring house to the Watts Towers on 107th Street goes on the auction block and Arceneaux wants to win that bid. If he does, then starts progress. Plans include a community center, artist in residence dwellings and a cafe.
To that end, Arceneaux and Oscar Madrigal, a 107th Street resident and representing New Economics for Women, will be speaking at LAXART tomorrow evening in Culver City (7-9 p.m., more info here) To fundraise for that bid, they will be selling editions of art from Arceneaux as well as other artists. Of course, any donations are encouraged to help this "cultural crescent area" shape into a stronger community.
Photo by Ilpo's Sojourn via Flickr
