The Center

In 2020, community members engaged through the Lower Los Angeles River Revitalization Plan development process identified the Southeast Los Angeles Cultural Center Project (SELA Cultural Center) to be a regional arts, culture, and creativity destination point to showcase the diverse and innovative work of the SELA community and artists.

Community ideas have shaped an initial concept for the Cultural Center and a partnership between the County of Los Angeles, the California State Department of Parks and Recreation, and the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC), is advancing the development of the state-of-the-art facility. The project has since received initial funding for planning and design of the Center and  the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture has been identified as the operator.

The SELA Cultural Center will ultimately create a hub to gather and highlight the creative skills and talents of the Southeast LA community. The SELA Cultural Center’s construction and programming will also be co-created alongside SELA residents and artists who have long shaped the beauty and diversity of the surrounding region. As increased investments and infrastructure come to the Southeast LA area surrounding the Lower LA River, it will be critical to ensure that communities are not destabilized and displaced.

Located at the confluence of the Lower LA River and Rio Hondo, the SELA Cultural Center will bring together diverse disciplines—elevating the cultural vitality of Southeast Los Angeles through physical and programmatic resources.