Mayor Bass Celebrates Completion of Vision Theater Restoration in Leimert Park, Bringing Historic Performing Arts Center Back After 15 Years

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729-Seat Venue Will Once Again Be A World-Class Cultural Destination in South LA

LOS ANGELES - Mayor Karen Bass, joined by Councilmember Heather Hutt, community members, and artists, celebrated the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the historic return of the Vision Theatre Performing Arts Center in Leimert Park last week. After being closed for more than 15 years, Mayor Bass was joined by more than 500 community members, arts leaders, elected officials, and philanthropic partners to celebrate the restoration of Vision Theater and the expansion of arts and cultural programming for South LA. Photos and b-roll are available here.

"Last week, the Vision Theater rose again as a platform for Black creativity, community and commerce. This theater is a landmark that has anchored Leimert Park for nearly a century, and it is coming back stronger than ever. I was proud to have secured the funding to start the renovations during my tenure in the State Assembly," said Mayor Bass. "When the Olympic and Paralympic Games arrive in 2028, I want the entire world to experience Leimert Park. I want them to hear this community's music, taste its food, meet its entrepreneurs, and feel its art. That story starts right here, welcoming the world to the Vision Theater."

"The Vision Theatre has long been a special place in Leimert Park and in the lives of so many who call this community home. Its reopening represents both a celebration of that history and an investment in our future," said Councilmember Heather Hutt. "The Vision is a world class stage where established artists can shine, emerging artists can find their voice, and new audiences can make memories of their own. This theatre will be a cultural and economic engine for Leimert Park and all of Los Angeles for generations to come."

"The renovation of the Vision Theatre unites historic preservation with state-of-the-art venue upgrades to create a world-class cultural venue that all Angelenos can be proud of. This landmark in the heart of the creative hub of Leimert Park will be a mainstage that uplifts local talent, serves as a resource for the community, and will be a cultural destination for all," said Daniel Tarica, General Manager of the Department of Cultural Affairs.

"The opening and renovation of the Vision Theatre injects hopesinto the Leimert Park community. I can't wait to see my students and other community members performing on the world class stage that they deserve. I have personally performed on thousands of stages. The Vision stands out as a premier venue. I applaud the city for making it available. Hugs to Marla Gibbs for creating the foundation for this experience," said Fernando Pullum, Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center.

"I have spent my entire career building stages for Black stories. To now stand in The Vision Theatre - in Leimert Park, in the community that has shaped and sustained Black Los Angeles for generations - and know that this is our home, is a moment I do not have adequate words for," said Shay Wafer, Executive Director, WACO Theater Center. "Our partnership with the Department of Cultural Affairs is a testament to what becomes possible when a city chooses to invest in its own cultural legacy. We are not just opening a theater; we are opening a door that will never close."

In 2025, the Mayor's Office helped establish a partnership between the Department of Cultural Affairs and Where Art Can Occur (WACO), co-founded by Tina Knowles. Through the partnership, WACO will provide programming to activate the 729-seat theater with performing arts performances (plays, music, and dance productions) while also serving as a training center for youth arts education in South LA.

For more information, please visit culture.lacity.gov