Mayor Bass Celebrates Major Milestone as Watts Towers Arts Center Campus Improvements Move Forward

En Español

한국어

$10.1 Million Bezos Earth Fund Investment Completes Funding for $22 Million Revitalization Project to Expand Green Space and Arts Access in Watts

LOS ANGELES - Mayor Karen Bass today celebrated a major milestone in the revitalization of the Department of Cultural Affairs' Watts Towers Arts Center Campus (WTACC) following the announcement of a $10.1 million investment from the Bezos Earth Fund. The investment, secured through a partnership with the Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust (LANLT), completes funding for more than $22 million in improvements that advance Mayor Bass' commitment to expanding green space, strengthening climate resilience and investing in historically underserved communities.

The revitalized campus will add more than 30,000 square feet of usable park space, introduce new shade and cooling features, incorporate climate-resilient landscaping and create new opportunities for arts, recreation and community gathering. Conceptual renderings are available here.

"This is about investing in the people of Watts and creating a space the community can be proud of," said Mayor Bass. "This announcement marks a major milestone for a project years in the making. Thanks to the dedication of our state, county and local partners, philanthropic supporters and community organizations, we're one step closer to creating a greener, healthier and more vibrant campus that honors the legacy of Watts while serving generations of Angelenos to come."

"The expanded revitalized campus will create welcoming spaces for local artists, performers, families, and visitors to gather and thrive," said Councilmember Tim McOsker. "This project represents an important investment in the Watts community and reflects our commitment to equitable development that will contribute to local economic growth and improve the quality of life for members of this historic community."

The project is anticipated to be completed prior to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games and will strengthen WTACC as a cultural and community hub for youth, artists, performers and visitors.

LANLT serves as project manager and developer, overseeing design and construction in partnership with City departments and community stakeholders, including the Department of Cultural Affairs, Department of Recreation and Parks, General Services Department, Bureau of Engineering and Bureau of Contract Administration.

"By enhancing cultural spaces and expanding access to the arts, we are helping build a more connected cultural crescent that honors the history of Watts," said Daniel Tarica, General Manager of the Department of Cultural Affairs. "The WTACC is an important cultural hub for our City, leading to, and through the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and beyond, and this project allows us to expand opportunity through arts and culture for the Watts community and South LA, and continue to foster a culture of civic pride and community through this remarkable public site."

"Parks and cultural spaces are vital community assets," said Jimmy Kim, General Manager of the Department of Recreation and Parks. "I am thrilled that the Watts Towers Arts Center Campus will receive this incredible investment to ensure it continues to be a vibrant space that reflects the history, creativity, and resilience of the Watts community-a community that deserves vibrant public spaces to enjoy and celebrate their culture."

"The Trust's mission is health, justice, and community through the creation and stewardship of public open spaces," said Tori Kjer, Executive Director of LANLT. "Over the last decade and a half of partnership with the Watts Towers Arts Center, and under the brilliant, unwavering leadership of Director Rosie Lee Hooks and Watts community members, we have facilitated community engagement, fundraising, design, and now, at last, construction. We are immensely grateful to break ground together on the next chapter of the historic, internationally renowned treasure that is the Watts Towers Arts Center Campus."

The revitalized campus will include:

• Expanded green space with new shade features and climate-resilient landscaping

• New recreational and gathering spaces,including walking paths, seating areas and interactive art elements

• Enhanced arts and cultural spaces to expand educational programming, performances and community engagement

• Improved public amenities, including LED lighting, drinking fountains, bike racks and additional site improvements