To: LA Metro

We are writing to you today as engaged community stakeholders deeply invested in the success and positive impact of the newly completed Rail to Rail Active Transportation Corridor. This project represents a vital transformation of a corridor that for decades sat abandoned and neglected, a "stubborn scar" across our community. As residents and advocates who have long dreamed of better and experienced the challenges of historical disinvestment, we believe that the integration of authentic, community-driven art is paramount to making this corridor a truly vibrant, safe, and welcoming asset for all.

The Rail to Rail project transforms abandoned rail lines along Slauson Avenue into walking and biking paths, adding shaded areas, trees, and improved lighting, aiming to bring renewed energy and accessibility to this historically underserved area.

Street Blog LA post by Sahra Sulaiman on the Rail to Rail project 

Based on their extensive experience, deep roots in the community, and proven track record, we strongly urge you to entrust The South Central Arts with the leadership of the art portion of the Rail to Rail project within Council District 9, and to utilize their expertise as consultants for art initiatives along the corridor in both Council Districts 8 and 9.

The South Central Arts is a grassroots network of artists, organizers and allies who come together to address social justice issues in South Central and similar communities, and have been doing that since 2017. Their work is founded on the belief that art can provide a space of healing, resiliency, and resistance.

They have a proven history of successfully executing community-based mural projects through deep community engagement. For example, The South Central Arts was responsible for the creation and installation of 7 community-inspired murals in Historic South Central as part of the Green Alleys Network Project and 4 murals surrounding the CD9 Constituency Center. These projects involved community input from beginning to end, including representation in the artist selection process, ensuring that the voices of the community are reflected on the walls. Their experience demonstrates that these initiatives economically benefit the community and serve as a platform for local artists, helping to create a sense of belonging and identity.

The South Central Arts has successfully partnered with Council District 9, LA Sanitation, Trust for Public Land, and The Urban Studio on these prior efforts.

southcentralarts.com 

Integrating art curated and created by local artists, guided by community input, is essential to making this space truly reflective of the people it serves and ensuring it is "well used and well loved by the community".

The South Central Arts leverages their network of local artists, including founder William Flores-Diaz, also known as WillFlo who is a dedicated creative writer, artist, and community organizer, artists like Eric "KING CRE8" Walker and Sen, who are artists and community activist, and proposed as Art Instructors for The South Central Arts' Mural Production Class in  CD9, all with deep roots in South Central Los Angeles These artists bring expertise in mural production, community-based muralism, and experience working with youth. SCA aims to manage and create a process where artists can paint, including graffiti artists exploring positive expression free from criminalization.

Entrusting The South Central Arts, with the expertise of artists like WillFlo, Cre8, and Sen within their network, ensures local leadership and a community-centric artistic vision. 

We specifically request the following: 

• That The South Central Arts be formally placed in charge of the art component for all walls along the Rail to Rail Active Transportation Corridor located within Council District 9. This will ensure local leadership and a consistent, community-centric artistic vision for this significant portion of the corridor. 

• That The South Central Arts serve as consultants for the art components along the Rail to Rail corridor in both Council Districts 8 and 9. Their expertise in community engagement, local artist networks, and managing the process for artists to paint is invaluable for ensuring the art across the entire corridor is impactful and well-integrated with local desires. 

Entrusting The South Central Arts with these responsibilities is the most effective way to ensure that the voices of the local community are heard and well represented by local artists along the Rail to Rail corridor. Their leadership will help this project not only beautify the area but also serve as a powerful vehicle for community empowerment, cultural expression, and addressing social justice issues.

We, the community, whom have signed this petition, strongly urge your support for this request and ask that you work with The South Central Arts to formally establish their leadership role for art on the Rail to Rail corridor within Council District 9 and their consultation role for art across both Council Districts 8 and 9.

Sincerely,