In San Pedro, the arts and the waterfront are primary resources of the revitalization of the area and provide physical, social, cultural and economic benefits to strengthen and sustain the community. Over time, many artists and arts and cultural organizations have found a home in San Pedro and have become vital to the Community. The Downtown District is home to over 30 studios and galleries, many unique/non-chain restaurants and at least a dozen world class artists who own property in and around San Pedro.

In 2009, the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce, the former CRA/LA and a group of local artists, restaurateurs, and arts organization leaders teamed to create the San Pedro ACE District. (ACE is Arts Culture and Entertainment). This organization developed an ACE Plan and implemented a five-year, funded economic strategy for historic downtown San Pedro, designed to put the arts first.

The ACE District Advisory Committee and the Chamber of Commerce, developed more than fifty projects/collaborations providing more than $300,000 in grant funding to assist San Pedro artists, galleries and arts organizations.

In the fall of 2013, while anticipating the final year of the funded plan, the ACE Advisory Committee committed itself to lead a next-phase transition from the CRA grant-dependent model to a new ACE/ San Pedro Waterfront Arts District (Arts District). We’ve come to think of the initial $500,000 CRA funding as fuel for an arts incubator:

• Over the first three funding years, the ACE District became a grant organization and the money was used to market arts organizations and gallery shows.
• We’ve reoriented our thinking in order to build what we hope is a sustainable organization, capable of raising additional funds via grants, sponsorships of public art projects, and public education programs.

The goals of the Arts District are to:

• To cultivate new sustaining partnerships.
• Evolve the accomplishments of the past.
• The mission of the San Pedro Waterfront Arts District is to support, advocate, and promote San Pedro arts and artists in all genres. We celebrate diversity and inspire appreciation of cultural and artistic expression.

A New Non-Profit:

• A new 5013c nonprofit organization with the mission focused on developing a lasting legacy via public art projects.
• Working with CD 15, DCA and Clean San Pedro, the Arts District has sponsored artists to paint multiple DOT boxes with the theme “Unexpected Pedro” and a mural in the Lilyan Fierman walkway.  The AD has also assisted a local restauranteur to add murals to his building.  More Public Art is coming soon.
• A web site and social media platform have been developed.
• The District works with a Design Advisory Panel which assists with public art choices
• The Arts District is seeking additional local collaborators for funding additional Projects.  Our vision is to leave a lasting legacy in the form of public art projects, further engage the community in the arts and make this town scream art!