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Newsletter
Winter 2005
Public Art at the New Los Angeles State Historic Park
 Public
art in the new Los Angeles State Historic Park should reflect the
struggles, hopes, and triumphs of generations who have entered
Los Angeles through El Pueblo and the Cornfield to reflect the
purpose of the park, the vision of the Cornfield Advisory Committee,
and the dreams of the community. Murals, community art projects,
interpretive elements, educational programs, and cultural, historical,
recreational, and environmental links should engage the community
in the inaugural project for the park, along with the interim use
project and the proposal to grow corn in the park.
The California Department of Parks and Recreation has proposed
the Los Angeles State Historic Park name for the site in one of
Los Angeles's most culturally, historically, and ethnically diverse--and
park--poor-communities. According to the Department, "The
purpose of the Los Angeles State Historic Park is to provide the
public with a place to learn about and to celebrate the ethnically
diverse history and cultural heritage of Los Angeles ... The Park
will bring a wide range of visitors together to examine and experience
the complete story of Los Angeles. It will be a sanctuary from
the dense, urban environment that surrounds it. The Park will connect
abstract historical and social patterns to the personal experiences
of Angelenos and visitors from throughout the state, the nation,
and the world." This reflects the vision of the Advisory Committee
based on the essential themes of culture and history, connectivity,
recreation, and transportation.
In this way public art in the park can reflect the values at
stake -- giving children safe and healthy places to play, improving
recreation and health, equal access to public resources, democratic
participation in deciding the future of the community and the park,
creating local jobs and economic vitality, and providing the clean
air, water, and ground benefits of urban parks. These values will
determine the future of a world class park at the birthplace of
Los Angeles.
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