Elleven Divine
In a lively collaboration between queer community members and artists, a unique and uplifting street banner campaign was unveiled that celebrates the rich history and promising future of the Queer LGBTQIA2S+ scene in downtown Los Angeles. Strategically placed on "The Run," the banners will span 12 city blocks in locations that mark historical and modern-day significance and pay homage to a cherished era in downtown LA, which pre-dates the better-known West Hollywood.
"The Run" was fondly known as a circuit of queer-friendly spaces, including bars and bookstores, traversing DTLA from Pershing Square to Main St., and from 2nd to 6th streets during a time when homosexuality was still criminalized (1940s-1960s). The queer community of the time thrived and found solace within this vibrant enclave.
The Run honors both it’s historical and modern-day significance and aims to invigorate Downtown Los Angeles with a sense of unity and belonging during a new Queer Renaissance in DTLA.
As the banners take flight, the cherished memories and resilient spirit of "The Run" will be forever memorialized and honored. Drawing inspiration from iconic queer districts like "Castro" in SF and "Boystown" in Chicago, they aim to invigorate "The Run" with a sense of unity and belonging.
Keep your eyes peeled for “The Run” banners popping up at historic and modern locations around DTLA while also honoring the historic theatres along Broadway that have hosted and supported queer artists and events.
Historic Run: Pershing Square, Biltmore Hotel Bar, Central Library, One INC, Dover Hotel, Purssord Turkish & Electric Lights, La Cita, Cooper Don-Nuts & Nancy Valverde Square and Yang Na L.A’s original name, a historical location of the Tongva tribe near City Hall,
Modern Run: Precinct, 10 DTLA, Lustern, Kiso (former Score), Bar Franca, Redline, The New Jalisco Bar, Mezcalero and Green Qween.
We eagerly anticipate the realization of rainbow crosswalks, captivating murals, and enchanting rainbow L.E.D. string lighting, adorning the sidewalks and streets within "
The Run." With 4th and Broadway as its new epicenter, these visionary projects promise to illuminate the neighborhood, uniting past and present to celebrate diversity while creating safe spaces.
The block party and infrastructure projects are being supported by Council District 14.
