DTLA PROUD Community Center

DTLA Proud and The Bloc Partner to Create DTLA PROUD’s Community Center – A.R.T. – Accessibility, Representation, Thrive

New Downtown Center at The Bloc will offer LGBTQ+ Programming Year Round

Downtown Los Angeles, California (August 28, 2022) – DTLA Proud and The Bloc have partnered to open DTLA Proud’s Community Center – A.R.T. (Accessibility, Representation, Thrive) at The Bloc, at 700 W 7th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90017. A.R.T. will open later this year and will enable DLTA Proud to offer LGBTQ+ programming year-round. The new Community Center will be an active gallery and shared space for the DTLA Queer Community, that will provide a safe and welcoming environment for all to share. DTLA Proud made the announcement from the main stage of DTLA Proud Festival over the weekend.

“The Downtown Los Angeles Queer Community has been growing for years and will finally have an official community center and hub. A.R.T. at The Bloc will help us celebrate everyone’s story and grow our community. None of this would be possible without the generous support and commitment to our community from The Bloc and their management team,” said Oliver Alpuche, Founder, Board Member & President of DLTA Proud.

The Bloc’s General Manager, Dan Coté added, “We celebrate diversity and inclusion year-round and are honored to partner with DTLA Proud to create this new center. A.R.T. will be well received by Downtown’s residents, supported by our retailers and an anchor for our thriving Downtown Community.”

A.R.T will provide a safe, supportive, and enriched environment where members of the LGBTQ+ community can celebrate openly and thrive. DTLA LGBTQ+ residents are currently faced with minimal options for welcoming and inclusive environments. A.R.T will celebrate the DTLA Queer space in a way that has yet to be realized in Los Angeles’ downtown core. The center will host an array of artists, have a shared workspace, and will create programing that will focus on segments of the community that often go underrepresented. With a mix of restaurants, retail, offices, personal services and healthcare options, The Bloc is an ideal centralized location for DTLA residents and beyond with easy access to public transportation, including direct access to the 7th Street Metro Center station.

The Bloc is a diverse open space that offers a mix of thoughtfully curated shops, artisans, premier retailers including a Macy’s flagship store, restaurants, bars, open-air green space, and entertainment, The Bloc is also home to the Sheraton Grand Los Angeles Hotel, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, and a 727,000 square-foot, creative-focused office tower and DTLA Proud‘s new Community Center – A.R.T. (Accessibility, Representation, Thrive), a hub for the LGBTQ+ community.

Stay up to date with the latest openings and upcoming events by visiting theblocla.com. Follow The Bloc’s Instagram at @theblocla and Facebook at The Bloc. Follow the news for DTLA Proud by visiting dtlaproud.org or following @dtlaproud or #dtlaproud on Instagram.

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About DTLA PROUD:

DTLA Proud is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that strengthens and empowers the local LGBTQ+ & ally community in Downtown Los Angeles through visibility, volunteerism, partnerships, and events. Founded by a grassroots group of residents, business owners, community leaders and nightlife promoters, we were born from the idea that together we could create an all-inclusive community that represents the diverse LGBTQ+ population that lives, works, and plays in the thriving heart of the city of Los Angeles. We are committed to celebrating everyone’s story, spreading optimism, growing our community, and expanding our definition of diversity. By the community. For the community.

About The Bloc:

The Bloc is a vibrant, open-air urban center, a growing, inclusive community, a LEED™ certified Gold project, an inflection point in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. Encompassing a full city block along LA’s iconic 7th Street corridor, The Bloc connects the financial, fashion, jewelry, and theater districts – and the 7th Street Metro Center Station, where four DTLA lines converge. Offering a diverse mix of thoughtfully curated shops, artisans, premier retailers including a Macy’s flagship store, restaurants, bars, open-air green space, and entertainment, The Bloc is also home to the Sheraton Grand Los Angeles Hotel, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, and a 727,000 square-foot, creative-focused office tower. An array of events from live music, dance, and theater performances to art installations, fitness classes, and food and drink tastings welcomes Angelenos and visitors from all walks of life – and anyone seeking inspiration, community, and connection.

Media Contact for DLTA Proud

Sergio G. Hernandez | DTLA Proud

[email redacted]

626.862.2999

Media Contact for The Bloc

Hanna Benabid | DOG AND A DUCK

[email redacted]

323.443.7780

Want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money to benefit Dtla Proud Festival Inc, and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

More information about Dtla Proud Festival Inc: DTLA Proud is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to celebrate everyones story, spread optimism, grow our community and expand our definition of diversity.