Project Overview
The 7 interpretive signs at Echo Park Lake are underutilized, not maintained, and as a result of poor design, under-viewed by visitors. Exhibits of Humanity decided to re-envision these graphics, using the existing display structures to present an alternative usage of this interpretive signage for community education and dialogue around issues of homelessness and the housing crisis in the area.
Goals
- Educate park visitors about why folks are living in tents and cars around the lake.
- Inspire neighborhood investment in ending homelessness through backing of Supportive Housing projects and auxiliary services in Echo Park.
- Connect people experiencing homelessness at lake to local resources.
Audience
- Park visitors (local residents and tourists)
- English and Spanish readers
- Echo Park Rising festival attendees
Process
IDEATION February 2019
- Logistics, goals and timeline.
- Audience research and content collection.
- Writing sign text and Spanish translation.
- Graphic design.
- Sign fabrication.
- Website and social media development.
- Media outreach.
- Installation of artworks.
- Media coverage.
- Social media engagement.
Outcome
An anonymous group of local activists and artists installed a guerrilla art piece at Echo Park Lake the morning of August 16th, 2019 in advance Echo Park Rising, to take advantage of the increased foot traffic in the area during the music festival.
Download the graphics package:
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Impact
The art installation was up for 8 days before being removed by the Parks Department.
In those 8 days, our website received over 500 visits. |
Media coverage:
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What's Next?
We are interested in collaborating with LA-based community organizers to create more public artworks that educate and inspire community investment in ending homelessness and the housing crisis.
Email Emma to get involved.
Email Emma to get involved.