"Big Art. Bigger Dreams." Turns DTLA into an Immersive Outdoor Art Museum
New Murals Inspired by Global Sport and Local Spirit Planned Through 2028
This month, Downtown Los Angeles transformed into the city’s largest canvas. “Big Art. Bigger Dreams.” is a bold new initiative bringing large-scale public art to the heart of DTLA, turning iconic buildings into monumental works of creativity, culture, and collective imagination. As Los Angeles gears up to host a multitude of world-class sports events now through 2028, these murals serve as a visual legacy for a city preparing to take the global stage.
Curated by the nonprofit Street Art for Mankind (SAM), in partnership with DTLA Alliance, Council District 14, and the City of Los Angeles, the project will ultimately feature over a dozen murals installed across DTLA between now and 2028. Each artwork speaks to the values that define both great cities and great competitions—resilience, equity, creativity, and unity.
The first three murals, proudly supported by The Coca-Cola Company, were recently installed at landmark DTLA locations: The Bloc, Figueroa Eight, and the Los Angeles Athletic Club. Each mural explores powerful themes like sustainability, education, and women’s empowerment—timeless ideals that resonate with LA's spirit and reflect the city’s identity as a place where bold dreams take shape.
Beloved LA-based artists David Flores, Emily Ding, and Shamsia Hassani are responsible for the first series of murals.
A public unveiling ceremony took place on Friday, May 16 at 2 PM at the Los Angeles Athletic Club. The event featured remarks from Deputy Mayor Jacqueline Hamilton, Adam Acosta from the Office of Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, Council District 14, Audrey and Thibault Decker, curators and co-founders of Street Art for Mankind, special guest, Ivan Monteiro, Brazilian professional skater, along with participating artists and property owners. The ceremony was followed by refreshments and a guided walking tour of the newly completed works. A community art walk with Street Art for Mankind also took place on Saturday, May 17 at 11 AM.
So the next time that you're in DTLA, experience the power of art in motion. Come see Downtown LA through a new lens—one filled with creativity, ambition, and the shared dream of a more vibrant city for all.
