ENVZN23: Cross-Border, Urban Art Street Takeover Planned for Logan Heights

A cross-border creative collaboration will take over two blocks of an industrial street in Logan Heights later this year, introducing San Diego art lovers to an emerging center for creative enterprises.

Vanguard Culture’s ENVZN23 will transform six industrial lots, factory buildings, and public spaces along Commercial Street into an immersive and interactive art experience on Saturday, Sept. 2.

“ENVZN23 will bridge people and art across borders and boundaries to highlight some of the region’s most innovative creators. We are very excited to shine a light on the local color and beauty of the Logan Heights community and share the virtuosity of our creative workforce,” said Susanna Peredo Swap, founder and executive director of nonprofit Vanguard Culture.

Over 50 artists and more than a dozen performing arts groups from both sides of the border will participate in creative collaborations, live art making, and dozens of multi-sensory experiences.

“We haven’t simply ‘taken over’ these unique spaces.” Peredo Swap added. “We’ve programmed performances and art experiences that collaborate and engage with the local businesses and creatives, and help activate these unique locations in meaningful ways.”

Visitors will experience dance, puppetry, and theatre performances on warehouse loading docks, a fashion show by Fashion Week San Diego in an industrial storage lot, art installations with curated soundscapes by Tijuana-based multimedia artist MALU, and a short film festival inside a CrossFit gym.

ENVZN23 is designed as a recurring event and will return during the year-long
celebrations for World Design Capital San Diego Tijuana in 2024.

The five-hour-long, ticketed event will take place between 30th and 32nd streets, with an entry point a short walk from the 32nd and Commercial Street trolley station. Tickets range from $20 to $120.

ENVZN23 is sponsored in part by the San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture, California Arts Council, CoPlace, San Diego County Supervisor Nora Vargas, and San Diego City Councilmember Vivian Moreno.