Community Listening Sessions in the Eliot Arts Community
Our first step isn't telling; it’s listening.
Real, meaningful engagement starts with honoring community dignity and centering the lived experiences of the people who call this neighborhood home. The Community Listening Sessions are open, informal spaces designed to gather your insights, ideas, and vision for the future of Eliot Arts.
As we deepen our presence in Eliot Arts, we want to ensure our work directly reflects what matters most to you.
These sessions are built around open dialogue, respect, and actionable listening. When you attend, you can expect:
A Safe & Welcoming Space: An inclusive environment where every voice (from long-time residents to young creatives) is valued.
Real Conversation, Not Presentations: No lectures or long slide decks. We’re here to facilitate dialogue and hear your thoughts on local arts, community needs, and neighborhood dignity.
Direct Impact: Your feedback will directly shape future decisions.
Accessibility & Hospitality: Light refreshments will be provided, and our team will be on-site to assist with any access needs, including interpretation.
All listening sessions will be located at: 351 S Hudson Ave, Pasadena.
What to Expect
Join an Upcoming Session
Sign up for any session that relates to your lived experience. Click the button below to register for one or more sessions.
Date & Time Focus
Fire-Displaced Affinity Group: Tracking data around fire displacement, housing resources, and engaging with the local chamber of commerce.
August 8, 2026 | 11am - 2pm
LGBTQIA+ Affinity Group: An intentional space for LGBTQIA+ community members, including an oral history segment.
August 10, 2026 | 6pm - 9pm
Environmental Concerns: Community stations on topics such as the Eliot tower, tree preservation, remediation of toxins, the environmental footprint of new development, and climate-resilience.
August 11, 2026 | 6pm - 9pm
Staff/Current Families Affinity Group: Reflection and visioning activities facilitated by community trauma experts and project facilitators.
August 12, 2026 | 6pm - 9pm
Quality of Life Needs Affinity Group: Identifying and discussing essential quality-of-life needs with community partners specializing in areas like housing, jobs, kinship connections, and healthcare.
August 15, 2026 | 11am - 2pm
Elders Affinity Group: Tailored community engagement activities and oral history gathering for elders.
August 16, 2026 | 1pm - 4pm
Youth Affinity Group: Targeted youth engagement, featuring partner organizations and oral history segments.
August 18, 2026 | 6pm - 8pm
Emotional Impact Affinity Group: A session dedicated to the emotional impact of the project, including oral history segments and community recovery circles.
August 20, 2026 | 6pm - 9pm
Race and Ethnicity Affinity Group: Understanding the fire’s impacts through a racial and cultural context.
August 9, 2026 | 1pm - 4pm