Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Barillas.
Hi Diana, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m a daughter of immigrant parents that was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI. I believe the duality of spending lots of time in Mexico and at the same time, being raised in such not so cultural bubble led to my passion of highlighting underrepresented artists. I went to school for journalism and then transitioned into a makeup artist and leader in the retail world for several years in San Francisco. I decided to move to Los Angeles in the pandemic to be closer to more artists, diversity, and opportunities.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of the main challenges was moving to Los Angeles during a shutdown. In a strange way, it was my silver lining as people were searching for community again. I approached artists at craft fairs and farmers markets and simply asked if they would let me highlight them. I was fortunate enough to meet Milena Mortati, the founder of CRE8. Together along with our creative partner Kalise Wallace, we launched several art exhibits featuring local and international artists. As I continued to evolve, I began to throw my own events. To do so without funding can be extremely difficult. Everything from the ice for the drinks to advertising and not to mention space rentals has been financially exhausting. Ultimately I know that the people and businesses I’m sharing are worth my time and effort.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Currently, I work for Happening in DTLA and DTLA ArtNight. Happening in DTLA is a social media platform that uploads and creates content for downtown Los Angeles. In this past year, they decided to recreate the downtown art walk and create DTLA ArtNight. The first Thursday of the month, I help coordinate 30 artists in our Emerging Gallery (125 W. 4th St.), 20 vendors in our Night Vendor Market (540 S. Spring), and 20 participating galleries in DTLA. In addition to the event coordination for ArtNight, I work as the social media manager, write the newsletter, and am the event manager for our other events throughout Los Angeles. I also continue to support artists by being a liason with upcoming art exhibits and showcasing their work at other events.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Every day in events and the art world, you are taking risks. You never know if people will show up to the event, if the artists will be happy with their placement, or if things will run smoothly. And honestly, usually a mistake or two will be made. If you continue to evolve, reassess, and be willing to make changes, you will continue to grow as a leader and organizer. My greatest joy is seeing artists present work for the first time or to introduce businesses to new audiences. For that, I’m willing to try and possibly fail only to improve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dtlaartnight.com/
- Instagram: la.unaluna.events or happeningindtla
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-barillas-2a7155a3/
