Welcome to SURROUND SOUND, a project dedicated to gathering the personal stories and hidden histories of Los Angeles. Led by artist Esteban Arellano, this installation draws from archival news footage and community voices to create a new, living archive that captures the layers of memory, experience, and resilience often left out of mainstream narratives.
SURROUND SOUND explores archival television footage in the UCLA Film and Television Archive from the 1960s-1990s, documenting major events across Los Angeles during times of transformation. As the city’s story was broadcast into homes, countless voices were left unheard. This project invites you to speak into the silences left by history and to help weave a broader tapestry of life in LA — where we've been, who we are, and where we could go.
A Call for Community Stories
If you or someone you know has a story about family, community changes, personal histories, or reflections on LA life, we would love to hear from you. By participating, you’ll have the chance to elevate your story, spotlight your community’s unique causes and struggles, and make your voice heard in a way that resonates far beyond your neighborhood.
Every story shared will contribute to SURROUND SOUND, a living, interactive video installation that will travel through various creative activations across the city. Your recorded performance will not only become part of this immersive experience but will also help weave a richer, more inclusive portrait of Los Angeles—a city shaped by diverse histories, voices, and dreams.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Your Story, Your Way
Each recording is a space for you to share what feels right. You can tell your story through conversation, performance, a personal memory, or any form that feels authentic to you.
A Growing Archive
SURROUND SOUND will combine these stories, visuals, and sounds into a layered video installation, creating a public space for reflection, connection, and belonging.
Working together
We work together, honoring your voice and giving you the chance to review any recorded material. This is a space where your perspective is valued and respected.
Meet the team
Esteban Arellano is a Los Angeles-based artist, researcher, and creative technologist. Guided by Brown and queer worlds, Esteban is a community steward dedicated to creating spaces where multiple perspectives and histories coexist. His work sits with the silences and absences of Los Angeles — embracing the unknown and honoring the complexities of the city’s layered histories.
More team members coming soon
Share your Los angeles
Join the broadcast. Complete the form below, and we’ll be in touch shortly to arrange a time to speak more.