Indie Art Gallery Superchief Hangs by a Thread as Downtown Businesses Close

A Community at Risk: The Struggle of Superchief Gallery

Inside the bustling Superchief Gallery, a sense of excitement and anticipation filled the air. On a late summer evening in August, approximately 60 people gathered in the downtown art space for a screen printing workshop. Neon pink pews were occupied by young families, friend groups, and couples, all eager to create their own designs on T-shirts. Salsa music played in the background, while some attendees admired the artwork displayed on the walls, including a fine-line drawing by David Lynch, a ceramic Garfield sculpture, and a vibrant depiction of a lowrider’s paint job.

Despite the lively atmosphere, this event may be one of the last. Co-founder Bill Dunleavy revealed that the gallery might have to close this month if it cannot raise enough funds to cover its expenses. “We thought we had until November to save Superchief, but it came early,” he said. “It's not easy to build the type of community we've built. It would be a real shame, and set the culture back to some degree.”

For over a decade, Superchief has been a hub for punk rockers, graffiti writers, street photographers, and homegrown artists who share a passion for counterculture. The gallery has become a vital part of the local art scene, offering a space where creativity thrives.

However, the gallery’s potential closure is part of a broader trend in downtown Los Angeles. Many businesses have struggled to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the area still attracts residents, many office buildings are facing declining values and high vacancies. This year alone, several well-known establishments, such as Original Pantry Cafe and Cole’s French Dip, have permanently closed. The Mayan, a historic nightclub, is also set to shut down, and Angel City Brewery announced that its Arts District taproom is up for sale.

Nick Griffin, executive vice president of the DTLA Alliance, suggests that these closures reflect the natural ebb and flow of business and changing tastes rather than an overall decline in the downtown area. He points out that new ventures, like Dataland, the digital AI Art Museum, and the Lucas Museum, are set to open, indicating that the cultural landscape is evolving.

Art galleries across the city have also faced challenges. According to the Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market Report, the global art market declined by 12% in 2024, marking its second consecutive year of falling sales. Several other galleries, including Blum, Clearing, and Tanya Bonakdar, have recently closed their L.A. locations.

Dunleavy first noticed a decline in business about a year ago. Sponsors who previously supported the gallery began to withdraw, and revenue from NFT sales dropped. “People are being more careful with their money,” he said. “They're scaling back their advertising and promotional budgets. At the same time, fewer people are buying art. These are the two things that keep an art gallery business model afloat: sponsors and sales.”

To combat these challenges, Dunleavy and his partner Ed Zipco launched a fundraising campaign through Patreon, a monthly subscription service. Subscribers receive exclusive access to events and perks for a fee ranging from $10 to $30. The campaign has attracted around 400 members, but it still falls short of covering the gallery’s monthly expenses, which range from $10,000 to $15,000.

Superchief moved into its current location in 2022 after a nearby explosion forced a relocation from its previous warehouse in Skid Row. Despite the challenges, Dunleavy remains determined. He plans to host ticketed parties and other fundraising events with the gallery’s associated artists. “Patreon is about halfway where it needs to be in order to be sustainable,” he said. “I've learned how to cope with stressful situations by throwing crazy parties and unconventional events — so that’s exactly what I plan to do.”

Surrounded by ink-flooded screens and piles of white T-shirts used for the August workshop, Audrey Caceres, a frequent visitor, shared her perspective. “I really can't imagine LA subcultures without Superchief. It's such a strong foundation for photographers, zine makers, and multimedia artists.” She emphasized the importance of the gallery in providing a space for artists to showcase their work.