[1] Gallery Row is based on a proposal by artists Nic Cha Kim and Kjell Hagen, members of the Arts, Aesthetics, and Culture (AAC) Committee of the Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council (DLANC).

In 2003, much of the Historic Core shared attributes with Skid Row; the area was marginally active with shoppers and other visitors by day, but by evening most establishments closed and people went elsewhere.

At Biddy Mason Park on Spring Street, the ceremony was hosted by Los Angeles city officials.

The AAC committee was spun off as the nonprofit Gallery Row Organization, which promotes and develops the district's cultural resources.

DLANC sponsored the Art Walk shuttle in 2007, which began service in June of that year.