A very fond farewell to Machine Project

“I know it’s cliché, but the nature of reality is that it changes,” said Machine Project’s founder Mark Allen, at the independent art space’s closing party last month. “There are millions of places that do the kinds of things that we did.” But judging by the outpouring of support, the rascally storefront in Echo Park, known for organising experimental projects, workshops, plays and performances for the past 15 years, is leaving a hole that will be hard to fill. “We did 1,500 projects, thousands of people came through, we never got in trouble with the city, the floor never collapsed, and nobody got hurt,” Allen said, mid-hug with one of the many artists he has supported over the years. “Playing the odds, it was time to get out while we were ahead.” Later in the evening, the community took turns toasting the non-profit art space, including the artists Emily Mast and Emily Joyce, who conducted a collective laughing session, followed by a collective cry, aided by onions that were passed around. The night was a great illustration of Machine Project’s ethos—and one that is already sorely missed in LA.