A diverse mix of visual and performing arts, good food and wine, galleries open free to the public — it's hard to believe that all of this exists in a once-blighted neighborhood.

But it's because these things exist that Honolulu's Chinatown has seen a gradual transformation for the better.

Since its inaugural event on May 2, 2003, First Friday Downtown Gallery Walk has grown in scope and popularity. The monthly celebration of arts and culture has a major supporter in Mayor Mufi Hannemann, whose resolution as a City Council member paved the way for a $25,000 grant from the city to the Hawai'i Arts Alliance in 1999.

From there, the Hawai'i Arts Alliance was able to match the grant through private donations. The mandate: to create an "arts enterprise zone."

It was an ambitious goal that began with eight galleries — The ARTS at Mark's Garage serving as the epicenter. Now, it has grown into a 34-gallery success. And what was once an event on Nu'uanu Avenue has expanded to a gallery-hopping scene, on Bethel Street and beyond.

"There were a lot of people in the neighborhood looking for something to help change. This wasn't just about traditional arts, it was about influencing the neighborhood and everyday lives," said Marilyn Cristofori, CEO of Hawai'i Arts Alliance.

It appears to be working. At its most recent First Friday Downtown Gallery Walk, Mayor Hannemann awarded the Hawai'i Arts Alliance a $20,000 grant from the city for further development of its arts programs. "I see both Chinatown and First Friday continuing to grow," said Hannemann.

For the sake of arts in Honolulu and Chinatown, we should all share in that vision.