A planned Frank Gehry-designed arts and culture complex in South Gate, a stone’s throw from the Los Angeles River and the 710 Freeway, is still far away.

But L.A. County officials are securing funding — including for artists and art programs in the Southeast region before the planned SELA Cultural Center becomes a reality.

Plans to move ahead with the multi-building arts and culture complex were green-lighted by county officials late last year. The planned Imperial Highway campus, set to be designed by Gehry Partners, is to act as a local arts hub providing arts education, workshops, art galleries, rehearsal rooms and performance space.