Long Beach has always been a city of icons. From the early cinematic days of Charlie Chaplin to the global sounds of Snoop Dogg, Cold War Kids, and Vince Staples, our streets have a habit of producing world-class talent.
But as any local knows, the real soul of Long Beach isn’t just found on a stage or a screen. It’s found in the backyard galleries of North LB, the hidden murals of Cambodia Town, the grassroots theaters in the Westside, and the small businesses that serve as creative hubs in the East Village.
Long Beach is a big city made of many small, vibrant “islands”, neighborhoods with their own distinct flavors that don’t always get the chance to intersect. The Arts Council for Long Beach (ArtsLB) wants to change that.
What is Cultural Asset Mapping?
We are launching the Long Beach Culture Map, a citywide cultural asset map. Our goal is simple: we want to document every person, place, and event that makes Long Beach creative.
When we talk about “cultural assets,” we aren’t just talking about museums. We mean:
- The Creators: Local painters, musicians, poets, and dancers.
- The Spaces: Community gardens, barbershops that host open mics, and independent studios.
- The Traditions: Annual block parties, night markets, and cultural festivals.
Why This Matters Now: The Road to 2028
The world is coming to our doorstep. With the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games being hosted in Southern California, Long Beach will be center stage for many of the events.
ArtsLB and the City of Long Beach are working together to create ten unique tourism itineraries. These won’t be your typical “tourist traps.” These guides will lead visitors directly into our neighborhoods to experience the authentic arts scene that defines us. We want to ensure that when the world arrives, they see the real Long Beach, and that the economic benefits of tourism reach our local artists and businesses.
We Need Your Insider Knowledge
You know your neighborhood better than any map ever could. To make this project a success, we need to know what you love.
- What is the “hidden gem” in your area that everyone should know about?
- What do our local artists need to thrive?
- Where are the gaps in support that the City needs to fill?
This isn’t just a survey—it’s a chance to advocate for your community. Your feedback will help ArtsLB and the City understand how to better serve our cultural assets and where to invest resources for the future.
How to Get Involved (And Win!)
We’ve made it easy for you to share your voice:
- Take the Survey: Tell us about your favorite local spots. As a thank you for your time, everyone who completes the survey will be entered for a chance to win a $50 gift card! Link: https://forms.gle/RjkHwzVaRPqRyKoeA
- Join a Listening Session: We’re hitting the pavement! Come meet the ArtsLB team at a neighborhood listening session to share your ideas in person. Dates Coming Soon!
Long Beach is more than just a backdrop for the famous; it’s a living, breathing creative powerhouse. Let’s make sure the map reflects the whole story.
Help us put your neighborhood on the map today.