Every year, State of the Arts brings together Long Beach’s vibrant community of artists, advocates, and leaders for an unforgettable evening of celebration, recognition, and purpose. More than just an awards ceremony, State of the Arts is the Arts Council for Long Beach’s annual fundraising event, where we raise vital support for arts programming, public art, and grantmaking in the face of increasing funding challenges.
At our 2024 event, we had the honor of recognizing a remarkable group of awardees who exemplify the power of the arts to inspire, connect, and transform our communities. Their stories remind us why we must continue to lift up creative changemakers, especially now.
🌟 2024 Honorees
Renee Simon – James H. Ackerman Award
The Honorable Renee Simon has been a pillar of arts advocacy in Long Beach for decades. After moving to the city in 1951, she immersed herself in civic life, contributing to institutions like the Long Beach Public Library Foundation and the Historical Society of Long Beach. Her most enduring legacy: on February 17, 1976, then-Councilwoman Simon cast a pivotal vote to establish what is now the Arts Council for Long Beach. Renee’s leadership planted the seeds for the thriving arts community we celebrate today. We thank her for a lifetime of dedication to cultural growth and civic engagement.
Al Williams and Rainbow Promotions – State of the Arts Award
Al Williams is a living legend in Long Beach’s jazz scene. From founding The Jazz Safari and Birdland West to launching the iconic Long Beach Jazz Festival, Al has created spaces for music to flourish for over four decades. With Rainbow Promotions, he continues to elevate world-class jazz and build community through sound. We are endlessly grateful for his unwavering commitment to the cultural heartbeat of Long Beach.
Alex Hernandez of Alex’s Bar – Creative Economy Award
For over 20 years, Alex’s Bar has been a vital venue for Long Beach’s underground music scene, offering a home for local artists and touring acts alike. Alex Hernandez’s vision has nurtured creativity, amplified diverse voices, and made room for those who don’t fit the mainstream mold. Alex’s Bar is more than a business; it’s a cultural landmark, and we thank Alex for continuing to uplift future generations of artists.
Fran Lujan – Incite/Insight Award
As the Museum Director and Curator of the Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum, Fran Lujan is a guardian of Pacific Islander culture and heritage. She is the first CHamoru museum director in the continental U.S., and her leadership at PIEAM centers re-Indigenization, care, and cultural multiplicity. Fran’s curatorial vision builds bridges between past and future, and we are honored to recognize her powerful role in reshaping museum practice.
Mia Anastasia Farrow – Keep Arts Working Honoree
Drag entertainer and advocate Mia Farrow has used her platform to uplift others with generosity and joy. Whether fundraising for disability inclusion or gracing the stage as Miss Long Beach Pride and Empress 46 of the IICLB, Mia brings visibility, love, and leadership to everything she does. We are proud to celebrate her continued impact on the Long Beach community.
Ms. Luna – Keep Arts Working Honoree
Also known as Jürgen Miranda, Ms. Luna has been a force in Southern California’s drag scene for over 15 years. From performing and producing tribute shows to championing education and equality, she honors her mother’s legacy with every performance. Her dedication to art and advocacy makes Long Beach a brighter, more inclusive city.
Lawrence Limtao – Keep Arts Working Honoree
Long Beach native and stencil artist Lawrence Limtao brings creativity to unexpected places, from skateboards to street art to nonprofit partnerships. His work with Skate Wild, Local Hearts Foundation, and other organizations demonstrates how artistic practice can nurture both youth and community. Thank you, Lawrence, for keeping the arts rolling.
Ms. Yellow (Nuria Ortiz) – Keep Arts Working Honoree
A globally recognized muralist and teaching artist, Ms. Yellow uses color, culture, and compassion to empower youth and connect communities. From Carson to Cairo, her murals convey a message of unity, mental health, and love. We are honored to recognize her commitment to making art accessible and transformative.
10/88 – Keep Arts Working Honoree
This Long Beach-based artist explores the metaphysical and emotional layers of human experience through multidisciplinary art. With a deep respect for cross-cultural storytelling, 10/88 creates work that challenges norms and expands the imagination. Thank you for your thoughtful and boundary-breaking artistry.
Corie Mattie – Keep Arts Working Honoree
Known as the “LA Hope Dealer,” Corie Mattie’s bold street art blends activism and pop culture to spark dialogue on women’s rights, LGBTQIA+ equity, and climate justice. Her murals are more than art, they’re calls to action. We are inspired by her fearless creativity and grateful for her voice.
Shy But Flyy – Keep Arts Working Honoree
Blues and jazz vocalist Shy But Flyy is a force on stage and in community spaces. Whether hosting open mics or performing across Long Beach, she brings a rich musical heritage to life and supports fellow artists along the way. Her mural in Houghton Park stands as a tribute to her vibrant legacy.
Jose Cordon – Keep Arts Working Honoree
Jose Cordon’s street photography captures the essence of life in Long Beach, real, spontaneous, and full of soul. Through his commercial work with Visit Long Beach and ArtsLB, he brings authenticity and artistry to every frame. We thank him for honoring our city through his lens.
Anthony Puente – Keep Arts Working Honoree
As co-founder of Digital Revolution, filmmaker Anthony Puente brings storytelling excellence to both the local and international stage. His award-winning films and commitment to amplifying marginalized voices exemplify the power of art to change lives. We are grateful for his vision and impact.
Jasper X – Keep Arts Working Honoree
At just 16 years old, Jasper Cordon, aka JasperX, is already shaping Long Beach’s music scene as a hip-hop DJ and producer. From ISM Brewing to First Street block parties, his sound is bold, joyful, and distinctly Long Beach. We can’t wait to see what he creates next.
🎉 Nominate a Changemaker for the 2025 Awards!
Do you know someone who uses art to inspire change, grow the local economy, or heal communities? Help us honor them at this year’s State of the Arts celebration!
Submit your nomination by Saturday, August 23:
🔗https://forms.gle/cAyj1HrJpVDo43LB9
Your voice helps us spotlight the unsung heroes shaping Long Beach’s creative future. Let’s continue to celebrate, invest in, and uplift our local artists and cultural workers, because when the arts thrive, so does Long Beach.