We are thrilled to announce the Washington Neighborhood Basketball Court Mural Project, a transformative initiative supported by the California Arts Council and presented by the Public Corporation for the Arts for the City of Long Beach (ArtsLB). This exciting project aims to refurbish and beautify the basketball court in the Washington Neighborhood, bringing together the local youth and celebrated local artist Tracy Negrete.
Mural Launch Event
Mark your calendars! We are excited to celebrate the project beginning with a kick-off Mural Launch Event on August 10, 2024, at the 14th Street Basketball Courts from 10 am to 2 pm. This event will feature artists and vendors, creating a festive and vibrant atmosphere for the community.
We are currently looking for performers (live music, dance, DJs, etc.), vendors, workshops, and volunteers (docents, info booth attendants, interpreters, and more) for the event. If you would like to be a part of this event for the Washington community, you can sign up to be considered via the following forms:
About the Project
Artist Collaboration
Tracy Negrete, who grew up in the Washington Neighborhood, will collaborate with neighborhood youth to create a vibrant mural on the basketball court. Tracy’s deep connection to the area and her artistic vision make her the perfect mentor and collaborator for this project. By working with Tracy, the youth will have the unique opportunity to contribute to a lasting piece of public art that reflects their identity and community spirit.
Key Goals
The Washington Neighborhood Basketball Court Mural Project is designed to achieve several important goals:
- Youth Engagement: Bring Washington neighborhood youth together with artist Tracy Negrete to foster creativity and community involvement.
- Court Refurbishment: Beautify this popular basketball court with a mural that represents the youth in the neighborhood, creating a more welcoming and inspiring space.
- Neighborhood Stewardship: Encourage a sense of ownership and pride among the youth by involving them in the design and painting process.
- Art and Athletics Connection: Highlight the important relationship between art and athletics, demonstrating how both can enrich lives and strengthen communities.
Community Partnership
This project is being undertaken in partnership with Books and Buckets, a local organization dedicated to providing educational and athletic opportunities to youth in the Washington Neighborhood. Together, we aim to create a meaningful and impactful experience for the young participants, combining the power of art and sport to foster positive change.
Get Involved
We invite the entire Long Beach community to support this initiative and celebrate the creativity and dedication of our local youth. Stay tuned for updates on the mural’s progress and information about the unveiling event. Your support and encouragement will help make this project a resounding success.
For more information about the Washington Neighborhood Basketball Court Mural Project, please contact the Arts Council for Long Beach at:
- Email: publicart@artslb.org
- Phone: 562.435.2787
Join us in transforming the Washington Neighborhood and inspiring the next generation of artists and athletes!
Follow us on social media for the latest updates and behind-the-scenes looks at the mural creation process. Together, let’s celebrate the power of community, creativity, and collaboration.