On Friday, October 11 from 6–9 p.m., the Arts Council for Long Beach will host its annual State of the Arts event in partnership with the Office of Mayor Robert Garcia.

This special occasion brings together residents, the creative community and city leaders to celebrate the arts in Long Beach. In addition to announcing new projects, every year the Arts Council recognizes local arts excellence by honoring residents who make an impact in the arts and culture of Long Beach. The Arts Council is proud to honor people who work every day to foster creativity, enliven communities and enable a thriving arts city. This year’s awardees are:

James H. Ackerman Award: The Rumba Foundation for their dedication to expanding access to the arts for LBUSD children in grades K-12.

Incite/Insight Award:

—           Martin Espino, musician educating Long Beach’s diverse audience about the musical heritage of ancestral tribes from Mexico and California.

—           Stephannie Reizuch, LBUSD’s Parent of the Year and third year volunteer chair of Emerson Parkside Academy’s art program.

—           Katie Stubblefield, Long Beach artist and teacher whose work graces the walls of several galleries. She also teaches art to underserved students and special needs adults.

Creative Economy Leader: 4th Street Business Improvement Association for promoting local artists on Fourth Fridays and Jennifer Hill, current president, will receive the award on behalf of the association.

State of the Arts 2019 Award: Curator, Kamran Assadi, for his work with FLOOD and PUMP and his continuous effort to build bridges between the arts community and the wider public.

The event is free and open to the public. It takes place at the beautiful and historic Scottish Rite Event Center, 855 Elm Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90813. This year’s VIP reception starts at 5 p.m. and will include special performance by award-winning Josie Neglia and her company dancers.  The public program begins at 6 p.m. with a reception immediately following the awards ceremony.

VIP Reception tickets and general admission requires an RSVP via Eventbrite: https://stateofthearts2019.eventbrite.com

Sponsorship information: https://artslb.org/stateofthearts/

This admission-free event wouldn’t be possible without the generous contributions of our sponsors: Port of Long Beach, Long Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau, Long Beach Airport, Richard & Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center, Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, California State University, Long Beach, Millworks, Long Beach Transit, Temple Family Foundation.