The City of Long Beach has chosen nine local artists to create murals through its Public Mural Program.
This effort, which is a segment of the Creative Economy Grants Program, is funded through the Long Beach Recovery Act and managed by the Arts Council for Long Beach (ArtsLB). The murals are expected to start appearing across the city by the end of the year.
“Arts and culture are the heartbeat of Long Beach and we are committed to celebrating the inspirational and diverse voices in our city,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in a public statement. “By supporting and investing in the arts, we not only beautify our city, but foster a shared sense of connection and creative expression.”
In June, the City asked the public to vote online for their preferred mural designs. The selection process closed on July 8 and nine artists were chosen from a pool of 27 finalists.
The City and the Arts Council for Long Beach conducted a community survey earlier in the year to determine which mural themes would resonate with local residents. The chosen mural locations were selected based on which neighborhoods were most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and where there is space available on public walls. One mural is planned for each council district.
Here are the selected artists, their mural concepts, and installation sites:
- Alycia Shiann will create “Kaleidoscope of the Beach” at 125 Elm Ave., the future site of the Long Beach Senior Center.
- Charlótte Medina’s mural titled “Nature after hours in Long Beach be like…”, will be featured at Bixby Park Community Center.
- Cory Bilicko will design “All for Fun, and Fun for All” for the Recreation Park Community Center.
- Ms. Yellow’s “Nature’s Dance” will be displayed at the El Dorado Park West, Thomas J. Clark Community Center.
- Peak Murals will produce “Unleash Nature” for Heartwell Park Community Center.
- Omar R God will install “History isn’t made, it’s built” inside the McBride Park Gymnasium.
- Trinh Mai’s mural, “There is Healing for Us”, will be at the Multi-Service Center.
- Michael Che Romero will create “LBC’in You” at Davenport Park.
- Brenda Cibrian will create “World Within a World” for the Ramona Park Community Center.
Launched in 2022, the Creative Economy Grants Program supports local arts and culture projects, including public murals, community initiatives and artist fellowships. The Public Mural Program, funded with $135,000 from the Creative Economy Grants, provides new mural opportunities across public facilities.
This initiative is part of the Long Beach Recovery Act, of which $900,000 has been allocated to support the city’s arts and culture sector.
Residents can view all nine murals at artslb.org/public-art-project/lbra-creative/.
For more details about the Long Beach Recovery Act, visit longbeach.gov/recovery.
