State of the Arts

The Arts Council for Long Beach is proud to announce the return of State of the Arts, our annual celebration of creativity, community, and cultural leadership. Join us Friday, September 19, 2025, from 6 PM to 9 PM at Marina Pacifica Shopping Center for an unforgettable evening of live music, awards, mural unveilings, and meaningful moments with fellow art lovers, advocates, and changemakers.

Every year, State of the Arts brings together the people who shape Long Beach through creative expression—artists, educators, organizers, and neighbors. This free, public event honors local excellence through our annual arts awards and announces bold new projects, including the reveal of five brand-new public murals created by some of Long Beach’s most inspiring collectives. With Alamitos Bay as the backdrop, this event promises a beautiful celebration of the arts in all their forms.

But this year’s gathering carries more urgency than ever. Arts organizations across the state and country are facing serious budget reductions. California’s investment in the arts has dropped to just $0.46 per person, placing us 37th in the nation after over $70 million in statewide arts cuts.[¹] At the national level, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) canceled over $27 million in grants in 2025 alone, disrupting the work of over 90 artists and organizations across the country.[³]

In this climate, showing up to State of the Arts is more than celebration—it’s solidarity. When you attend, you’re making a statement that Long Beach believes in its creative economy. That we value public art, arts education, and the cultural fabric that makes our city unique. Your presence helps amplify the voices of artists and sustain programs that bring joy, justice, and inspiration to every neighborhood.