LBCreative! Is Building Community
A few weeks ago I was invited to attend a Connections Meeting held by LBCreative! at Immanuel Community Church in Long Beach. I had no expectations, but I happily found myself sitting in a circle with a group of people who were passionate about the arts and their community. Introductions were made, then the assembly splintered off into smaller interest groups, the overarching attitude was “go with the group you want, wherever you feel like you can contribute.”
A few weeks later I was able to attend the tail end of the organization’s Every Last Monday @ Pollen event. I had a blast. There were fire dancers and a sitar player, art on the walls and performance art, as well as a large, enthusiastic and supportive crowd. This was my introduction to LBCreative!.LBCreative! is a grassroots organization that brings together artists, the community, and other organizations to strengthen arts and culture in Long Beach. It began with the cooperative efforts of four local art and community advocacy groups—Catalyst Community, Project Oasis, Collective I and EPKvision. LBCreative! saw a need in the community to bring diverse and divergent groups together for the common goal of cooperation and collaboration. Tanya Quinn, who is currently part of the team guiding the fledgling arts collective, describes the organization’s goal as shared effort and leadership. It is about getting to know people in your community and inspiring people creatively. She sees the organization ultimately becoming a resource for artists, the public, businesses and other organizations. “We are a bridge to connect the community and to advocate for the arts.” Currently the group does much of its work in downtown, but efforts are being made to create relationships all over the city. LBCreative! has already worked closely with the Arts Council of Long Beach, Phantom Galleries, Green Long Beach and other local organizations, so they are serious about their goals and definitely moving forward.
The LBCreative! website lists four Common Community Values:
Building Relationships -- We believe that intentional connections that foster authenticity and understanding enhance the peaceful climate of our community.
Establishing Partnerships -- We believe that the strategic partnerships of individuals and organizations in collaboration towards a common interest make us more effective in our community.
Inspiring Growth -- We believe that experiencing a broader understanding of ourselves, the community, and our world enhances our potential.
Encouraging Contribution -- We believe that the strategic sharing of resources and the active participation of residents giving back to their community is the most effective way of addressing our practical and tangible needs.
A few weeks later I was able to attend the tail end of the organization’s Every Last Monday @ Pollen event. I had a blast. There were fire dancers and a sitar player, art on the walls and performance art, as well as a large, enthusiastic and supportive crowd. This was my introduction to LBCreative!.LBCreative! is a grassroots organization that brings together artists, the community, and other organizations to strengthen arts and culture in Long Beach. It began with the cooperative efforts of four local art and community advocacy groups—Catalyst Community, Project Oasis, Collective I and EPKvision. LBCreative! saw a need in the community to bring diverse and divergent groups together for the common goal of cooperation and collaboration. Tanya Quinn, who is currently part of the team guiding the fledgling arts collective, describes the organization’s goal as shared effort and leadership. It is about getting to know people in your community and inspiring people creatively. She sees the organization ultimately becoming a resource for artists, the public, businesses and other organizations. “We are a bridge to connect the community and to advocate for the arts.” Currently the group does much of its work in downtown, but efforts are being made to create relationships all over the city. LBCreative! has already worked closely with the Arts Council of Long Beach, Phantom Galleries, Green Long Beach and other local organizations, so they are serious about their goals and definitely moving forward.
The LBCreative! website lists four Common Community Values:
Building Relationships -- We believe that intentional connections that foster authenticity and understanding enhance the peaceful climate of our community.
Establishing Partnerships -- We believe that the strategic partnerships of individuals and organizations in collaboration towards a common interest make us more effective in our community.
Inspiring Growth -- We believe that experiencing a broader understanding of ourselves, the community, and our world enhances our potential.
Encouraging Contribution -- We believe that the strategic sharing of resources and the active participation of residents giving back to their community is the most effective way of addressing our practical and tangible needs.
Does this all sound a little nebulous to you? That may be exactly what LBCreative! wants. The organization has no desire to define what art is, what an arts organization should look like or who is allowed to participate. The structure is organic. This organization is about facilitating opportunities for people to actively participate in their community, to become engaged by creativity and ultimately, to build a stronger Long Beach through those efforts. If you are interested in finding out more information on LBCreative!, go to their website at lbcreative.homestead.com. They hold Last Monday Events which are described as, “a casual time to mingle and get those collaborative juices flowing.”
They also have a variety of community-based teams that are open to anyone interested in arts and culture in Long Beach. The teams include:
LBCreative! wants to be a conduit for change in our city by creating individual and community relationships. From my own experience, I think they may be well on their way. I encourage you to check out LBCreative!, not just to stimulate your own creative impulses, but to help support the arts and community in Long Beach. You won’t be disappointed.
They also have a variety of community-based teams that are open to anyone interested in arts and culture in Long Beach. The teams include:
- Creative Art Spaces Team Working to be a resource for the arts, culture and entertainment community by providing multi-use spaces to enhance the arts in Long Beach
- Culture & Diversity Team
- Working to promote the diverse cultures in our city
- Art Education & Youth Team
- Working to create a program of multiple organizations offering arts-related education to youth and the community
- Festivals & Events Team
- Working to be a resource for both the community and other LBCreative! teams, coordinating entertainment and staff for a variety of events in the Long Beach community
- A newly created Artist Enrichment Team
- Community Partnership Team
- Working to be a resource for the community on city policy, regulations & permitting, funding sources, marketing and advocacy issues
- Living Art Team
- Working to promote art that involves the use of sustainable materials, themes of sustainability and green living
LBCreative! wants to be a conduit for change in our city by creating individual and community relationships. From my own experience, I think they may be well on their way. I encourage you to check out LBCreative!, not just to stimulate your own creative impulses, but to help support the arts and community in Long Beach. You won’t be disappointed.
