Long Beach Council celebrates Arts Culture and Creativity Month with economic impact focus

During the Long Beach City Council meeting on April 8, 2025, significant discussions centered around the recognition of April as Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month. This initiative aims to celebrate the vital contributions of the arts sector to the community and the local economy. Council members highlighted the impressive economic impact of the creative economy in Los Angeles County, which generated over $27 billion in tax revenues in 2022 and supported nearly one million jobs.

Councilmember DeHaas, who co-sponsored the resolution, emphasized the importance of arts and culture in driving public revenue and fostering economic activity. He noted that for every dollar invested in the arts, there is an estimated $8 return, underscoring the sector's role as an economic engine. The meeting featured a presentation from Griselda, the executive director of the Arts Council for Long Beach, who shared statistics illustrating the creative economy's substantial output, which reached $386 billion in 2022—more than the GDP of 27 states.

Griselda also highlighted the role of local educational institutions, such as California State University, Long Beach, which ranks second nationally for awarding fine arts degrees. This educational framework is crucial for developing a diverse and skilled workforce that supports the creative sector. The upcoming Long Beach Amphitheatre project was discussed as a pivotal development that will not only serve as a performance venue but also as a catalyst for local economic growth, benefiting small businesses and providing job opportunities.

The council's recognition of Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month aligns with broader statewide efforts to advocate for increased funding and resources for the arts. As the Arts Council prepares for Arts Advocacy Day in Sacramento, the discussions at the meeting reinforced Long Beach's commitment to fostering a vibrant creative community that contributes to economic prosperity and cultural enrichment.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the importance of the arts in Long Beach, not only as a cultural asset but also as a significant economic driver. The council's ongoing support for the arts reflects a commitment to enhancing the community's creative landscape and ensuring its continued growth and success.