Mayor Rex Richardson launches Long Beach youth arts contest at City Hall

On July 3, 2025, Long Beach City Hall hosted the inaugural Long Beach Youth Art Contest Awards, celebrating the creativity of local youth. The event, organized by the Arts Council for Long Beach, aimed to transform the often-empty walls of City Hall into vibrant displays of artistic expression from the community's young talents.

Griselda Suarez, the executive director of the Arts Council, opened the ceremony by emphasizing the importance of creativity in schools and the broader community. She highlighted the collaborative efforts between the Arts Council and the city to promote youth engagement in the arts.

Mayor Rex Richardson, who has been in office for two years, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative. He noted that upon taking office, he observed many empty walls in City Hall and proposed a solution: instead of purchasing generic art, the city should provide a platform for young artists to showcase their work. This vision led to the creation of the youth art contest, which aims to inspire and empower the next generation of artists.

The contest not only serves as a means to beautify public spaces but also fosters a sense of pride and accomplishment among young participants. By encouraging artistic expression, the city hopes to cultivate a vibrant cultural landscape that reflects the diverse voices of Long Beach's youth.

As the event concluded, the community looked forward to seeing the artwork displayed throughout City Hall, marking a significant step in promoting local talent and enhancing the city's artistic identity. The success of this initiative may pave the way for future collaborations between the city and local artists, further enriching the cultural fabric of Long Beach.