11:00am | The Long Beach City Council will discuss the possibility of creating a Blue Ribbon Panel to examine arts funding and support for artists during the upcoming March 2 City Council meeting. The motion is one of several arts-related ordinances submitted by Councilmember Robert Garcia. 

Among the others is the adoption of the Cultural Master Plan sponsored by Councilmember Suja Lowenthal. The plan was created by local arts advocates to outline future objectives and goals. The Cultural Master Plan and the creation of the Blue Ribbon Panel are expected to encourage live entertainment throughout the city.

“The arts provide a competitive advantage for cities working to attract business and smart growth,” said Arts Council executive director Craig Watson in a press release, “As well as provide amenities to citizens and healthy alternatives for youth, particularly in tough economic times. These arts initiatives are part of an overall strategy to keep Long Beach growing as a great, American city.”

A Los Angeles Times article (click here) today points out that six of the nine Councilmembers sponsored or co-sponsored the arts initiatives for the March 2 meeting.

“There are so many creative people in our city,” said Councilmember Garcia in a press release. “If our residents are going to fully benefit from that economically and culturally, the Council has to lead the way, by creating the right conditions for the arts to thrive.”

The proposed Blue Ribbon Panel would be composed of nine community members and would report to the City Council on arts-related issues.

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