www.thecreativitynetwork.org

“You’ve got to come through as an individual…If you own space, rent it to an arts organization for a reasonable rate; if you’re an employer, employ artists; if you have a special skill or knowledge, give it - volunteer.”

Justin Hectus, President of the Arts Council for Long Beach, issued this challenge to the Long Beach community as part of Re-Imagining the Arts in Long Beach: One Year Later, a special one-hour internet podcast at www.TheCreativityNetwork.org on CreativityNet.Radio. The downloadable podcast features community and business arts leaders from around Long Beach including Alex Slato, Museum of Latin American Art, John Thomas, Redevelopment Agency Board of Directors, and Blair Cohn, Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association. They, along with other Long Beach artists and arts leaders discussed the state of arts & culture all around the city, highlighting what has changed for the Arts in the past year and forecasting its future.

The special, a look at the State of the Arts in Long Beach, is a follow-up to a two-hour television special produced in November 2007 at the Museum of Latin American Art. Leaders discuss the challenges and opportunities facing arts corridors in the city as Fourth Street’s Retro Row and Bixby Knolls/Atlantic Corridor are welcoming new opportunities while the East Village continues to face challenges.

The Creativity Network is a network of creative community members committed to promoting, advocating and inspiring dialogue on the Arts and Culture in Long Beach. They do so through sponsorship of Salons at artful locations, a website at www.thecreativitynetwork.org, regular e-news alerts and event collaborations with arts organizations, institutions and individuals.