I have a few ideas of my own, but I know there are lots of smart, creative people who are brimming with ideas about how to make our fair City a supportive home for Arts and Culture.
Here’s your opportunity to share them! Post them as comments on this post.
I approached Hitu Patel who built the Best Western on 1st and Linden when it was first approached. Since it was in the redev area at the time, I asked if he would work directly with local artists, those who have been in the East Village for some time (since he had to spend a certain amount of $ on Public Art for new construction). He was willing to do that! We talked about it being the first “Artist Hotel” and the rooms having “themes.”
Unfortunately the redev zones had changed prior to being built, so he no longer had to spend the money). BUT, he WAS willing to work directly with LOCAL artists.
I thought that was cool, and he’ll always have my respect for that!
PS The artwork INSIDE the hotel was going to be presented as PUBLIC ART because there was going to be a website showcasing it to the wwWorld!
I think the City needs to recognize the economic opportunity that the arts can create, whether its arts related industries (graphic design, architecture, recording, etc.) or arts based consumerism and tourism. Right now the arts are seen as an ammenity, an expendable one at that. Our City should find its character from its arts, culture and history and not on the latest retail center. We need a cultural shift in our elected officials and the City staff that art is what will make Long Beach a truly “International City”.
I believe the least costly and most profound single change our municipal leaders can make is to adopt a model of entertainment permitting that closely follows that of San Diego. Specifically, they require bars and restaurants to have permits, however any business can provide live music entertainment without a permit if: 1) They don’t charge a cover, 2) Don’t serve or sell alcohol, 3) Don’t allow dancing, and 4) has a low occupancy.
This would allow local art galleries, book and music stores, and other businesses to provide safe, wholesome, all-ages entertainment. It would create social and economic activity throughout the city. It would reduce crime. It would cost the City nothing, increase sales taxes, promote business growth, and make the City more attractive to visitors.
Business and political leaders in Seattle and Austin credit their economic growth to a dynamic cultural landscape that is entirely unfettered by any entertainment permit process.
Currently, Entertainment Permitting in the City is difficult at best. It is, in part, controlled by zoning ordinances. Specific structures are zoned for specific uses. If entertainment is not one of the specified uses for a structure, it cannot be used in that way. Such businesses may not even be considered for an entertainment permit. So, for example, if an art gallery has a violin player performing at an art opening they are breaking the law.
A simple majority vote by the City Council can change this.
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