Long Beach Launches Imagine28 Grant Program to Support Arts Community Engagement

The City of Long Beach recently announced the launch of Imagine28, a new grant program designed to support arts-related community engagement opportunities ahead of the LA28 Olympics and Paralympic Games. The grant supports cultural programming, public art and community-based activations that will help showcase Long Beach’s creativity on the worldwide stage during the 2028 games.

The Imagine28 grant program is funded through the City’s Percent for Arts Program and is administered in partnership with the Arts Council for LB, to give local artists the chance to be part of the highly anticipated 2028 Olympics and support the Long Beach arts community.

The Imagine28 program is comprised of three grant categories aligned with citywide cultural goals: Public Art Projects, Neighborhood Grants and Measure B and Operating Grants. During the first grant cycle, a total of $135,000 was awarded by the City to support initiatives that elevate storytelling, environmental stewardship, cultural heritage and community engagement.

The Imagine28 grant awardees were selected for their inspiring creative projects that will represent the identity, history and culture of Long Beach.

Imagine28 art projects by grant category:

Public Arts Projects

• Anthony Puente – “Before the Flame” (Film): Documentary highlighting LB’s cultural communities; to premiere during the Olympic period.

• Nancy Lynée Woo – “Long Beach Lit Tour” (Literary): Citywide literary tour with popup programming at cultural venues.

• Jazlynn Pastor – “pinaypages” (Cultural Dance/Community): Intergenerational Philippine arts and wellness workshops.

• Sonja Schenk – “Blue Wave” (Sculpture): Community built sculpture using recycled plastic incorporated into public art.

• Christina Elaine Vasquez – “The Long Beach Underground” (DIY/Community): Allages arts event celebrating LB’s DIY creative culture.

Operating/Measure B organizations

• AACCLB – “LBC Legacy: Black Excellence on the World Stage”: Large‑scale mural and window installations honoring African American contributions.

• Art Theatre of Long Beach – “THROUGH THE LENS: Long Beach on the Road to 2028”: Multi‑year documentary capturing local 2028 Games preparation.

• Able ARTS Work – “Zine Fair”: Inclusive community event showcasing zinemaking and artistic collaboration.

• Long Beach Opera – “Acquaprofonda (Deep Water)”: Children’s opera addressing ocean conservation, performed at Aquarium of the Pacific.

Neighborhood Grants

• Long Beach Film Festival – “Imagine Long Beach on Screen”: Year‑round film programming and youth storytelling opportunities.

• Bixby Knolls Community Foundation – “Salsa y Sabor”: Free cultural festival during Hispanic Heritage Month hosted at Rancho Los Cerritos.

More information about these projects and their upcoming community activities is available at artslb.org/imagine28.

For those interested, another application cycle will open in summer 2027, with more details to follow.

To stay up to date with City of Long Beach’s preparations and opportunities to get involved for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, visit longbeach.gov/2028games.The webpage features an interactive venue map of sporting events, a signup form to stay connected and community FAQs available in various languages to stay informed.

Hosted by the City of Los Angeles, the 2028 Games will take place July 14 through Aug. 27, 2028. More information is available at LA28.org.