Backers celebrate ‘creative district’ designation for Long Beach
Published 1:55 pm Sunday, February 15, 2026
LONG BEACH — Supporters are celebrating the Long Beach Creative District being approved by state arts leaders.
Bill Svendsen was delighted at the news.
“I was relieved,” he said, looking back upon a year of effort. “We have put a lot of time into it.”
Svendsen is a long-time arts promoter who runs the Peninsula Arts Center just north of the downtown Long Beach core.
He has spearheaded the effort while keeping supporters updated on a Long Beach Creative District Facebook page.
The designation is a concept that more than 20 Washington cities from Anacortes to Woodinville have earned.
‘Transformative initiative’
In its application to the Washington State Arts Commission approved Feb. 5, leaders labeled the effort “a transformative initiative that will celebrate the town’s unique attributes while fostering innovation, community engagement and economic prosperity.”
One goal is to become a model.
“By cultivating a vibrant environment where art and culture thrive, Long Beach can become a model for creative placemaking and a destination for inspiration and connection,” leaders said.
The four-point vision statement seeks to:
• Boost the economy
• Promote cultural expression
• Strengthen community connections
• Preserve local heritage
The application spelled out a three-year program of actions with marketing strategies and signs. Svendsen noted signs and brochures will be among early activities.
Concrete projects include enhancing the farmers and arts markets at Veterans Field with an indoor structure for year-round use, helping to meet the goal of expanding the visitor season beyond the April to September peak.
Cooperation
Numbers gathered by local, county and state agencies note that almost 1.2 million people visit the Long Beach Peninsula each year, the majority in that timeframe.
The effort reflects the Long Beach Merchants Association’s work in organizing community events like the Razor Clam Festival, Music in the Park and the Sandsations sandcastle contest. All three bring in revenue that exceeds expenses, according to 2024 tallies. The group has an annual budget of more than $200,000, funded in part by lodging taxes collected by the city of Long Beach and Pacific County.
The application noted the cooperation between the merchants’ group, the city of Long Beach and two Pacific County entities, the Economic Development Council and the Tourism Bureau.
The Long Beach City Council unanimously passed a resolution of support in December 2024. Restaurant and gallery owners, artists, musicians and people representing arts groups provided letters of support.
In its proposed budget, the district estimated $38,000 on marketing and signs and an annual budget of $16,500.
Beyond Long Beach
The state program requires a district to be walkable. Ilwaco is pursuing its own district.
Long Beach has a target area of 15 blocks long and four blocks wide, stretching from the Kite Museum north to the Transparent Owl studio; city statistics from 2025 showed it was home to 22 “creative establishments” employing 67 people.
Preliminary maps created by backers highlight activities outside the Long Beach boundaries, including Ocean Park, where businesses like the Bay Avenue Gallery play an important role in promoting the arts economy through classes and sales.
The “metrics for success” in the planning documents include boosting foot traffic, increasing tourism revenue and adding arts-related businesses. Once time has passed, residents will be surveyed about perceptions of quality of life improvements.
The group that spearheaded the designation is gearing up for a Creative Arts Month festival with artists booths and live music. The event is timed to coincide with the year of the 250th (semiquincentennial) anniversary of the United States. Svendsen said the group is considering September, although no firm dates are set. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at some point to celebrate the district.
As well as storefront exhibits, a 50-year time capsule will be buried. A contest for a sculpture will be announced and a “passport” scavenger hunt is planned. Other potential annual projects outlined in the application include festivals showcasing acoustic music and brews and spirits.