Long Beach residents have an opportunity to highlight Long Beach’s diverse living histories.
A coalition of Long Beach cultural organizations and community partners has launched “Seeds of Resilience,” a citywide collaborative initiative that invites residents to deepen their understanding of the histories that have shaped the greater Long Beach area, according to a press release.
The application deadline has been extended to Friday, July 10, for artists, historians, cultural practitioners and community organizations interested in participating.
As the nation commemorates its 250th anniversary, “Seeds of Resilience” invites residents to reflect on the many communities, cultures and living histories that have shaped Long Beach and Southern California across generations, organizers said. The initiative is being led by Mayor Rex Richardson’s office, Rancho Los Cerritos, Rancho Los Alamitos, Long Beach Public Libraries, Long Beach Unified School District and the Arts Council for Long Beach.
Individuals, community-based organizations, cultural groups and nonprofits in the greater Long Beach area can apply for $500 to $1,500 microgrants to share a booth, history project, art installation, storytelling activity or cultural presentation that reflects their community’s ties to Long Beach at a free community activation day at the end of the year, organizers said.
“‘Seeds of Resilience’ reflects the best of Long Beach, a city shaped by the strength and stories of its people,” Richardson said in a statement. “These grants put resources directly into the hands of community organizations, artists and residents who tell our city’s story every day. They will help celebrate our diverse history and strengthen the civic pride that makes Long Beach vibrant.”
The application deadline for artists and community storytellers for “Seeds of Resilience: The Story of Long Beach” has been extended to Friday, July 10, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Rancho Los Cerritos)
The application deadline for artists and community storytellers for “Seeds of Resilience: The Story of Long Beach” has been extended to Friday, July 10, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Rancho Los Cerritos)
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The application deadline for artists and community storytellers for “Seeds of Resilience: The Story of Long Beach” has been extended to Friday, July 10, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Rancho Los Cerritos)
“Seeds of Resilience” does not focus on a single starting point in American history, but instead recognizes the many communities whose histories are rooted in Southern California, the press release said.
“For thousands of years, the Tongva and other Indigenous people stewarded this land,” organizers said, “and generations of multiracial communities have shaped the area through migration, labor, culture and civic life. The initiative brings these layered histories into conversation with the national 250th anniversary.”
The initiative will culminate in a community activation day, dubbed “Seeds of Resilience: The Story of Long Beach,” from 2 to 7 p.m. Sept. 22, at the Civic Center Plaza, 411 W. Ocean Blvd. The free public event will celebrate connection and resilience through art, performances, storytelling and cultural projects rooted in local history, the press release said.
To learn more about “Seeds of Resilience” or to submit a Long Beach story, visit artslb.org/long-beach-story.