{"id":89755,"date":"2025-12-10T23:26:08","date_gmt":"2025-12-10T23:26:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/89755\/"},"modified":"2025-12-10T23:26:08","modified_gmt":"2025-12-10T23:26:08","slug":"applications-open-for-vacancy-to-vibrancy-storefront-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/89755\/","title":{"rendered":"Applications open for Vacancy to Vibrancy Storefront Program"},"content":{"rendered":"

Vacant storefronts in downtown will soon become plastered-on galleries for local artists, with Long Beach\u2019s new Vacancy to Vibrancy Storefront Program.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Property owners can now apply to receive free vinyl window wraps with original artwork inspired by Long Beach neighborhoods, culture and history, designed by local artists. The program\u2019s goal is to transform vacant commercial properties into engaging community assets in order to deter vandalism and draw new tenants to downtown Long Beach.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Vacancy to Vibrancy Storefront Program is a creative and community-driven initiative to bring life and color back to our commercial spaces,\u201d said Mayor Rex Richardson in a public statement. \u201cBy connecting local artists and property owners, we\u2019re turning vacant storefronts into opportunities for creativity, connection and economic growth.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Department of Economic Development & Opportunity (EDO) is teaming up with the Arts Council for Long Beach (ACLB) for this initiative. Property owners interested in participating can apply online<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"Downtown Long Beach Art Walk attendees browse through one of the exhibits at the former iconic Acres of Books building\u2014the central hub of the DTLB Art Walk. (Courtesy of Downtown Long Beach Alliance)<\/p>\n

In order to be eligible for the program, property owners must meet the following requirements:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Own a vacant commercial building\/storefront located at ground-level<\/p>\n

Have property located along a pedestrian pathway<\/p>\n

Be able to provide proof of ownership (i.e. property grant deed)<\/p>\n

Be able to submit photographs of current location<\/p>\n

Own a vacant commercial building\/storefront for a minimum of 6 months<\/p>\n

Be able to submit supporting documentation for vacancy and its length of time<\/p>\n

\u201cThe goal is to enhance the beauty and vibrancy of Long Beach\u2019s unique and authentic commercial corridors,\u201d said EDO Director Bo Martinez in a public statement. \u201cBy integrating local art into these spaces, we are supporting homegrown talent, strengthening the vitality of our neighborhood marketplaces and demonstrating that Long Beach is a city that welcomes and celebrates business.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"Local Long Beach Artist Meghan Boterenbrood paints portraits of women onto a power utility box at 1915 W. Willow Street as part of a beautification project along Santa Fe Ave in West Long Beach on Nov. 16, 2021. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)<\/p>\n

Preference will be given to long-term vacancies located along key commercial corridors. The program application will remain open until all funds are exhausted. EDO staff will lead the application and selection process to identify suitable vacant commercial properties, while ACLB will manage artist engagement, design and installation.<\/p>\n

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, generally within 60 to 90 days. Once a vacant property is leased, the art installation will be removed.<\/p>\n

\u201cArtists have always been at the heart of Long Beach\u2019s identity, and this program lets their creativity strengthen our neighborhoods,\u201d said ACLB Executive Director Griselda Su\u00e1rez in a public statement. \u201cVacancy to Vibrancy is more than beautification \u2014 it\u2019s an investment in local talent and a more welcoming city for residents and small businesses.\u201d<\/p>\n

As part of the City\u2019s adopted Fiscal Year 2025 Budget, the City will use one-time funding of $25,000 to launch the program.<\/p>\n

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