14TH STREET BASKETBALL COURT MURAL PROJECT

Mark your calendars! We are excited to celebrate the project beginning with a kick-off Mural Launch Event on August 10, 2024, at the 14th Street Basketball Courts from 10 am to 2 pm. This event will feature artists and vendors, creating a festive and vibrant atmosphere for the community.

Tracy Negrete, who grew up in the Washington Neighborhood, will collaborate with neighborhood youth to create a vibrant mural on the basketball court. Tracy’s deep connection to the area and her artistic vision make her the perfect mentor and collaborator for this project. By working with Tracy, the youth will have the unique opportunity to contribute to a lasting piece of public art that reflects their identity and community spirit.

The Washington Neighborhood Basketball Court Mural Project is designed to achieve several important goals:

• Youth Engagement: Bring Washington neighborhood youth together with artist Tracy Negrete to foster creativity and community involvement.
• Court Refurbishment: Beautify this popular basketball court with a mural that represents the youth in the neighborhood, creating a more welcoming and inspiring space.
• Neighborhood Stewardship: Encourage a sense of ownership and pride among the youth by involving them in the design and painting process.
• Art and Athletics Connection: Highlight the important relationship between art and athletics, demonstrating how both can enrich lives and strengthen communities.

This project is being undertaken in partnership with Books and Buckets, a local organization dedicated to providing educational and athletic opportunities to youth in the Washington Neighborhood. Together, we aim to create a meaningful and impactful experience for the young participants, combining the power of art and sport to foster positive change.

Host or Publisher Arts Council for Long Beach