Compound, a nonprofit organization focused on art and holistic health, has permanently closed its doors.
“We never imagined when we started conceptually six years ago that we would be opening in the midst of a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic and have faced unforeseeable and insurmountable challenges,” Compound founder, Megan Tagliaferri recently announced on the organization’s website. “The work has been deeply meaningful for us, and we hope for the people we have served.”
The 15,000-square-foot space in the Zaferia district, which acted as a hybrid art gallery, a holistic healing center, retail space and restaurant during its time, opened in July last year with the goal of creating an inclusive place where community members could heal, grow and feel a sense of belonging.
Inside, the art center offered multiple art exhibitions, highlighting innovative, thought-provoking artists from Long Beach and beyond. In its time, Compound often afforded creators a unique opportunity to build-out immersive art installations that took months to prepare, such as artist Glenn Kaino’s popular exhibit, “Tidepools.” Outside, the center featured an open courtyard and sculpture garden that held community-led, wellness events, such as yoga classes, farmers markets and creative workshops.
It’s not exactly clear what led to the decision to close Compound, but according to the Los Angeles Times, the nonprofit was facing financial challenges in 2021 brought on by the pandemic. As a result, the organization was forced to downsize, laying off several staff members late last year.
“It was always our mission to positively impact our community, specifically the arts and culture space, by delivering accessible experiences with arts and wellness programming,” Tagliaferri said in an online statement Wednesday. “Please know that while this is the end of Compound, this isn’t the end of our endeavor to make change by believing and investing in new models for a brighter future for all.”
A spokesperson for Compound was not immediately available to discuss the nonprofit’s closure.
Arts and culture reporter Cheantay Jensen contributed to this report.
Inside the ethereal dreamscape of immersive art exhibition, ‘Tidepools’