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Many people know and respect Griselda Suarez. She’s a longtime advocate for elevating voices that often go unheard, particularly through the creative arts.
Griselda spent a decade leading the Arts Council of Long Beach, and earlier this year stepped down from that role for a new job with the city of Long Beach. As the inaugural Cultural Affairs Officer, she will work within the Library Department to strengthen connections and cultural identity throughout the city. The outgrowth of her work could lead to the creation of new cultural districts or centers and new programming and gatherings.
Griselda is certainly well positioned for the role. Anne Lattime, president of the ArtsLB board, noted in the public announcement of Griselda’s departure that her leadership is characterized by “care, clarity, and deep respect” for communities they serve.
Griselda is also an accomplished, published writer herself, and an active member of the LGBTQ+ and literary communities.
I recently asked her to shed more light on her new role, and offer broader thoughts on the creative profession — including, in her words, why culture bearers in Long Beach have “a heavier burden” to carry.
What are you hoping to achieve in your new role?
Griselda: I’m thrilled to step into this role at such a pivotal time. Integrating Cultural Affairs into the Library system signals a transformative shift: we recognize that art and culture are vital to our residents’ well-being.
Our library system has been stewarding access to resources and spaces since 1896. Local libraries are hubs for connection and now I help fold in arts and culture. I look forward to making our cultural assets more accessible, turning our city into a place where the creative economy isn’t just an industry, but a shared community experience that enriches everyone.
Lastly, as a writer it’s the coolest feeling to be surrounded by books.
This is a tough time for arts — and all creative disciplines. Why should people still pursue the arts?
I think the historical and cultural moments we are experiencing create a more thought-provoking creative environment. Being creative right now is not only for artists or performers. People are expressing themselves on podcasts, protest signs, paintings, prints, protest songs, genre bending dance, and so many other art forms because when freedom to create is threatened, artists give more to our communities.
Since January 2025, it has been hard for art institutions of all disciplines due to censorship and defunding of income sources. The impact of these actions is not partisan; breaking down our artistic and cultural infrastructure damages how we connect with each other in the public realm. Art will continue to be created, and it is now a heavier burden for cultural bearers, stewards and advocates to ensure it is appreciated and protected.
What are you writing or working on now (non-work-related); or what book or work or music has recently inspired you?
I am seven weeks into the new job and have not adjusted to a rhythm for my creative practice. I hope to start a writing ritual soon.
April is National Poetry Month, so maybe it can provide some inspiration.
Meanwhile, I try to stay grounded by taking care of my garden every weekend. My wife and I grow a lot of our summer produce, and it has been a great start so far. We have over 20 varieties of tomatoes. In the music realm, I am looking forward to the new MUNA album in May. Next on my reading list is “Poppy State” by Myriam Gurba and “Spent” by Alison Bechdel.
What are you most proud of in your time with the Arts Council?
I have now lived in Long Beach for over 20 years and as a creative person and initially had a hard time connecting to the arts community. So as an arts leader, it was wonderful getting to know people through their artistic practice. The board and staff are incredible, and they continue to be strong advocates for the community.
To reach her at City Hall: [email protected].
Deadline approaching!
You have less than six weeks to submit your application for the Long Beach Non-Profit Creative Challenge — a $50,000 grant opportunity that requires applicants to work in groups of at least two.
Longtime locals Mike and Tracy Murchison established the Long Beach Creative Challenge in 2020 to address food insecurity across the city during the pandemic. This opportunity is an outgrowth of that, with the goal being to spark new thinking around any challenge or idea.
The Murchisons have been mulling the idea for this grant for some time. They emphasized two things: it must be a creative idea, and it must be a collaborative effort among at least two 501(c)(3) Long Beach-based nonprofits.
Beyond that, the criteria and issues to address are wide open.
Read the full application here. The deadline is May 15.