Los Angeles arts groups launch inclusive city-themed exhibition in Long Beach

A new collaborative exhibition at EXPO Arts Center in Long Beach brings artists from Able ARTS Work, Exceptional Children’s Foundation and LA Goal together to explore accessibility, creativity and community. CORE: A City We Build Together runs through Jan. 20 and includes tactile Braille signage, audio descriptions and ASL interpretation.

Why it matters: - CORE centers inclusive design instead of treating accessibility as an add-on. - The exhibition uses art to show how cities can better reflect the people who live in them. - The project also expands visibility for artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

What happened: - CORE: A City We Build Together opened Friday, Nov. 6, with an evening reception at EXPO Arts Center in Long Beach. - The exhibition brings together multiple artists from Able ARTS Work, Exceptional Children’s Foundation and LA Goal. - The show is free and open to the public at 4321 Atlantic Ave. in Long Beach. - The exhibition runs through Jan. 20, 2027.

The details: - The exhibition features an immersive cityscape installation, architectural models, miniature landmarks, original music and soundscapes. - The 13 participating artists are Sarah Campos, Yuki Chayette, Nelson Cobain, Cyril Elvina, Jillian Frankel, Sarah Gerke, Arturo Monjaras, Jasmine Nunez, Johnathan Porter, Sean Rizzo, Humberto Saldana, Joseph Tapia and Brendan Tury. - Accessibility features include tactile Braille signage, audio descriptions and American Sign Language interpretation. - For more information, visit Able ARTS Work. - ECF Art Centers has supported artistic opportunities for adult artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1968. - ECF Art Centers operates four professional art studios across Los Angeles County. - ECF Art Centers is a program of the Exceptional Children’s Foundation that serves adults ages 18 and older. - Learn more at artecf.org.

Between the lines: - The project signals a shift from representation to shared authorship, with artists helping shape the cultural conversation about accessibility. - The collaboration also gives each organization a wider platform and introduces the artists to new audiences. - Veronica Arteaga, president and CEO of Exceptional Children’s Foundation, said the exhibition creates space for artists to help shape communities where everyone can participate, contribute and feel a sense of belonging. - Jasmine Franco, gallery assistant for ECF Art Centers, said partnerships like CORE create more opportunities for meaningful connections and help build a community where different perspectives are valued.

What's next: - Visitors can see the exhibition in Long Beach through Jan. 20, 2027. - The participating organizations are likely to use the show as a model for future collaborations centered on accessibility and creative inclusion. - ECF Art Centers will continue its mentorship and professional development work with adult artists across Los Angeles County.

The bottom line: - CORE turns accessibility into part of the artwork itself and uses collaboration to model a more inclusive city.