The RDA had the intention of demolishing the 27,000 sq. ft. building and then selling the land to a developer.  Former 8th District Councilmember Rae Gabelich and the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association (BKBIA) fought to keep the building and turn it into an arts and culture space for the Bixby Knolls and North Long Beach areas of the city.

To prove there was a need for an arts and culture space in this part of the city, the BKBIA worked with K-JAZZ radio to put on a Sunday evening Jazz show that featured Al Williams Jazz Society & Barbara Morrison, and Jack Sheldon and the California Cool Quartet.  The response was overwhelming.

Since the first jazz show, the EXPO Arts Center has become an active space for arts and culture of all types in Bixby Knolls.

In January 2013, the EXPO Arts Center suffered water damage during a major rainstorm. In December 2013 work finally began to repair the building and with a commitment from the City of Long Beach the BKBIA offices and the 8th District Council Office were built out to provide onsite management.  It is through volunteer efforts, political will, community support, and the management of the space by the BKBIA, that the EXPO Arts Center has become the center for arts and culture in Bixby Knolls.

Want to hold your creative event in this space?

It is understood that Events booked at the EXPO Arts Center shall be of an arts, culture, and community nature. Private parties, Events that are political or religious in nature, weddings, and other non-art related events are not permissible. (Exception: Current elected official’s Community Meetings.)

It is understood that the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association is the lease holder for EXPO Arts Center, 4321 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90807.
The property is owned by the City of Long Beach.

• It is agreed that there is no smoking in the building, or on the property at any time.
• All trash shall be removed from the building by user at the end of use.
• All lights shall be turned off at end of use.
• All building doors are to be locked and secured at end of use.
• Air conditioning/heat shall be turned off at end of use.
• All chairs and tables shall be returned and reset at end of use.
• Any walls used to display artwork or signage shall be patched and painted at end of use.
• No animals are allowed in building.
• No food preparation is allowed in the building.
• Rental Agreement must be filled out completely and rental fees paid two weeks before scheduled Event date.
• Deposits for building key(s) and damage are required and will be refunded within 10 business days of  Event end date.
• Event Insurance Required with all event rentals. Additional insured shall include: BKBIA, the City of Long Beach, Paul & Susan Forman, The Kids Theater Company, Held2Gether, Able Arts Work and African American Cultural Center LB.
• Representatives from the BKBIA shall be permitted to take photographs of the event for EAC archives.