Brings 35 years of experience to further accessible arts and culture in Long Beach, Calif.

LONG BEACH, Calif. – October 31, 2024 – Today, Creative Class Collective announces the appointment of Blair Cohn as its new Executive Director. Blair brings a wealth of experience in event planning, community engagement, and business revitalization to the organization. As executive director, Cohn will oversee Long Beach Walls + Art Renzei, Port City Creative Guild, Unexpected Connections and #MakeNoiseToday.

Blair Cohn will lead Creative Class Collective through a strategy shift to empower creators through experience and community. He’s tasked with cultivating a vibrant creative economy through artist growth and fostering cultural vitality within communities.

Cohn's extensive experience includes six years of organizing national educational seminars and conferences for school teachers. In 2001, he co-founded International City Racing, the organization that revitalized the annual Long Beach Marathon. He is a co-chair of the Council of Business Association (COBA), serves on the Economic Development Commission and EDC Loan Committee, and sits on the board for the Grand Prix Foundation. Additionally, he is a Board Member of Care Closet LBC, a Member of the Rancho Los Cerritos Communication and Advocacy Committee, and has served on the board of the Long Beach Economic Partnership. Blair was also a two-time mentor with Operation Jump Start and a member of Mayor Robert Garcia’s Transition Team.

"Blair brings a passion and expertise that will only propel the Creative Class Collective," said Julia Huang, founder and CEO of Long Beach-based creative agency Intertrend Communications, who leads support for Creative Class Collective organizers. "His extensive experience and deep roots within the Long Beach community will be invaluable as we continue to grow and serve our community."

Currently, Cohn serves as the Executive Director of the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association (BKBIA), where he has played a pivotal role in revitalizing business corridors and neighborhoods. His innovative initiatives, such as the Bixby Knolls Strollers, Literary Society, Supper Club, Good Spirits Club, Concerts in the Park(ing Lot), Kidical Mass Bixby Knolls, and Knights of the Round (Turn)Table, have successfully connected the community to the business district and its members. He also contributed to the growth of First Fridays, a popular community event. Cohn will maintain his responsibilities at the BKBIA in this dual role.

“The Creative Class Collective has created some unique and impactful cultural events to Long Beach,” said Cohn. “Their passion for bringing arts and culture to the community is tangible and I’m eager to dig in and support their growth and evolution as we take on even bigger events in the years to come!”