Life & Work with Cassandra Leeman of Long Beach

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassandra Leeman.

Hi Cassandra, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey in the arts and creative community began with a curiosity for bringing people together and a deep commitment to making meaningful connections across industries. I earned my Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship from the University of Houston and, over the years, my passion for creativity and community led me to Long Beach, where I’ve been fortunate to work with a vibrant network of artists, partners, and organizations.

I started at Long Beach-based creative agency Intertrend over seven years ago, and for the past four and a half years, I have served as a Director for Creative Class Collective (CCC). Through CCC, I’ve had the privilege of curating and producing programs that celebrate diversity, spark imagination, and support artists in sharing their voices with the world. Some highlights from recent years include leading the Unexpected Connections Conference and Dinner series, the Couriers of Hope exhibition with Port City Creative Guild, and the immersive Art of Bloom experience. I’ve also directed Long Beach Walls and Art Renzei, which for the past 10 years has brought large-scale art installations and murals to public spaces to encourage curiosity, connection, and pride in our city.

A few standout moments for me have been collaborating with the Getty Trust on their 25th Anniversary festival and collaborating with World Wide Walls, an international mural festival. These projects allowed us to spotlight the unique cultural fabric of Long Beach and champion underrepresented voices, especially women in the arts.

Throughout my journey, I’ve faced the challenge of building bridges between different communities, navigating the evolving landscape of public art, and adapting our programs during the uncertainties of the pandemic. Each challenge was an opportunity for growth, collaboration, and resilience. All of the programs would not have been possible without the support of my team and community, and I am deeply grateful for the chance to help foster a more inclusive and creative future for Long Beach.

Today, I continue to be inspired by the artists, collaborators, and neighbors who make our community so special. My hope is to keep amplifying their voices, nurturing creativity, and creating spaces—both physical and digital—where art and connection can thrive.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has definitely had its ups and downs, and each year brings its own set of challenges. I’ve learned that flexibility and resilience are essential in this work. For example, in 2020, the pandemic forced us to cancel our art festival, which was difficult for both our team and the artists we support. In 2021, we faced another setback when some of our beach art installations were stolen, which was heartbreaking after so much effort and collaboration.

Each year since has brought new hurdles, whether it’s navigating ever-changing city regulations, dealing with unexpected logistical issues, or, more recently in 2024, losing access to nearly all of the mural walls we had planned for our festival. These experiences can be discouraging, but they’ve also made us more creative and persistent in finding solutions.

Despite these obstacles, I’m continually inspired by the dedication of our team and the support from our community. Every challenge has taught us something valuable and pushed us to grow. Ultimately, it’s the shared passion for art and community that keeps us moving forward, no matter what comes our way.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work in the creative field centers on building community and celebrating diversity through art and cultural programming. As the Director of Creative Class Collective, I curate and produce a wide range of experiences, everything from large-scale mural and sculpture festivals like Long Beach Walls and Art Renzei, to intimate creative conferences and community art exchanges. My focus is on connecting people across different backgrounds and disciplines, and creating opportunities for both artists and audiences to engage in meaningful ways.

I would hope I’m known for my collaborative approach and for bringing ambitious ideas to life, even when the path isn’t always easy. Whether it’s transforming public spaces with art, organizing immersive exhibitions, or supporting underrepresented voices, I strive to make creativity accessible and impactful for the whole community.

I’m most proud of the sense of connection and pride these projects bring to Long Beach, and the way it brings people together. Seeing artists, neighbors, and visitors come together to celebrate creativity—and witnessing the lasting impact on our city—is incredibly rewarding.

What sets me apart is my ability to bridge different industries and perspectives, and my belief that art has the power to unite and inspire. I’m passionate about pushing boundaries, supporting emerging talent, and ensuring that everyone feels welcome to participate in the creative process.

Ultimately, my goal is to make art a catalyst for positive change, both in our community and beyond.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about Long Beach is its eclectic and welcoming spirit. The city is truly a mosaic of cultures, backgrounds, and creative voices, which makes it such an inspiring place to live and work. There’s a genuine sense of community here. People are open, supportive, and eager to collaborate, which creates endless opportunities for meaningful connections and new ideas.

Like many other cities across the world, we struggle to find financial support for artists and arts organizations. While Long Beach is incredibly rich in talent and vision, the resources to help bring creative projects to life are often scarce. Many of us find ourselves tapping into the same small pool of funders year after year, which can make it difficult to sustain new ideas or support a wider range of artists.

This lack of diverse and robust funding means that emerging and independent artists, in particular, face real barriers to accessing grants, affordable studio spaces, or opportunities to showcase their work. It can also limit the scale and impact of community events and festivals, despite the enthusiasm and energy that’s here.

I believe that for Long Beach’s arts scene to truly thrive, we need to expand our network of supporters—whether that’s through new private partnerships, increased public investment, or creative collaborations with local businesses. When we invest in the arts, we’re really investing in the vibrancy and well-being of our entire community. I hope to keep advocating for more resources and opportunities so that Long Beach’s creative spirit can continue to shine and grow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.creativeclasscollective.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativeclass_lb/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creativeclasscollective/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/imprinttalk

Image Credits
Long Beach Walls and Art Renzei