The Broad Strokes Project

The Mission

The mission of The Broad Strokes Project is to increase tourism and civic engagement, facilitating cultural growth through public art. 

The History

The Broad Strokes Project (TBSP) was established in late 2021 with the intent of continuing to grow the cultural identity in our community through art. The founding members included a coalition of civic-minded women of different cultural and professional backgrounds who shared a common desire to see art flourish in Longview. 

While the community was struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was also a spirit of cooperation and excitement for downtown Longview among small business owners. It was in this climate that the founders believed the time was right to attract civic activity and business patronage through public art. TBSP was largely inspired by and founded in part on the model of The Longview Outdoor Gallery (LOG) after the announcement of that organization’s intended dissolution to occur in 2023.

The Goal

The goal of TBSP is to invigorate community engagement, attract creatives and new businesses, and enhance tourism through public art installations that showcase quality, diversity, and our vibrant culture. This will be achieved through annual varied art installations and events in and throughout the Longview-Kelso area, with the goal of expanding throughout Cowlitz County in the coming years. 

Our goal for 2024 is to add FOUR additional murals to downtown Longview, with an estimated cost of up to $25,000.

The Impact

Public Art...

• Provides documentation of our evolving cultural identity.
• Beautifies and enlivens public spaces.
• Brings artists and their creative vision into the civic decision-making process.
• Improves economic development and invites tourism.
• Strengthens civic pride.
• Encourages conversation and collaboration within the community to develop a joint vision for the future.
• Contributes accessible art to be enjoyed by all community members, removing barriers to disadvantaged populations within our community.
• Inspires imagination and cultural awareness.
• Can be appreciated for generations to come.