Long Beach Cultural Hub Closes Its Doors: 'Will Be Dearly Missed'

LONG BEACH, CA — For several years, Compound, a nonprofit in Long Beach's Zaferia neighborhood, served as a cultural hub, putting on transformative exhibitions, wellness programs and events with the intention of fostering community.

But on Monday, the founder of the cultural hub, Megan Tagliaferri, announced on social media that that after "much reflection," the non-profit had closed its doors.

The closure, according to a Compound representative, was prompted by a lack of funding availability and philanthropic opportunities, and rising operation costs.

"Despite tireless efforts to adapt and secure additional resources, the current financial climate makes continued operations unsustainable," the Compound representative said. "Compound will be dearly missed."

The idea for Compound came to Tagliaferri in 2013, who wanted to create a space that would bring "greater healing, transformation and personal growth" to the community.

"Compound was forged out of conversations during studio visits, and built through the vision of artists and the generosity of an engaged community," a Compound representative told Patch."The vision of Compound was led by artists and built by our very own community here in Long Beach."

The non-profit opened its doors in Long Beach in 2020, but closed its doors in 2022 due to challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. After a nearly two-year hiatus, Compound came back in 2024 with a restaurant concept called Union @ Compound.

Since then, more than 26,000 have visited Compound, according to the non-profit. They've had more than 700 people participate in wellness programs, 450 in art workshops and nearly 200 others fed through its food equity program, according to the non-profit.

"We are particularly proud of our efforts in commissioning new works from artists that were driven by ideas rather than market potential," the non-profit said. "We have fought to further the careers and provide space and resources to inspire the work of local artists."

While the non-profit is officially closed as of Monday, its team will put on one last "goodbye" event Sunday. The event will be filled with art, music and the "joy of connection," according to the nonprofit.

A collage workshop, Art For All with Ray Fay, will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Live music performances will take place from 1 to 6 p.m.

"Compound would not have been able to achieve or accomplish all that it did if it were not for the city of Long Beach, our community, and the remarkable artists and partners who dedicated their time, energy and resources along the way," a Compound representative said. "We close with gratitude and pride in what we have accomplished together."

Compound is located at 1395 Coronado Ave. in Long Beach, CA 90804