Artists + Practitioners + Organizations

The mission of the Imperial Valley Desert Museum is to preserve, interpret, and celebrate the deserts of Southern California through outstanding collections, research, and educational programs. The organization’s goal is to be the foremost research and educational institution devoted to the preservation, interpretation, and celebration of the deserts of Southern California.

Outside the Lens (OTL) amplifies youth voices through photography, filmmaking, and digital media, catalyzing change within themselves, their communities, and the world. OLT provides youth with the tools and skills necessary to succeed in a digital world. OLT's vision is that all youth, regardless of income, geography, national origin, or identity, have the artistic and technological skills and access to create and share their stories.

Playwrights Project empowers people of all ages and backgrounds to voice stories through theatre, inspiring individual growth and creating meaningful community connections. Its vision is to sustain an inclusive, compassionate community that broadens minds through the power of creativity and theatre. It champions individual voices, with a focus on uplifting underserved communities through equitable, inclusive, and anti-racist practices that raise BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and similarly marginalized individuals. Programs serve youth in San Diego schools and individuals of all ages who have experienced poverty, homelessness, foster care, immigration, substance use disorder, the justice system, and the military.