Core to this plan is empowering artists to thrive in their work and the nonprofit organizations they often work through to fulfill their visions and missions. Meeting the need for affordable and accessible spaces is critical for sustainability and the growth and development of the city’s arts and cultural ecosystems. Expanding equity in access to resources, including grants, facilities, and technical assistance, is a priority, ensuring that all individuals and organizations, regardless of background or scale, have the support they need. Through expanding opportunities for artists and arts and culture organizations, San Diego will enhance its sense of place through cultural vitality, creativity, and inclusivity, enriching the lives of all San Diegans.

Strategies

1.1 Address the critical need for affordable creative spaces.

1.2 Continue to evolve grantmaking strategies to advance equity, building on current efforts.

1.3 Expand funding available for individual artists.

1.4 Strengthen and create service organizations to support the success of artists through nonprofit arts and cultural organizations, creative industries such as music and film, arts education, and creative youth development.

1.5 Establish an equity fund to create pathways to organizational growth and sustainability for arts and cultural organizations led by and serving historically less-resourced communities.

1.6 Facilitate building the capacity of the creative industries through targeted convenings, thought leadership programs, and support for incorporating best practices.

1.7 Partner large cultural institutions with smaller organizations to encourage mutual learning and to build capacity by providing mentorship and access to greater organizational infrastructure.

1.8 Create artist and designer fellowships or residencies within City government, building on the current Exposure Photo Fellowship program.

1.9 Develop an ongoing Kumeyaay Nation relationship to empower and celebrate Indigenous culture and creativity.

1.10 Continue to streamline procurement and contracting processes for arts and culture to advance equity, timeliness, and access.

San Diego aspires to emerge as a vibrant global hub for arts, culture, and creativity, celebrated for its fresh, authentic, and engaging offerings and opportunities reflective of the region’s diversity and spirit of innovation. San Diego intends to position itself as a center for creative business and creative entrepreneurs, as well as a cultural and creative travel destination. Through strategic partnerships in workforce development, small business development, recruiting, and tourism initiatives, the aim is to reposition San Diego as a premier destination for creative exploration and exchange, attracting people from around the world to live, work and explore.

Strategies

4.1 Expand San Diego’s destination marketing efforts to further incorporate the arts, culture and creativity.

4.2 Expand management and partnerships to support growth and development of San Diego’s cultural and creative tourism offerings.

4.3 Strengthen awareness and success of San Diego arts and creative economy in the global marketplace.

4.4 Based on learning experiences from World Design Capital, produce or develop one or more signature events/destination events.

4.5 Recognize and support expanded transborder artistry.