The Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) is responsible for the City's arts, culture, and creative industries. Specifically, DCA advances an equitable and inclusive creative economy and arts ecosystem in San Diego that reflects the region's cultural diversity and informs San Diego’s brand as a global city.

DCA’s mission is to advance and drive an equitable and inclusive creative economy and cultural ecosystem by investing in the work of artists and creatives and the institutions and systems that amplify creative work and experiences, cultivating local participation and access, and advancing San Diego as a global city.

DCA’s vision is a champion for a cultural capital with a global reputation for its diverse and innovative creative workforce, cultural vitality and wholly unique art experiences and opportunities for all.

DCA staff of professional arts administrators facilitates DCA’s programs and initiatives.

DCA interacts with the City’s Commission for Arts and Culture, which serves in an advisory capacity to the Mayor, City Council, and DCA. The Commission's primary role is to promote, encourage, and increase support for the region's artistic and cultural assets, integrate arts and culture into community life, and showcase San Diego as an international tourist destination. The Commission is composed of 15 volunteers appointed by the Mayor. More information about the duties and functions of the Commission is set forth in the San Diego Municipal Code: Commission for Arts and Culture (PDF) and the Commission for Arts and Culture - Rules and Regulations

DCA is supported in part by the California Arts Council. Since the early 1980s, DCA has served as the officially designated California Arts Council State/Local Partner for San Diego County.