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Dancers, sculptors, photographers, painters, and all artists: Your story matters. Your art matters. And now, there's $1.3 million invested in proving it.

Artists Count: San Diego + Tijuana is here for working artists, especially those in underserved communities. Apply for direct funding, access professional development training, and join a binational movement shaping the future of our creative region.

Every artist who applies and completes the research survey helps build lasting support for artists across San Diego and Tijuana.

San Diego ART Matters and International Community Foundation, in partnership with The Prebys Foundation and The City of San Diego, launched Artists Count.

It’s a binational initiative to provide funding and professional development, plus binational research to better understand and support working artists, especially in underserved communities.

Get started at ArtistsCount.org
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Danzantes, Escultores, Fotógrafos, Pintores y todos los artistas: Tu historia importa. Y ahora, hay $1,3 millones invertidos en demostrarlo.

Los Artistas Cuentan: San Diego + Tijuana esta aquí para los artistas trabajadores, especialmente esos en comunidades menos servidas. Apliquen por financiamiento directo, tengan acceso a entrenamiento y desarrollo profesional.a un movimiento binacional que esta formando el futuro de nuestra región creativa.

Cada artista que aplica y completa el estudio ayuda a construir un importante esfuerzo de investigación que busca impulsar la economía creativa a ambos lados de la frontera.

Empiezan en ArtistsCount.org/es/

Dancers, sculptors, photographers, painters, and all artists: Your story matters. Your art matters. And now, there's $1.3 million invested in proving it.

Artists Count: San Diego + Tijuana is here for working artists, especially those in underserved communities. Apply for direct funding, access professional development training, and join a binational movement shaping the future of our creative region.

Every artist who applies and completes the research survey helps build lasting support for artists across San Diego and Tijuana.

San Diego ART Matters and International Community Foundation, in partnership with The Prebys Foundation and The City of San Diego, launched Artists Count.

It’s a binational initiative to provide funding and professional development, plus binational research to better understand and support working artists, especially in underserved communities.

Get started at ArtistsCount.org
______________________________________________________________________________

Danzantes, Escultores, Fotógrafos, Pintores y todos los artistas: Tu historia importa. Y ahora, hay $1,3 millones invertidos en demostrarlo.

Los Artistas Cuentan: San Diego + Tijuana esta aquí para los artistas trabajadores, especialmente esos en comunidades menos servidas. Apliquen por financiamiento directo, tengan acceso a entrenamiento y desarrollo profesional.a un movimiento binacional que esta formando el futuro de nuestra región creativa.

Cada artista que aplica y completa el estudio ayuda a construir un importante esfuerzo de investigación que busca impulsar la economía creativa a ambos lados de la frontera.

Empiezan en ArtistsCount.org/es/

Out of respect and concern for the community during the ongoing incident at the Islamic Center of San Diego, today’s planned arts and culture rally and advocacy activities at Civic Plaza will be postponed. The San Diego City Council meeting scheduled for today has also been postponed.

Our hearts are with the Islamic community and all those impacted during this difficult moment. Acts of fear, hatred, and violence have no place in our region. San Diego’s strength has always come from our diversity, compassion, and our commitment to standing together in times of challenge.

**RALLY AND COUNCIL MEETING IS POSTPONED**

DON'T FORGET! TODAY Monday, May 18 at 4 PM at Civic Center Plaza (1200 Third Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101)

Join San Diego ART Matters, Arts+Culture: San Diego, and regional arts and culture leaders for a public press conference calling attention to the proposed elimination of City funding for arts and culture grants in the FY27 budget.

Signs are Welcome for the press conference in the outdoor plaza (may not be allowed in Council Chambers).

Following the press conference, attendees are encouraged to stay and speak during the 6 PM City Council session to ensure our voices are heard directly by decision-makers.

Your voice matters. Your presence matters. Show up for arts and culture in San Diego.

Today is the last day to verify your eligibility for the artists count grant. Submissions close at 5pm May 15th!

You have until June 19th to fill out the research survey. Just go to artistscount.org #artistscount #artistgrant #artistsurvey

San Diego is facing proposed cuts to arts and culture funding that would deeply impact organizations across our region, including the Athenaeum.

Our Executive Director, Christie Mitchell (@christiemitchell), shares why this moment matters—and how community support makes a direct impact.

Save the Arts — Ways to Use Your Voice
 
• Attend the Monday, May 18 rally (4 PM) and City Council public input hearing (6 PM) at Civic Center Plaza
• Contact the Mayor’s office and your City Council representative
• Submit a letter to the editor to the @sandiegouniontribune
• Learn more through @artsculturesd and @sdartmatters
 
Support the Athenaeum:
Membership sustains our library, exhibitions, concerts, classes, lectures, print studio, and free public programming across two locations, that keep the Athenaeum open and accessible to our community year-round.
 
Starting at $50 per year ($40 students), become a member through the link in bio, at ljathenaeum.org/join-renew, or call us at 858-454-5872 💫

Artists Count: San Diego + Tijuana is a binational initiative designed to strengthen the regional creative workforce.
Through research, project funding, and professional development, we help artists in San Diego and Tijuana build sustainable careers that uplift our whole region.

Get Funded.

If you qualify, propose a project. If selected, you’ll be paid to complete your project.

Eligibility deadline
5/15/2026
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Los Artistas Cuentan: San Diego + Tijuana es una iniciativa binacional diseñada para fortalecer la fuerza laboral creativa regional.

A través de investigación, financiamiento de proyectos y desarrollo profesional, ayudamos a artistas en San Diego y Tijuana a construir carreras sostenibles que impulsen a toda nuestra región.

Obtén financiamiento.

Si calificas, presenta una propuesta de proyecto. Si tu proyecto es seleccionado, recibirás fondos para realizar tu proyecto.

Fecha límite para verificar elegibilidad
5/15/2026

Artists Count: San Diego + Tijuana is a binational initiative designed to strengthen the regional creative workforce.
Through research, project funding, and professional development, we help artists in San Diego and Tijuana build sustainable careers that uplift our whole region.

Get Funded.

If you qualify, propose a project. If selected, you’ll be paid to complete your project.

Eligibility deadline
5/15/2026
~
Los Artistas Cuentan: San Diego + Tijuana es una iniciativa binacional diseñada para fortalecer la fuerza laboral creativa regional.

A través de investigación, financiamiento de proyectos y desarrollo profesional, ayudamos a artistas en San Diego y Tijuana a construir carreras sostenibles que impulsen a toda nuestra región.

Obtén financiamiento.

Si calificas, presenta una propuesta de proyecto. Si tu proyecto es seleccionado, recibirás fondos para realizar tu proyecto.

Fecha límite para verificar elegibilidad
5/15/2026

❗The Mayor's revised budget is disappointing. It does not fully restore arts and culture funding. Organizations continue to face uncertainty and many are being forced to consider layoffs, reduced programming and cuts to community services. The arts are not optional infrastructure, rather they are part of what makes San Diego a vibrant, globally competitive city. Arts organizations provide critical opportunities for connection, storytelling, education and cultural expression. We are urging the City Council to fully restore arts and culture funding before the budget is finalized. Protect Jobs, Tourism, and Vital Community Programs!

Press release available in link in bio!

📣Join us on Monday, May 18 at 4 PM at Civic Center Plaza (1200 Third Ave, San Diego 92101) to RALLY FOR ARTS AND CULTURE FUNDING!📣 Following the press conference, attendees are encouraged to stay and speak during the 6 PM City Council session to ensure our voices are heard directly by decision-makers.

❗The Mayor's revised budget is disappointing. It does not fully restore arts and culture funding. Organizations continue to face uncertainty and many are being forced to consider layoffs, reduced programming and cuts to community services. The arts are not optional infrastructure, rather they are part of what makes San Diego a vibrant, globally competitive city. Arts organizations provide critical opportunities for connection, storytelling, education and cultural expression. We are urging the City Council to fully restore arts and culture funding before the budget is finalized. Protect Jobs, Tourism, and Vital Community Programs!

Press release available in link in bio!

📣Join us on Monday, May 18 at 4 PM at Civic Center Plaza (1200 Third Ave, San Diego 92101) to RALLY FOR ARTS AND CULTURE FUNDING!📣 Following the press conference, attendees are encouraged to stay and speak during the 6 PM City Council session to ensure our voices are heard directly by decision-makers.

❗The Mayor's revised budget is disappointing. It does not fully restore arts and culture funding. Organizations continue to face uncertainty and many are being forced to consider layoffs, reduced programming and cuts to community services. The arts are not optional infrastructure, rather they are part of what makes San Diego a vibrant, globally competitive city. Arts organizations provide critical opportunities for connection, storytelling, education and cultural expression. We are urging the City Council to fully restore arts and culture funding before the budget is finalized. Protect Jobs, Tourism, and Vital Community Programs!

Press release available in link in bio!

📣Join us on Monday, May 18 at 4 PM at Civic Center Plaza (1200 Third Ave, San Diego 92101) to RALLY FOR ARTS AND CULTURE FUNDING!📣 Following the press conference, attendees are encouraged to stay and speak during the 6 PM City Council session to ensure our voices are heard directly by decision-makers.

Artists enrich us culturally, socially, and economically. We’re working to support their work.

San Diego County and Tijuana are recognized as part of a vibrant binational region where artists thrive, but artists in the San Diego–Tijuana region also face systemic barriers to earning a livable income from their creative work, leading to both cultural and economic loss.

Artists Count: San Diego + Tijuana helps close the gap by providing the resources and recognition artists need to thrive as independent professionals.

Be Counted. Get Funded. The eligibility deadline is MAY 15.

Learn more and apply at artistscount.org

Photos from April’s @creativemornings_sd breakfast lecture series @fleetscience in Balboa Park
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Los artistas nos enriquecen cultural, social y económicamente. Estamos trabajando para apoyar su labor.

El Condado de San Diego y Tijuana son reconocidos como parte de una región binacional vibrante donde los artistas prosperan; sin embargo, los artistas de la región de San Diego-Tijuana también enfrentan barreras sistémicas para obtener un ingreso digno a partir de su trabajo creativo, lo cual conlleva pérdidas tanto culturales como económicas.

*Artists Count: San Diego + Tijuana* ayuda a cerrar esta brecha al proporcionar los recursos y el reconocimiento que los artistas necesitan para prosperar como profesionales independientes.

Sé parte del conteo. Obtén financiamiento. La fecha límite de elegibilidad es el 15 de MAYO.

Obtén más información y presenta tu solicitud en artistscount.org/es

Photos del @creativemornings_sd en @fleetscience

Art funding is not optional; it’s essential to our children, families, and communities.

Two days ago, our Chief Strategic Advancement Officer, Rebekah Hook-Held (she/her), addressed the San Diego City Council during a Budget Committee hearing. She joined other arts and culture professionals and supporters in opposing proposed cuts to arts funding.

In her public comment, Rebekah said the proposed funding cuts would have a major impact on The New Children’s Museum because City support is foundational to its programs, staff, and community access initiatives. She emphasized the museum’s long-standing role in San Diego’s cultural and economic landscape, its support of union jobs and local workers, and the importance of ensuring all children and families have access to creativity, learning, and play. Rebekah also stressed that arts and culture are essential public investments that strengthen communities and help make San Diego vibrant and welcoming.

The budget finalizes on Tuesday, June 9. Now is the time to join us and make your voices heard! Thank you for standing with us and advocating for the future of arts and culture in San Diego.

Art funding is not optional; it’s essential to our children, families, and communities.

Two days ago, our Chief Strategic Advancement Officer, Rebekah Hook-Held (she/her), addressed the San Diego City Council during a Budget Committee hearing. She joined other arts and culture professionals and supporters in opposing proposed cuts to arts funding.

In her public comment, Rebekah said the proposed funding cuts would have a major impact on The New Children’s Museum because City support is foundational to its programs, staff, and community access initiatives. She emphasized the museum’s long-standing role in San Diego’s cultural and economic landscape, its support of union jobs and local workers, and the importance of ensuring all children and families have access to creativity, learning, and play. Rebekah also stressed that arts and culture are essential public investments that strengthen communities and help make San Diego vibrant and welcoming.

The budget finalizes on Tuesday, June 9. Now is the time to join us and make your voices heard! Thank you for standing with us and advocating for the future of arts and culture in San Diego.

Art funding is not optional; it’s essential to our children, families, and communities.

Two days ago, our Chief Strategic Advancement Officer, Rebekah Hook-Held (she/her), addressed the San Diego City Council during a Budget Committee hearing. She joined other arts and culture professionals and supporters in opposing proposed cuts to arts funding.

In her public comment, Rebekah said the proposed funding cuts would have a major impact on The New Children’s Museum because City support is foundational to its programs, staff, and community access initiatives. She emphasized the museum’s long-standing role in San Diego’s cultural and economic landscape, its support of union jobs and local workers, and the importance of ensuring all children and families have access to creativity, learning, and play. Rebekah also stressed that arts and culture are essential public investments that strengthen communities and help make San Diego vibrant and welcoming.

The budget finalizes on Tuesday, June 9. Now is the time to join us and make your voices heard! Thank you for standing with us and advocating for the future of arts and culture in San Diego.

Call to Action: Show Up for San Diego Arts & Culture

Monday, May 18
Arrive at 3:30 p.m. for 4 p.m. start
Civic Center Plaza – Downtown San Diego
RSVP: https://bit.ly/RSVP_May18_CallToAction_PressConference

Join San Diego ART Matters, Arts + Culture: San Diego, and regional arts leaders as we speak out against the proposed elimination of $11.8 million in City arts and culture funding in the FY27 budget.

We need artists, cultural workers, nonprofit organizations, educators, and community advocates to show up in force and demonstrate the impact and unity of San Diego’s creative community.

Attendees are also encouraged to stay for the 6:00 p.m. City Council session to speak directly to decision-makers.

This is about more than a budget — it’s about protecting jobs, community programs, youth services, and the creative sector that helps define San Diego.

Your presence matters. Stand with us.

Can’t join us but want to show your support? Use the link below to send a quick message to your city councilmember and ask them not to cut Arts & Culture funding. It takes 30 seconds and makes a huge difference.

https://www.artsandculturesd.org

**GIA READER**

In March, the GIA team and Board of Directors spent time soaking in the shared cultural ecosystem of San Diego/Tijuana. Check out Across Borders, Within Reach to get an in-depth recap of our adventures.

We'd like to extend a special thank you to the cultural partners and local organizations who welcomed us:
International Community Foundation
Art Scene Baja
San Diego Art Matters
California Arts Council
Teatro Las Tablas
Casa de la Cultura de Tijuana and
Oryx Restaurante

Read the full article at the link in our bio 🔗