About the Arts & Culture Commission

Contact

619-346-8572
arts@sdcounty.ca.gov 

Strategic Plan

Vision

We envision the County of San Diego as a champion of a thriving arts, culture, and creative community.

 

Mission

Support and sustain the growth and vitality of San Diego County’s diverse arts and culture communities

 

Values

  • Impact: We value the role of artistic expression, cultural practice, and creativity in the health and wellbeing of all communities, and as a catalyst for positive social change
  • Empathy: We value the feelings, thoughts, and experiences of people and the diverse perspectives that they bring
  • Equity: We value diversity of thought, practices, and experiences with avenues for every voice to be heard
  • Education: We value arts, culture, and creativity as fundamental to human development and lifelong learning
  • Integrity: We value high quality public service, transparency, accountability and dedication to the highest standards of ethical conduct
  • Access: We value accessibility for under resourced, nascent, emerging or underrepresented groups in accessing resources and services
  • Collaboration: We value partnering with diverse stakeholders and leveraging their knowledge and experience
  • Stewardship: We value the care of collections, role of art in civic spaces, and the preservation of cultural works, old and new

 

Racial and Cultural Equity Statement

Arts and culture have the unique power to inspire, amplify diverse perspectives, build empathy, promote belonging, imagine other possible worlds, and catalyze positive change. 

The San Diego County Arts and Culture Commission recognizes the roles that systemic racism, power, privilege, and inequitable access to decision-making bodies and resources have historically impacted the lives of its residents, including artists, creatives, and cultural practitioners.

A full and vibrant creative life is essential to the well-being of all residents. Therefore, the Commission has a responsibility to engage in the urgent, essential, and nuanced work of building a more just world for all through racial and cultural equity.

The Commission is committed to fostering a world where all artists, creatives, and cultural practitioners have freedom, power, resources, and platforms to share their stories.

The Commission can be an important resource to support the voices, visions, lives, and dreams of the community. As such, the Commission strives to implement equity outcomes in processes that address current and historical barriers to arts and culture resources. These include, but are not limited to, equitable representation in decision-making bodies, funding, community outreach, organizational support, and intersectional awareness.

 

Initiatives

Knowledge

  • Assess existing organizations, artists, and other stakeholders regarding needs and inequities in the community
  • Research and revise policies, and develop draft Countywide Public Art Policy and/or Ordinance
  • Develop mechanisms for learning about cultural policy issues

Engagement

  • Launch branding and awareness initiative
  • Develop speakers bureau and presentation package for Commissioners
  • Hold three networking events at strategic places throughout the County
  • Speak at arts and civic events to build awareness and update the community

Communications

  • Host as needed workshops and briefings or disseminate information on issues affecting the arts and culture community
  • Develop a Marketing and Communications Plan

Capacity 

  • Research national, state, and local funding sources
  • Seek State designation as Local Arts Agency for the County of San Diego