National Arts & Humanities Month provides an opportunity to learn how the arts ecosystem impacts our local economy and quality of life in San Diego communities.
For example, did you know $174.6 billion was added to the California economy in 2015 thanks to the arts, according to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)? In addition, NEA studies show a strong correlation between the arts and the well-being of older adults, as well as developmental benefits during early childhood.
Locally, the City of San Diego Commission for Arts & Culture recently reported the nonprofit arts and culture sector generates $1.1 billion in total economic activity. This spending supports 35,914 full-time equivalent jobs, generates $894.4 million in household income to local residents and delivers $116 million in local and state government revenue.
During this month of coast-to-coast recognition of arts and culture in America, it’s important to understand that the arts serve as a powerful tool and provide benefits for San Diegans to explore new ideas and engage with one another.
Because local artists often have deep roots in communities, their work sparks conversation, promotes civic engagement and celebrates our region’s unique diversity – strengthening our economy, community and culture.
The local impact of arts and culture is evident in The San Diego Foundation Creative Catalyst Program.
Since its inception, the program has partnered with more than 30 arts and culture nonprofits and 45 artist fellows, reaching more than 170,000 community members to help grow San Diego’s creative economy, advance artist careers and strengthen community engagement by increasing opportunities for San Diegans to experience arts and culture.
Grants are awarded annually to artists and their respective nonprofit sponsors who work collaboratively with each other and the community to develop and showcase their art projects.
The 2018 cohort of Creative Catalyst Fellows consists of:
Recently, Creative Catalyst Program Co-Founder & Co-Chair Jill Hall, Maxx Moses and 2015 Creative Catalyst Artist Ron Najor shared how artists are impacting San Diego’s creative economy and making San Diego a better place to work, enjoy, live and learn.
Director of Community Impact Katie Rast hosted the discussion on a Facebook Live broadcast. Watch the broadcast below:
On August 9, 2022, we awarded $838,704 in Opening the Outdoors grants to 24 nonprofit organizations that offer equitable access to outdoor spaces in San Diego County.
“San Diego Foundation is proud to once again support its partners committed to increasing community-driven efforts to enhance accessible outdoor space, encourage youth to learn more through hands-on education and create the next generation of environmental stewards in the San Diego region,” said Christiana DeBenedict, SDF Director of Environment Initiatives.
This year’s grantees will help address these inequities and enhance access to the outdoors throughout San Diego County.
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