San Diego-based artists and nonprofits have a new opportunity to influence local communities. Yesterday, the City of San Diego initiated a new funding system, named Impact. This program aims to confront systemic issues in arts and culture, fostering transformative impacts within communities. The city's strategic plan articulates the goals of this program, according to the City of San Diego news.
Impact concentrates on developing new projects within San Diego's Communities of Concern and the San Diego Promise Zone. The city has identified these areas due to their cultural, environmental, and social significance, deeming them as areas of high potential for community impact. A pilot project will offer periodic funding of up to $100,000 over 18 months, from January 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.
The City's Arts and Culture webpage outlines the submission guidelines and the deadline for applications is November 13. The program will fund 10 collaborations between artists and organizations. The awards are created, to provide resources for the artists and nonprofits in these communities and their partners.
Jonathon Glus, Executive Director of Arts and Culture, recognizes the urgency of innovative responses to challenges within the art and culture sector. Highlighting the escalating costs of art creation, cultural heritage threats, and continuing social injustices, Glus advocates for a new approach. The Impact pilot aims to foster new voices and models for change in the designated investment zones of the City.
Funded by the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), derived from San Diego's hotel stays, the Impact program hopes to fund projects that will have a significant impact locally, regionally, nationally, and bilaterally. The funded collaborations will share their findings and outcomes with the associated communities and the broader arts, culture, and creative sectors. Award winners will also get networking and learning opportunities during their project term.
Christine Jones, Chief of Civic Art Strategies, acknowledges the tireless efforts of artists and organizations both within and outside the traditional structures. The pilot program aims to simplify the application process to increase accessibility to artists in San Diego-designated Communities of Concern or the San Diego Promise Zone. The streamlined process paves the way for visionary artists to make substantial, enduring contributions.
The program doesn't require applicants to provide a funding match, enhancing accessibility for smaller groups and artists. Potential applicants must complete an eligibility survey before proceeding to the full application.
