Investments aim to expand access to arts and culture citywide and boost tourism
SAN DIEGO – The City of San Diego has announced two funding opportunities aimed at supporting arts and culture activities and projects in San Diego, and applications are now being accepted.
The Operational Support Program (OSP) provides general operating support to nonprofit arts and culture organizations, while Creative Communities San Diego (CCSD) offers project-based support. These funding opportunities are designed to generate meaningful impacts for San Diegans, and to boost tourism and expand access to arts and culture in every City Council district.
Funding for both categories comes from the Transient Occupancy Tax, collected from overnight visitors who stay in San Diego.
“We understand the significance of arts and culture in a thriving San Diego, and we are dedicated to aligning our investments in arts and culture with the city’s commitment to equity,” said Jonathon Glus, the Director of Arts and Culture. “Moreover, arts and culture play a pivotal role in the economy, providing employment opportunities to thousands of individuals and contributing over $1.1 billion in economic activity. We are eager to see the response from artists and nonprofit organizations in this year’s application process as the sector continues to grow.”
The OSP funding opportunity supports San Diego nonprofit arts and culture organizations in delivering activities that positively impact tourism while increasing opportunities in arts and culture. Meanwhile, the CCSD funding opportunity supports projects by nonprofit organizations that engage diverse communities in San Diego through creative endeavors. OSP and CCSD activities and projects will take place between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025.
Free online resources and assistance are available for potential applicants by visiting the OSP (https://www.sandiego.gov/arts-culture/funding/osp) and CCSD (https://www.sandiego.gov/arts-culture/funding/ccsd) resources webpage. Applicant organizations without tax-exempt nonprofit status may be eligible for CCSD funding through a fiscal sponsor.
Applications for both funding opportunities can be found online. The application deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, at 8 a.m.
“These funding opportunities aim to support and empower organizations, artists and cultural workers who play a crucial role in preserving San Diego’s dynamism and diversity,” said Christine E. Jones, Chief of Civic Art Strategies for the Arts and Culture. “These activities and projects, spanning a wide range of artistic and cultural forms such as art exhibitions, musical performances, theatrical productions and festivals, contribute to the celebration and preservation of local arts and culture. Moreover, they elevate San Diego’s national and international recognition as a thriving and vibrant creative destination.”
In addition to OSP and CCSD, the city has also released the Impact pilot funding opportunity, offering phased funding of approximately $100,000 to 10 innovative collaboration projects led by artists and nonprofit organizations based in designated Communities of Concern and in the San Diego Promise Zone. The purpose of Impact is to develop and implement change-making innovative projects within these designated geographic boundaries connecting heritage, sustainability and justice. The application deadline is Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, at 8 a.m.
The City of San Diego advances and drives 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. To learn more, visit sandiego.gov/arts-culture.
(City of San Diego Release)
