San Diego County Proposes $2.75 Million Arts Plan Focused on Underserved Communities

Overview

• County supervisors Terra Lawson-Remer and Monica Montgomery Steppe, who unveiled the plan Wednesday, set a Board of Supervisors vote for Tuesday, May 5.
• The proposal commits $2.25 million in ongoing yearly funding with a $500,000 one-time outlay, including $1 million for direct artist grants.
• It prioritizes neighborhoods long short on support and creates a program to designate and back cultural districts across the county.
• The plan also funds $500,000 for affordable creative spaces, $250,000 for artist residencies inside county departments, and $250,000 for cross-border projects with Baja California, plus $500,000 one time for the Encanto Black Arts and Culture District.
• Arts groups praised the move during a period of shrinking city and federal support, saying it could keep classes, performances, and jobs going after NEA awards were rescinded and San Diego faces steep grant cuts.