The individual artists, and arts and cultural organizations in San Diego reflect the excitement
found in our city. They provide our communities with an extraordinary variety of options.
Through the local stages, galleries, festivals and community meeting spaces, they bring the arts
and culture to everyone in San Diego.
The City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture provides a foundation for the
integration of this creative energy. We work to insure the stability, success and continued growth
of our artistic and cultural providers. The Commission also serves as a partner and catalyst for
artistic innovation within our communities.
Mission Statement
The City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture vitalizes the
City by supporting the region's cultural assets, integrating arts and culture into community life and showcasing San Diego as an international tourist destination.

Position Statement
Through effective public policy, advocacy, strategic partnerships and funding, the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture supports non-profit organizations, neighborhood arts programs, festivals, public art, cultural tourism and innovative programming which all contribute to the quality of life, the economy and the vibrancy of San Diego.

Vision
The City of San Diego is known for its extraordinary setting and a natural beauty that enriches
the daily lives of its people. Inspired by a wealth of natural resources, the citizenry have built a
community which reflects its surroundings. Geographic location positions San Diego as an
international hub; historical forces have made it the home of indigenous and immigrant groups of
great diversity; and an abundance of human resources promises great economic potential. San
Diego takes its place among the great cities of the world, distinct from other coastal
communities. Along with this coming of age is a flowering of arts and culture, a sign of a
mature metropolitan area.
The Commission celebrates the diversity of the City's ethnic groups who together provide the
variety and multiplicity of arts and cultural offerings that enrich the natural environment. The
City provides financial support for arts and cultural organizations to bring together these creative
forces, inspire patronage and stimulate artistic appreciation.

Background History
The City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture (Commission), a local arts agency, was
established in 1988 by City Ordinance to serve in an advisory capacity to the Mayor, City
Council and City Manager on promoting, encouraging and increasing support for the arts and
culture institutions of San Diego. It is the Commission's responsibility to make all
recommendations pertaining to arts and culture for City funding to the City Council. It is also
the Commission's responsibility to advise on projects and programs designed to promote public
art throughout the neighborhoods of the City of San Diego, develop policies to involve artists in
selected Capital Improvement Projects and to encourage the private sector to include public art in
private developments.
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