Your CCSD Result: Creative Ecosystem Builder

You may be building the things that help creative people do the things!

Creative Ecosystem Builder supports projects that strengthen artists, cultural workers, creative organizations, and the systems around them.

Your project might offer training, technical assistance, shared resources, professional development, space, tools, connections, convenings, artist services, or other support.

And this is important:

Your project does not need to end with a public performance or event to create public benefit.

Helping artists and cultural organizations become stronger, more connected, better resourced, or better able to do their work can create benefits that ripple out into San Diego’s cultural life.

Also read Community Arts & Creative Spaces if...

• The project’s primary purpose is sustained creative participation with a community or place.

Also read Public Cultural Life if...

• The main thing the City would be supporting is a public event or cultural experience.

Next Steps

• Review Creative Ecosystem Builder
• Read the CCSD Guidelines
• Compare CCSD Pathways
• Request Application Support

Still unsure?

First, breathe easy. You are allowed to be between categories!

The FY28 pathways are meant to help us understand different kinds of work, not force every organization or project into a perfect little box.

Here is the simplest version:

For OSP, ask "What does our organization need right now, and what role does it play?"

For CCSD, Ask "What is the main thing this project is designed to accomplish?"

Choose the answer that is most true, then read the pathway you land on.

If another pathway also sounds close, read that one too.

And if you are still unsure, ask us!

Cultural Affairs may also work with applicants to move an application when another pathway is a better fit. A good faith category choice will not, by itself, negatively affect eligibility or score.

Final Friendly Reminder

This quiz is meant to help you get oriented and make FY28 a little easier to navigate.

It is not an official City determination of eligibility, category placement, award amount, or funding.

Your quiz result is your starting point, not a stamp of approval

Read the applicable guidelines, ask questions when you have them, and choose the pathway that most honestly reflects the work you are asking the City to support.