The San Diego Artist Incubator (SDAI), launched by the City of San Diego, supports up to 30 San Diego County artists, 18 years of age or older, in developing essential business and communication skills to strengthen the sustainability and impact of their work. Artists will be selected to participate in a structured hybrid learning experience, with partner You Belong Here, focused on branding and storytelling, marketing and communications, and financial planning. Participants who complete this eight-week program may receive a $1,200 micro-investment to support early-stage marketing and communications efforts. This iteration of SDAI is funded, in part, by the California Arts Council.

Program Benefits:

• Hybrid Experience: Engage in face-to-face and digital learning experiences that fosters deeper understanding of these artist business marketing and communications development areas Financial Planning, Branding & Storytelling, and Communication & Marketing.
• Business Growth: Acquire actionable strategies for marketing and communications, relationship building and engagement to grow and expand your artistic practice.
• Peer Networking: Work alongside fellow artists, exchange ideas, and gain new perspectives to support professional development and opportunities for network building.

Applying

Apply Here Via Fluxx

Application Due:  June 24, 2025 at 5 p.m. PT

Guidelines

• Guidelines include program information, eligibility and instructions on how to apply. Please read fully before reaching out with any questions.
• San Diego Artist Incubator Guidelines

Activity Period

Kickoff: 

• July 30 (Wed) – Orientation & Community Introductions (Virtual), 5:30–8:00 PM

Virtual Sessions (Wednesdays, 5:30–8:00 PM): 

• August 6, 13, 20, 27 and September 3, 10  

In-Person Workshops (Saturdays, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM): 

• August 16, 30 and September 20. Workshops will take place in central San Diego locations.

Resources

• Fluxx User Registration Guide
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Codes for Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations (Code 27-0000)
• SDAI Technical Assistance Link