San Diego ART Matters

08/20/2026

This Friday at Arts District Liberty Station: Material is Process, featuring work by Emerging Artists in Residence Audrey Gingras and Ana Saad.

Audrey and Ana will share work created during their six-month residency, exploring different materials, ideas and the creative process.

Friday, August 21 | 4–6 PM
Gallery 201, ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station
2820 Roosevelt Rd., 2nd Floor

Curated by Francisco Eme, 2026 David G. Fleet Curator-in-Residence.

Stop by, meet the artists, see the exhibition and enjoy light refreshments and a live DJ. Learn more at

Material is Process - Opening Reception | Liberty Station | San Diego, CA

08/20/2026

Apply now for a 6-month Performing Arts Residency!

San Diego International Airport's Arts Program invites contemporary performing artists, collectives, organizations, and higher education performing arts departments to apply for a Performing Arts Residency in 2027.

The residency supports the development and public performance of new work, offering artists the opportunity to create, workshop, and present original material in an airport environment while providing SAN patrons unique opportunities for engagement with regional performing arts. This residency is open to artists working in all performing arts disciplines, as well as cross-disciplinary and multimedia practices, including digital performance and projection.

Two $20,000 contracts will be awarded for a 6-month residency period in 2027 - one beginning in January, and another in July.

Apply by September 7, 2026

Learn more:https://www.san.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2027-SAN-Performing-Arts-Residency-Call-for-Proposals.pdf

08/19/2026

Join California for the Arts for the next CA Arts & Culture Summit Watch Party on Wednesday, August 26, from noon-1:30 p.m.@

This virtual gathering revisits the 2026 Summit conversation “Building Economic Justice & Power,” exploring the economic realities facing artists and cultural workers and what it takes to build greater ownership, resources, and power in our creative communities.

Featuring Trevor Parham, Ash Hanson, and Nu Goteh, followed by Nu Goteh.

Register for this free event at https://secure.everyaction.com/2IqX4eRdr0iYcrGg4B2zLw2. ⬅️

08/18/2026

🎨 IN COMMUNITY IS COMING TO DISTRICT 5!

Join San Diego ART Matters and the San Diego County Arts & Culture Commission for our next In Community gathering, bringing together artists, cultural organizations, civic leaders and creative partners from across District 5.

📅 Wednesday, September 23
⏰ 4:00–6:00 PM
📍 Oceanside Public Library, Pacific Coast Highway
🎟️ FREE and open to the public RSVP: https://bit.ly/InCommunity_District5_Sept23_RSVP

This gathering includes a special opportunity to meet District 5 County Supervisor candidates Rebecca Jones and Kyle Krahel and hear directly from them about their positions on arts and culture funding.

We’ll begin in the Community Room with the candidates, followed by updates on arts and cultural projects happening across District 5 and the latest County arts funding news.

Then we’ll head outside for live jazz, food and beverages, and time to connect with artists, cultural leaders and community partners from across the region.

We’ll also welcome Christine Jones, the County’s new Manager of Art, Film and Creative Industries, and connect with District 5 Arts & Culture Commissioners Jim Gilliam, Commission Chair, and Jennifer Jeffries.

In Community is presented by San Diego ART Matters through its Local Arts Agency Learning Network, sponsored by The Prebys Foundation.

RSVP today:
https://bit.ly/InCommunity_District5_Sept23_RSVP

Come as you are. Bring a colleague or friend. Join us as we strengthen the creative community in District 5 and across San Diego County.

Disclaimer: San Diego ART Matters and the County of San Diego Arts and Culture Commission do not endorse or oppose any candidate for public office. Candidate participation in this event is provided solely for informational and educational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement of any candidate or campaign.

08/16/2026

In the latest “Museum a Month,” KPBS anchor/reporter John Carroll visits the historic Marston House Museum in Balboa Park with historian and curator Robin Lakin.

Built in 1905 for George and Anna Marston, the home offers a fascinating look at San Diego’s architecture, history and civic legacy. Today, it is operated by Save Our Heritage Organisation on behalf of the City of San Diego.

Fun Tip: Visit Friday, Aug. 21 for Music at the Marston, featuring The Winter Sisters in the historic rose garden at 3 p.m.

🎟️ Concert tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/music-at-the-marston-concert-series

Read and watch the KPBS story: https://www.kpbs.org/news/arts-culture/2026/08/13/this-iconic-home-reveals-a-lot-about-san-diego-city-history

Every room of the Marston House in Balboa Park tells the story of San Diego.

08/15/2026

There’s a brand-new way to keep up with San Diego’s arts and culture scene! Kristen Fogle (Executive Director at San Diego Writers, Ink) and Cloudcast Media have launched "Arts & Culture 180 San Diego," a new weekly “SnackCAST” hosted and curated by Kristen.

Each episode delivers 180 seconds of arts and culture news — quick updates on the people, organizations, events and stories shaping our region. The first episode is out now, featuring the Comic-Con Museum, Educational Cultural Complex Theatre and KPBS Book Festival.

Subscribe, share, and send your arts and culture briefs to Kristen. A BIG shout out to Charles Parisi and Cloudcast Media for launching yet another clever and smart way to highlight everything good happening in San Diego.

Listen and follow on Spreaker at https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arts-culture-180-san-diego--7247691 or wherever you catch your favorite podcasts.

08/13/2026

🎶🍷 Totally 80s at Mt. Helix! The Mt. Helix Food & Wine Festival returns Saturday, August 15! Enjoy 30+ tasting booths with unlimited local samples, live bands, classic arcade games, auctions and a secret speakeasy, all with a Totally 80s theme.

Proceeds benefit the Mt Helix Park Foundation, helping keep this historic community treasure open and free to the public. (Photo: Duane Chevalier)

📅 Saturday, August 15
📍 Mt. Helix Park, La Mesa
🔞 21+ event

Tickets & info: https://www.mthelixpark.org/festival

08/12/2026

Americans for the Arts just shared some good news from Washington for arts and culture! The U.S. Senate has passed a Continuing Resolution that would maintain current federal funding through December 11, providing temporary stability for the National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, and Institute of Museum and Library Services. It would also pause proposed changes to federal grant rules that raised concerns for nonprofits and arts organizations. ► Read our full appropriations update at https://www.artsactionfund.org/action-alert-senate-passes-continuing-resolution-through-december-11-2026 .

But the work isn’t finished. Congress is still negotiating FY 2027 funding.

Here’s how to get involved: During August recess, contact your members of Congress, invite them to visit an arts organization or attend an arts event, and show them firsthand why federal investment in arts and culture matters.

Take action with the Americans for the Arts Action Fund and urge Congress to support strong funding for the NEA, NEH, and IMLS: https://www.artsactionfund.org/arts-action-center

08/10/2026

What does it mean to be truly seen? “Come As You Are: Stories from Seen & Whole” brings local writers together for an evening of live poetry, fiction, and nonfiction inspired by the “Seen & Whole” exhibition.

📍 Congregational Church of La Jolla
📅 August 14, Friday | 7–9 PM
Presented by Living Proof Stories and San Diego Art Directory

Featured storyteller Rebecca Chamaa will share work inspired by Jess Bergman’s “Sutured,” drawing from her experiences with schizophrenia, stigma, healing, and identity.

Read more in Lisa Deaderick’s piece in the San Diego Union-Tribune on how Chamaa highlights the growing connection between arts and health at https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/08/09/letting-people-see-all-of-you-can-be-scary-but-she-stopped-hiding-years-ago/ 🖌️

Trained in narrative medicine, Chamaa uses writing and art to create space for reflection, connection, and well-being.

It’s another powerful example of how the arts can help us understand one another, challenge stigma, and feel seen.

Space is limited. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/one-night-storytelling-showcase-come-as-you-are-stories-from-seen-whole-tickets-1994903899264

08/08/2026

Experience the power of jazz without borders. The San Diego Tijuana International Jazz Festival returns October 1–4 with its biggest celebration yet, expanding to four days of unforgettable music across San Diego, Tijuana, and Escondido.

🎶 This year's lineup features:
• Five-time Grammy winner Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band
• Three-time Grammy-winning pianist Danilo Pérez
• New York's legendary Mingus Dynasty
• Rising Mexican jazz star Lucía & Familia Gutiérrez
• Plus free outdoor performances, food, culture, and more.

On Saturday, October 3 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, a Festival Pass includes reserved seating for all three Concert Hall performances, plus free outdoor concerts throughout the day.

Looking for the ultimate experience? Upgrade with the Friends of the Festival package and enjoy premium parking, exclusive access to the Cantina on the Green, a farm-to-table dinner by Chef Juan González of Mesa Agricola, hosted regional wines, reserved seating during the dinner concert, and other VIP amenities.

🎟️ Learn more and reserve your seats at

Celebrate the musical richness of our region with internationally acclaimed performers as they light up stages on both sides of the border.