Be Counted. Get Funded.
$1.3 Million in Funding to Artists, Major Research Effort Aim to Grow Creative Economy Across Borders
San Diego ART Matters (SDAM) and the International Community Foundation, in partnership with Prebys Foundation and the City of San Diego, have launched Artists Count: San Diego + Tijuana, a landmark binational initiative designed to strengthen and grow the region’s arts sector through direct investment in artists and comprehensive research on the region’s creative workforce.
The initiative features two components: $1.3 million in funding and professional development opportunities for artists, and a binational research effort to better understand the realities, challenges and economic impact of working artists in San Diego and Tijuana – with particular focus on underserved communities.
“Supporting artists at pivotal moments in their practice – and ensuring funding – is essential in a region where the high cost of living makes building a creative career increasingly challenging,” said Emily Young, Ph.D., vice president of programs at the Prebys Foundation.
Through Artists Count, individual artists across San Diego County, the City of San Diego and Tijuana will have access to funding, entrepreneurship training, knowledge sharing and cross-border networking opportunities. These resources are designed to provide financial support to help artists build sustainable careers and expand their professional reach across the region.
“The goal of Artists Count is to uplift and support regional artists for the long-term,” said Felicia Shaw, deputy director of San Diego ART Matters and Artists Count project lead. “We want to better understand the challenges that artists face and identify ways we can support them in achieving their professional aspirations.”
Equally important, artists are strongly encouraged to participate in the Artists Count research survey. The research initiative, implemented by the Policy & Innovation Center and funded in part by a generous grant from the Parker Foundation, will gather critical data about artists’ professional lives – including how much time they devote to their craft versus outside employment, the balance they would ideally like to achieve, and other structural challenges affecting their work. Findings will help inform future cultural policy, funding priorities, and workforce development strategies to build a more resilient creative economy.
“The name ‘Artists Count’ is intentional; artists are essential to our region’s identity and economic vitality,” said Marisa Aurora Quiroz, president and CEO of International Community Foundation. “This initiative ensures that artists both receive direct investment and are represented accurately through meaningful data that can drive lasting support.”
To apply for funding, artists must first complete an eligibility survey. Those who meet the criteria will be invited to submit a full application. Reviewers will prioritize projects that demonstrate originality, clear intention, and a compelling vision for how Artists Count’s resources can serve as a professional turning point or advance long-term artistic goals.
“We urge all local working artists to apply,” said Rachel Laing, assistant deputy director, economic development for the City of San Diego, who leads the Cultural Affairs division. “In addition to funding, Artists Count is a chance to be counted and get funded – which will give us insight into how your community can better serve you.”
Artists are encouraged to register and complete the eligibility survey at goapply.akoyago.com/artistscount to begin the application process. For more information, visit Artists Count website.
About San Diego ART Matters
San Diego ART Matters, formerly the San Diego Regional Arts and Culture Coalition, was founded in 1989 to promote the public value of the arts and boost support through advocacy and service. Today, SDAM acts as a convener, connector, and communications hub for San Diego’s creative sector, which believes that collective power begins with the act of speaking with one voice. For more information regarding SDAM, visit sdartmatters.org.
About International Community Foundation
The International Community Foundation (ICF) believes in the transformative power of community, and works to connect people and ideas across borders through strategic investments. Established in 1990, ICF has a proven track record in strategic international grant making. For more information, visit icfdn.org.
About Prebys Foundation
The Prebys Foundation is the largest independent private foundation in San Diego County. Dedicated to creating an inclusive, equitable, and dynamic future for all, the Foundation invests in four program areas: arts and culture, youth success, health and well-being, and medical research. Learn more at prebysfdn.org.
About City of San Diego Cultural Affairs
Cultural Affairs advances the City’s art, culture, and creative industries. As a division of the Economic Development Department, Cultural Affairs drives an equitable and inclusive creative economy and arts ecosystem that reflects the region’s cultural diversity and works to advance San Diego as a global city. To learn more, visit sandiego.gov/cultural-affairs.
