Fellowship Position Funded by Prebys Foundation in Alignment with Regional Arts Initiatives
SAN DIEGO – Sept. 24 – The Downtown San Diego Partnership marks a new chapter in its mission to advance the cultural vitality of San Diego’s urban neighborhoods with the hiring of Jonathon Glus as the Conrad Prebys Senior Art & Design Fellow in Residence starting on Oct. 20. Made possible through funding provided by the Prebys Foundation, Glus is charged with launching a clear vision and framework for the future Downtown Arts District and elevating Downtown San Diego’s cultural identity through arts-led urban transformation.
“We are thrilled to welcome such a seasoned leader to the Downtown Partnership and look forward to seeing Jonathon’s experience bring focus to nurturing Downtown’s arts and culture ecosystem,” said Justin Apger, COO & Executive Vice President of the Downtown San Diego Partnership. “Our urban neighborhoods are ripe with opportunity to bring in national and global best practices and innovative new approaches to more thoroughly integrate artists, creatives, organizations, and creative businesses.”
Glus brings more than 20 years of work in the international cultural space to the benefit of the organization, including as part of the leadership team that delivered the World Design Capital 2024 to the region as well as work with blue chip and museum-quality artists.
“Jonathon is a nationally recognized arts leader whose vision highlights the power of creativity to revitalize public spaces and energize Downtown as a vibrant hub for residents, workers, and all who gather at this cultural crossroads,” said Grant Oliphant, CEO and President of the Prebys Foundation. “We are proud to support his leadership as an arts expert and resource for the city and the wider community.”
Having most recently served as the Director for the City of San Diego’s Department of Cultural Affairs, Glus also brings an in-depth understanding of the regional arts community and the Creative City cultural plan that will help align Downtown Partnership efforts as they relate to creative tourism and creative enterprise zones.
“Jonathon has made many notable contributions during his time with the City of San Diego, lending a thoughtful, strategic approach to how we make arts accessible throughout our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “We are excited to see how his talent will continue to benefit the community through this work in Downtown by creating beautiful, engaging spaces and enhancing the significant economic impact we know the arts contribute to the entire region.”
In this role, Glus will be charged with establishing the first Downtown Arts District, which has already begun its visioning and development with plans to closely align with the current boundaries of the City Center neighborhood and its existing five theatre venues. The District’s formation will also be complemented by Glus’ support of strategic initiatives within its envisioned boundaries including plaza and parks activations and enhancements to the C Street and B Street corridors, among others aligned with the Downtown Partnership’s mission and the Downtown Community Plan. Glus will also lead the development and coordination of advisory groups and inclusive community input to ensure the formation of the District reflects diverse voices and perspectives.
“I am a firm believer that everyone should have access to the most extraordinary arts and culture in a region as dynamic as this one,” said Jonathon Glus, future Senior Art & Design Fellow. “With an organization like the Downtown Partnership, I have the amazing opportunity to create that kind of access in public spaces. I’m excited to bring my collective experience working in amphitheaters, universities, museums, galleries and more to create something that feels unique to our community.”
In addition to launching the Downtown Arts District, Glus will bring a depth of arts and cultural focused programming to the Downtown Partnership including: Working with stakeholders to recruit major cultural products into Downtown San Diego; Commissioning, contracting and installing public artworks; Securing funding through grants, sponsorships, philanthropic contributions, and partnerships; And curating and managing creative programming, pop-ups, murals, and interactive art experiences.
###
The Downtown San Diego Partnership is a nonprofit organization that serves as the principal voice and driving force behind the economic prosperity and cultural vitality of Downtown San Diego through membership, advocacy, enhanced services, and community investment. It also serves as the managing organization for several special districts including the Clean & Safe program that provide essential public services in the 280 blocks of Downtown. For more information, visit downtownsandiego.org.
