The City of San Diego is set to energize its vibrant cultural landscape with a $12.2 million investment in local arts and culture in fiscal year (FY) 2025. This funding will be granted to 179 nonprofit organizations, fueling diverse activities and projects, including film screenings, exhibitions, performances, festivals, parades and other community events. It promises a rich and varied cultural experience for all. 

"Our investment in San Diego’s arts organizations is one that delivers significant returns," said Mayor Todd Gloria. "This funding not only enriches our cultural fabric but also bolsters our local economy by creating jobs and drawing visitors to our city. These awards also help ensure every San Diegan has the chance to experience arts and cultural events in every neighborhood across our city." 

The City annually funds local nonprofit organizations to cultivate and enhance arts and culture activities across all City Council districts. This funding, generated from the Transient Occupancy Tax collected from visitors staying in hotels, motels and other accommodations, is awarded through the Organization Support Program (OSP) and Creative Communities San Diego (CCSD). 

The OSP provides general operating support to San Diego nonprofit arts and culture organizations, helping to deliver programs and activities that offer residents and tourists direct access to arts and culture opportunities. In FY 2025, from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, the OSP will award more than $10.1 million to 116 organizations. 

CCSD provides project-based support for nonprofit organizations to deliver dynamic projects in San Diego neighborhoods that engage diverse communities in arts, culture and creativity. In FY 2025, CCSD will award more than $2 million to 63 projects.  

The City will announce the OSP and CCSD application process for FY 2026 in the fall of this year.   

“As the region's largest annual funder of arts and culture, the City of San Diego helps fuel cultural experiences across our entire city,” said Jonathon Glus, Executive Director for Arts and Culture. “Our investments spark jobs, vibrant communities and inclusive arts experiences for all San Diegans. We're grateful to Mayor Gloria and the City Council for championing these transformative grants, supporting a thriving cultural scene that enriches San Diego for everyone.” 

The City of San Diego is committed to driving an equitable and inclusive creative economy and cultural ecosystem by investing in artists, creatives and institutions that amplify creative work and experiences. To learn more, visit sandiego.gov/arts-culture.