By Gina Yarbrough
San Diego, CA–A coalition of regional arts and culture organizations is raising concerns over proposed cuts to the City of San Diego’s fiscal year 2027 budget that could eliminate public funding for the arts.
According to city officials, organizations including Arts+Culture: San Diego and San Diego ART Matters were notified during a briefing on Tuesday that Mayor Todd Gloria plans to remove arts and culture funding in his upcoming budget proposal.
In response, arts leaders are organizing an emergency town hall with hundreds of affected groups, urging collective action to preserve funding. They warn that eliminating support for the sector would have far-reaching consequences for the region’s economy, workforce, and community life.
“Cutting funding to arts and culture at this level will have decimating, long-term consequences for San Diego’s economy and identity,” said Christine Martinez, manager of Arts+Culture: San Diego. “These organizations are small businesses, employers, educators, and community anchors. Many simply won’t survive without this funding.”
Advocates say the arts sector supports thousands of local jobs, generates approximately $1.8 billion in tourism revenue, and contributes significantly to neighborhood vitality across the city.
The proposed cuts come as many organizations are still recovering from pandemic-related losses while facing rising operational costs. Leaders also pointed to reduced federal support, including cuts to National Endowment for the Arts grants, compounding financial strain.
“San Diego’s arts and culture organizations are essential economic drivers,” said Bob Lehman, executive director of San Diego ART Matters. “Reducing investment now undermines a sector that consistently delivers a strong return for the region.”
Some institutions are already feeling financial pressure. In Balboa Park, smaller arts groups report layoffs amid declining attendance tied in part to newly implemented parking fees.
“City arts grants make up nearly 10 percent of our budget,” said Michael Warburton, executive director of the San Diego Model Railroad Museum. “Without this support, we are facing growing uncertainty about our future.”
Arts advocates emphasized that beyond economic impact, the sector plays a vital role in education, youth development, and community engagement.
“The arts are not a luxury, but a vital public good,” said Alessandra Moctezuma, chair of the Cultural Arts Commission. “Stable funding ensures equitable access to arts experiences and sustains the cultural fabric of our city.”
Arts+Culture: San Diego and San Diego ART Matters are calling on the mayor and City Council to maintain fiscal year 2026 funding levels in the upcoming budget. Community members, artists, and supporters are encouraged to participate in public discussions as budget deliberations move forward.
Arts+Culture: San Diego represents a coalition of more than 150 organizations working to strengthen the region’s cultural ecosystem and advance long-term funding solutions, including the proposed Penny for Arts and Culture initiative.
