News
June 5, 2026 – Landmark Advocacy Win
Proposal Restores $10.35 Million of Arts & Culture Funding
A proposal to restore more than $10.3 million to arts and culture grant funding was announced this morning by San Diego Council President Pro Tem Kent Lee.
May 28, 2026 – San Diego ART Matters May Newsletter
Advocacy, Upcoming Events, & Grant Opportunities
As we move through spring, it has been an encouraging and inspiring season for artists across the San Diego–Tijuana region.
May 21, 2026 – Action Alert
New Date & Time! Arts Funding Rally May 27 at 4:30 p.m. Civic Center Plaza
Now more than ever, we must continue pushing for the full restoration of arts and culture funding in the City of San Diego budget. The future of nonprofit arts organizations, artists, cultural programs, neighborhood events, and creative jobs across our region remains on the line. Join us for a public press conference and rally on Wednesday, May 27 at 4:30 p.m. before the City Council Public Input Budget Hearing at 6:30 p.m. on the 12th floor of City Hall (202 C Street).
May 7, 2026 – Action Alert
BREAKING NEWS! County Approves Landmark Arts Investment While Mayor Gloria Eliminates December Nights
After a year of working with San Diego ART Matters and listening to artists and arts organizations from around the region, the County Board of Supervisors made history by approving the proposed initiative, “Investing in Arts, Culture, and Creative Opportunities for All,” directing $2.75 million toward new arts investments across the region.
May 3, 2026 – Action Alert
San Diego Arts & Culture Funding Crisis
San Diego’s arts and culture community is facing a critical moment as Mayor Gloria proposes the 100% elimination of arts and culture funding in the FY27 budget.
November 18, 2025 – The San Diego Union-Tribune
Longtime arts champion Bob Lehman tapped to head ART advocacy group San Diego ART Matters
Bob Lehman, who has been at the helm of the San Diego Museum Council since 2021, has been named the new executive director of San Diego ART Matters, the region's leading arts advocacy and service organization.
November 13, 2025 – San Diego ART Matters
San Diego ART Matters Names Bob Lehman as New Executive Director Lehman to Lead Region’s Leading Arts Advocacy Organization
San Diego ART Matters (SDAM), the region’s leading arts advocacy and service organization, announced the appointment of Bob Lehman as its new executive director, effective November 10, 2025. Lehman succeeds Felicia Shaw, who will assume a new role at SDAM overseeing special projects, strategic initiatives, and advancement.
April 5, 2024 – San Diego ART Matters
Local Arts Advocacy Group New Name and Brand Reflects Transformation
San Diego ART Matters—the new name and brand—was unveiled at a special event at their new home, UC San Diego Park & Market. The event helped celebrate Arts, Culture, & Creativity Month, a statewide initiative spearheaded by California for the Arts.
January 30, 2024 – San Diego Regional Arts & Culture Coalition
Groundbreaking Study Shows Arts and Culture Are Indispensable to Local Economy and Vibrancy of Community
This first survey, conducted in 2022, came at complicated time, as regional arts organizations dealt with COVID-19 pandemic and before prices rose for goods and services in 2023.
January 25, 2024 – The San Diego Union-Tribune
San Diego arts nonprofits pumped nearly $1.4 billion into region’s economy in 2022
Groundbreaking study shows arts and culture are indispensable to local economy and vibrancy of community. County-wide study shows $1.4 Billion in economic activity in 2022.
July 7, 2023 – San Diego Regional Arts & Culture Coalition
County of San Diego Board of Supervisors Candidates Forum
April 26, 2023 – San Diego Regional Arts & Culture Coalition
Local Arts and Culture Community Leaders Gather to Celebrate New County Commission for Arts and Culture
Convening Timed to Help Commemorate Arts, Culture and Creativity Month.
April 23, 2023 – Modern Luxury San Diego
Taking the Lead
Thanks to Modern Luxury San Diego for featuring our fearless leader in your current issue. A great way to help kick off Arts, Culture and Creativity Month.
April 18, 2023 – The San Diego Union Tribune
Opinion: Here’s why supporting San Diego’s arts and culture organizations is a good investment
Read the Op-Ed by Bob Lehman, chair of the San Diego Regional Arts & Culture Coalition, and Victoria Hamilton, president of the California Arts Advocates.
February 18, 2023 – The San Diego Union Tribune
New director of arts advocacy group says San Diego has 'vibrant, edgy' art scene that needs continued support
Read the One-on-One with Executive Director Felicia Shaw in the San Diego Union-Tribune feature about notable local people.
January 21, 2023 – KPBS Midday Edition
Envisioning a 'new normal' for San Diego arts and culture
A radio interview with our new Executive Director Felicia Shaw.
January 19, 2023 – San Diego Regional Arts & Culture Coalition
Local Arts Advocacy Group Hires First Executive Director
Felicia Shaw, long-time arts professional, to take the helm and set priorities.