Press
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.