San Diego and Tijuana launch $1.3M 'Artists Count' initiative

The binational program aims to strengthen the region's arts sector through direct grants and comprehensive research on the creative workforce.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:12pm

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A vibrant, silkscreen-style grid of colorful paintbrushes, palettes, and sketchpads, conceptually representing the essential tools and materials used by working artists in the San Diego-Tijuana region.A bold, pop art-inspired celebration of the diverse tools and materials that empower San Diego and Tijuana's thriving creative community.San Diego Today

San Diego ART Matters and the International Community Foundation, in partnership with the Prebys Foundation and the city of San Diego, have launched 'Artists Count: San Diego + Tijuana,' a $1.3 million initiative to support working artists in the region through grants and a research survey focused on the realities, challenges, and economic impact of the creative workforce.

Why it matters

The high cost of living in the San Diego-Tijuana region makes it increasingly difficult for artists to build sustainable creative careers. This initiative aims to provide direct funding to artists while also gathering critical data to inform policy, funding priorities, and workforce development strategies to better support the local arts community.

The details

The Artists Count initiative has two main components: $1.3 million in project funding for artists, and a research survey focused on underserved communities to gather data on the professional lives of regional artists, including how they balance their craft with outside employment. Artists are encouraged to register and complete an eligibility questionnaire, with those meeting the criteria invited to submit a full application. Reviewers will prioritize projects demonstrating originality, clear intention, and a compelling vision for how the resources can assist.

  • The Artists Count initiative launched on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

The players

San Diego ART Matters

A local arts organization serving as a lead partner on the Artists Count initiative.

International Community Foundation

A partner organization on the Artists Count initiative, focused on uplifting the regional arts sector.

Prebys Foundation

A foundation providing funding and support for the Artists Count initiative.

City of San Diego

A collaborator on the Artists Count initiative, working to better support the local arts community.

Emily Young

Vice president of programs at the Prebys Foundation, emphasizing the importance of supporting artists in the region.

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What they’re saying

“Supporting artists at pivotal moments in their practice — and ensuring funding — is essential in a region where the high cost of living makes building a creative career increasingly challenging.”

— Emily Young, Vice President of Programs, Prebys Foundation

“The goal of Artists Count is to uplift and support regional artists for the long-term. We want to better understand the challenges that artists face and identify ways we can support them in achieving their professional aspirations.”

— Felicia Shaw, Deputy Director, San Diego ART Matters and Artists Count Project Lead

“The name 'Artists Count' is intentional; artists are essential to our region's identity and economic vitality. This initiative ensures that artists both receive direct investment and are represented accurately through meaningful data that can drive lasting support.”

— Marisa Aurora Quiroz, President and CEO, International Community Foundation

What’s next

Artists are encouraged to register and complete the funding eligibility questionnaire at GoApply.akoyago.com/ArtistsCount to begin the application process. Those who meet the criteria will be invited to submit a full application.

The takeaway

This initiative highlights the challenges facing artists in the high-cost San Diego-Tijuana region, and aims to provide direct funding support while also gathering critical data to inform policies and strategies to better serve the local creative workforce in the long term.