15/04/2026
Big news for our region’s creative community.
Today’s San Diego Union-Tribune features Artists Count: San Diego + Tijuana—a landmark binational initiative backed by $1.3 million to support artists across our region.
This program is about making sure artists are counted and funded—with access to:
• Direct funding
• Entrepreneurship training
• Knowledge sharing
• Cross-border networking opportunities
Led by San Diego ART Matters and the International Community Foundation, in partnership with The Prebys Foundation and the City of San Diego Cultural Affairs, this initiative represents a powerful regional collaboration to invest directly in artists.
“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, Project Lead, Artists Count
The initiative also includes a critical research component. Implemented by the Policy & Innovation Center and funded in part by the Parker Foundation, this effort will gather important data about artists’ professional lives—helping inform future policy, funding, and workforce development strategies.
At a time when arts funding is under pressure nationwide, this initiative sends a clear message: artists are essential to our cultural identity, economy, and community well-being.
Discover more at www.artistscount.org and learn how to be counted and get funded.
Read the full story:
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/04/14/new-binational-program-with-1-3-million-in-funding-aimed-to-help-regions-arts-sector/
