When San Diego artists were asked about what they need at every stage of their careers to grow, thrive, and be successful, their responses revolved around the need for space, funding, support, and opportunities for collaboration.
SPACE
Artists expressed the need for space in San Diego in the form of indoor/outdoor performance and exhibition venues, affordable housing and work space, as well as a central location dedicated to resource sharing and networking. Currently, venues available to artists outside of large performance halls and established museums are limited and difficult to find. Artist participants in the roundtable discussion suggested increasing the number of multi-disciplinary performance and exhibit spaces, including those for street performers, in addition to including more local artists in museum shows. Another recurring topic of conversation was the need for more affordable live/work space in the San Diego, as both are in short supply in the region and necessary for the survival of any artist community. A physical hub in the form of an "arts center" was identified as a space need. This proposed arts center would act as a centralized location where regional artists could come together to share resources, go for technical assistance, and offer arts education classes to the community at large.
FUNDING/SUPPORT
The need for increased funding and general support for San Diego artists was a topic that came up multiple times during roundtable discussions. Noting that San Diego is one of the most expensive regions to live in, artists felt that increased funding in the form of grants and opportunities for steady employment could be tailored to help artists in all stages of their careers. Additionally, support in the form of advocacy organizations that provide opportunities for artists' voices to be heard and mentorship opportunities would strengthen individuals' careers and sense of community.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLABORATION
Roundtable participants also noted the need for more opportunities for collaboration amongst artists across disciplines, backgrounds, and career stages. They suggested establishing coalitions, associations, cross regional gallery exchanges, artist in residency programs, a citywide arts festival and social networking sites to generate energy and conversation. The large physical size of San Diego as a region provides a barrier for artists to feel connected to one another. Increased opportunities for connectivity would provide the tide that "lift all boats."
OTHER SUGGESTIONS
Though the need for space, funding/support, and opportunities for collaboration were topics most frequently discussed at the roundtable, in order to grow, artists also suggested the need to receive constructive criticism from respected media sources. They expressed a desire for larger audience exposure, as the model for success through sales seems antiquated and does not necessarily provide the feedback artists need to evolve. Providing opportunities for "real life exposure" through audience education programs and "online galleries" were suggested ways to reach out to larger audiences. Affordable health care/health insurance was also noted as a concern for artists in all stages of career development.
