You’re invited to celebrate Far South/Border North at the opening reception for the Creative Action: Far South/Border North Initiative exhibition. This event will take place on Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at City Gallery, San Diego Community College.

The City Gallery’s exhibition will showcase 24 campaigns created by artists, cultural practitioners, and organizations who participated in the Far South/Border North program. These works will be presented through various media, including photography, film, sculpture, drawings, paintings, and mixed media.

This exhibition coincides with Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month in California, making it a wonderful opportunity to come together and celebrate.

The featured artists, cultural practitioners and organizations in the exhibition include: Alejandro Arreguin (The Hill Street Country Club), Evan Apodaca, Betty Bangs, Berenice Badillo, MR Barnadas, Chris Boyd (Playwrights Project), Sandra Carmona, Thelma de Castro, Cathlyn Choi (Asian Culture and Media Alliance), Sarah Garcia, Malik “Potnt Child” Glasgow, Neil Kendricks, Debby Kline, Maxx Moses, Cat Chiu Phillips, Susana Martinez (Pioneers' Museum), Eduardo Kintero, Yvette Roman, Oscar J. Romo, Alyssa Rose (DISCO RIOT), Katie Ruiz, Luis G. Hernandez and Jesus Alfonso Corral (San Diego State University Research Foundation/SDSU Imperial Valley Campus), Anthony Sigala, Darreon “D-Stats” Staton, Angelica "Babay L. Angles" Tolentino, Eric “EV93” Vargas, natalia ventura, and more.

• Opening reception: Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at City Gallery, City College Arts & Humanities Building, San Diego City College

• Exhibition dates: April 8 to May 1, 2025

• Gallery hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM

• For more information: Visit the City Gallery website

Far South/Border North is a regional collaborative supporting artists and cultural practitioners in communities and the only program of its kind in San Diego and Imperial counties. Visit the website to learn more about this two-year investment in our region’s arts and culture communities and the program’s grantees.

• Follow Urban Collaborative Project’s Instagram page for updates

The Urban Collaborative Project (UCP) has served the historically redlined community of Southeast San Diego since 2013. Using a Self-Healing Community Model, UCP empowers local residents to identify their neighborhood issues and address challenges together by using data and developing innovative resident-led projects.

Learn more at www.ucproject.org and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Join us for a community bike ride to the 4th Annual SESD Transportation Expo! Several groups have come together to organize group rides from South Bay San Diego, Southeastern San Diego, and City Heights communities to Gompers Preparatory Academy on Saturday, April 5, 2025.

Transportation Justice Expo Event Details

• Saturday, April 5th

• 10 am - 2 pm

• Gompers Preparatory Academy

• RSVP at bit.ly/ucpbike

• Follow Urban Collaborative Project’s Instagram page for updates

The Urban Collaborative Project (UCP) has served the historically redlined community of Southeast San Diego since 2013. Using a Self-Healing Community Model, UCP empowers local residents to identify their neighborhood issues and address challenges together by using data and developing innovative resident-led projects.

Learn more at www.ucproject.org and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Join us to hear from state and local elected officials, policymakers, arts advocates, cultural practitioners, and creative workers as we celebrate successes and share state legislative priorities for the coming year.

Confirmed Speakers to Date:

• State Assemblymember Chris Ward | Chair of the Arts, Entertainment, Sports, Tourism, & Internet Media Committee

• Councilmember Raul Campillo | City of San Diego, District 7

• Illya Haro | Secretaria de Cultura, City of Tijuana

• Leah Goodwin | Vice Chair of the California Arts Council

• Julie Baker | CEO of Californians for the Arts/California Arts Advocates

• Alberto López Pulido | Professor & Chair, Ethnic Studies, USD; Commissioner, City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture; Vice Chair, CPMCC

• Lisa Cuestas | CEO of Casa Familiar

• Johnny B. Contreras | Sculptor & Public Artist

• Mabelle Reynoso | Storyteller

• RSVP online

Learn more about the City of San Diego Department of Cultural Affairs at www.sandiego.gov

Authentic Movement Exploration, Intro Session with Jane Blount, HHP

DISCO RIOT's POP IN/POP OUT series offers master classes to those in our community from trusted teaching artists to promote a culture of sharing, exploration, diversity, expanding perspectives, and building community. Class is a place of personal growth, community building, curiosity, skill-building, and play. We hope to expand our collective experiences by bringing in teaching artists that challenge what we're used to. We learn more from one another. We grow together. Join us!

POP IN/POP OUT classes are on a tiered payment scale of $10, $15, $20 so that we can offer the highest quality experience for the community and for the master teacher. No one is turned away for lack of funds. Please reach out to community@discoriot.org for assistance.

• Learn more and register online via their ticket page

Disco Riot’s mission is to grow social consciousness and connection through collaborative, thought-provoking movement-based arts in San Diego. Learn more on their website and follow them on Instagram.

S P A C E Pro Showcase is a final presentation of Disco Riot’s 2025 S P A C E Pro Residency program with Resident Artists, Radhika Karandikar and Isabel Desmet. With 60 hours and 10-weeks in residence, our selected Resident Artists delved into research and development of new works. Join us for the culminating event of this process, to see what their creative research and exploration has yielded. 

No one turned away for lack of funds - please email operations@discoriot.org if ticket cost is prohibitive to your participation in this event. Seating is extremely limited, and no walk ups seating will be available. 

• Learn more and register online via their ticket page

Disco Riot’s mission is to grow social consciousness and connection through collaborative, thought-provoking movement-based arts in San Diego. Learn more on their website and follow them on Instagram.

S P A C E Pro Showcase is a final presentation of Disco Riot’s 2025 S P A C E Pro Residency program with Resident Artists, Radhika Karandikar and Isabel Desmet. With 60 hours and 10-weeks in residence, our selected Resident Artists delved into research and development of new works. Join us for the culminating event of this process, to see what their creative research and exploration has yielded. 

No one turned away for lack of funds - please email operations@discoriot.org if ticket cost is prohibitive to your participation in this event. Seating is extremely limited, and no walk ups seating will be available. 

• Learn more and register online via their ticket page

Disco Riot’s mission is to grow social consciousness and connection through collaborative, thought-provoking movement-based arts in San Diego. Learn more on their website and follow them on Instagram.

• Follow Urban Collaborative Project’s Instagram page for updates

Mundo Gardens is a nonprofit community garden and social justice organization empowering youth and families throughout San Diego and across borders since 2010. With community, we work on solutions to the issues that impact the social determinants of health.

Learn more at www.mundogardens.com and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Village Up is celebrating it's 5th anniversary with Brew & Bloom. This milestone event will take place at Mujeres Brew House from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and community leaders to honor five years of impact, growth, and innovation.

For the past five years, Village Up has been at the forefront of supporting diverse founders—especially women of color—by providing resources, mentorship, and access to opportunities in the San Diego startup space.

• Learn more and register online via their ticket page

Village Up is a collaborative initiative to increase diversity and access to the San Diego innovation economy. Learn more on their website and follow them on LinkedIn and Instagram.

DETOUR Presents the 7th Annual F.A.N.C.Y. Teen Girls Scholarship Awards Luncheon

This event will commemorate teen girls who are making a difference in our community through self-love and awareness, exceptional performance in school and extra-curricular activities, volunteer work, activism, creative efforts and unique projects and deserve to be recognized. These young ladies are our future leaders! We want them to continue to be uplifted and supported as we expose them to greater education opportunities and YOU can HELP!

Funds raised from this event will directly support the Annual Focused And Naturally Confident Youth (“F.A.N.C.Y.”) Teen Girls Expo.

• Learn more and purchase tickets online via their ticket page

DETOUR’s mission is to increase access to education and employment opportunities for girls of color. Learn more on their website and follow them on Instagram.

Calling all nonprofits, community-based organizations, and public agencies!
Our Virtual Grants Workshop is back on March 6, 2025, from 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM, and you don’t want to miss it!

This event will equip nonprofits, community based organizations, and government and public agencies with the tools to submit proposals to the District 4 Community Enhancement & Neighborhood Reinvestment Grant Programs. Whether you’re new to the process or looking to refine your application, this workshop will empower you with the tools you need to secure funding for projects that uplift our community.

• Register online at bit.ly/d4virtualgrantsworkshop

• Register for the webinar at https://bit.ly/YouthATYWebinar

Live Well San Diego is a vision for a region that is Building Better Health, Living Safely, and Thriving. Through collective impact and the diverse resources and backbone support of the County of San Diego, the vision aligns efforts across sectors to help all 3.3 million San Diego County residents live well.

Learn more at livewellsd.org and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Post-election, our BIPOC and other historically marginalized communities are living in times of even greater uncertainty and vulnerability than before.

Join artists Yolanda Marie Franklin (Common Ground Theatre), Enrique “chikle!” Lugo (Emo Brown Foundation), and Annie Rios Esq. (Uprise Theatre) for the first of our RISE Arts Talks of 2025 as they share some of the tools they and others have developed for addressing individual and community safety and mental health needs and nurturing our collective wellness and strength.

Sign up for our email list for periodic updates on these and other upcoming events.

• RSVP via our event page on Eventbrite

• For more information: Email our team at arts@risesandiego.org

RISE Arts supports the leadership development, advocacy, and capacity building of BIPOC and historically underrepresented artists, cultural practitioners, and arts and culture organizations in pursuit of a strong and vibrant regional arts and culture ecosystem.

Learn more on our program page.

Join us for Soul Sunday Speakeasy, an exclusive evening of music and connection. This intimate show features a dynamic six-piece band performing in the round. Each event celebrates a carefully curated theme inspired by a specific artist or genre. Special guest features will bring a fresh and unique flavor to every performance.

Food and a full bar will be available for purchase throughout the night.

• Learn more and purchase tickets via their ticket page

Follow SMPL Collective’s Soul Sunday events online via Instagram.

“It’s ALL Love” Group Art Show · Saturday, February 22

Open Call To Artists of ALL Ages! What does love mean to YOU? DM @chikle79 on Instagram to participate!

Come out and enjoy thee art of over 30 local artists inspired by LOVE! A Family Event celebrating Art, Love, Music and Cultura! Stay tuned for more details and surprises!

• For more information: DM @chikle79 on Instagram

The Emo Brown Art Department is a community space creating family-friendly events. Follow their work on Instagram.

Through lectures, discussions, and practice teaching exercises, we will explore dance teaching and pedagogy. We will dive into the practicalities of teaching, such as basic class structure, building curriculum, and how to get jobs. With curiosity, we will approach dance pedagogy, questioning what is pedagogy? What does it mean to hold the space as a teacher/facilitator? In small groups, we will practice teaching and have the opportunity to receive feedback from our peers. Let’s share and explore together what dance teaching and pedagogy can be!

• Learn more and register online via their ticket page

Disco Riot’s mission is to grow social consciousness and connection through collaborative, thought-provoking movement-based arts in San Diego. Learn more on their website and follow them on Instagram.

Curious? Ask us what’s happening this Sunday, February 16, from 1-4PM. An empty space filled with memories and — a Not-So-Secret Art Show.

📅 Sunday, Feb 16th
⏰ 1PM - 4PM
📍 RSVP required (address drops 24 hours before)
🌿 Low-key. Potluck. Bring a lawn chair.
🖼 Art on every wall (or wherever it fits).
🎤 Poetry? Improv? Expect surprises.

• To RSVP or for more information: DM Cr34tive Gathering on Instagram

Mary Rodriguez (The Resourceful Hub) is empowering San Diego through resources & volunteerism, driving positive social impact & community growth. Follow her work on Instagram.

Yvette Roman (Cr34tive Gathering) is a bi-national artist, curator, muralist, and arts-educator whose artistic journey is an exploration of simplicity and chaos, interwoven with personal narratives of loss, self-discovery, and acceptance. Learn more on her website yvetteroman.com and follow her work on Instagram.

Community Sharing Day is a chance for our Resident Artists to share their research through embodied community practice, and present their works in progress! Come move with us and learn what they are up to!

S P A C E Pro Residency is designed specifically to support established San Diego-based dance-makers in their pursuit to deepen their practice, and explore new ideas and projects. S P A C E Pro offers an organized and mindful cohort-driven experience for creative inquiry, artistic development, as well as a platform to share work. This program aims to highlight movement artists who work in interdisciplinary practice with dance as the focus, and uplift projects that are research-based, justice-minded, and explore themes of social change and storytelling.

For the first part of the event, we will embody the practices that the residents have been exploring. For the second part, there will be a work in progress showing, and an opportunity to offer feedback to the artists.

• Learn more and RSVP online via their ticket page

Disco Riot’s mission is to grow social consciousness and connection through collaborative, thought-provoking movement-based arts in San Diego. Learn more on their website and follow their work on Instagram.

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the The Nonprofit Institute at USD’s Annual Nonprofit Leadership and Governance Symposium on January 23-24, 2025, at the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice at the University of San Diego.

This event brings together the best elements of our annual gatherings, offering enhanced accessibility, deep learning opportunities, and the unveiling of groundbreaking new data that you won’t want to miss.

Join us as we unveil our findings from the 2024 State of Nonprofits and Philanthropy Report. Be there to celebrate nonprofit excellence with the presentation of our prestigious awards, including the Kaleidoscope Award for Good Governance, the TRUST Award of Excellence in Philanthropy, the Libby Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership, and the Liz Shear Award. 

• For more information: Visit the The Nonprofit Institute at USD’s event page for additional details, including ticketing information and sponsorship opportunities

The Nonprofit Institute at USD ensures that our nonprofit leaders and organizations are best positioned to work in common cause and partnership with government, business, philanthropy and the communities they serve.

Learn more at sandiego.edu and follow them on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the The Nonprofit Institute at USD’s Annual Nonprofit Leadership and Governance Symposium on January 23-24, 2025, at the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice at the University of San Diego.

This event brings together the best elements of our annual gatherings, offering enhanced accessibility, deep learning opportunities, and the unveiling of groundbreaking new data that you won’t want to miss.

Join us as we unveil our findings from the 2024 State of Nonprofits and Philanthropy Report. Be there to celebrate nonprofit excellence with the presentation of our prestigious awards, including the Kaleidoscope Award for Good Governance, the TRUST Award of Excellence in Philanthropy, the Libby Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership, and the Liz Shear Award. 

• For more information: Visit the The Nonprofit Institute at USD’s event page for additional details, including ticketing information and sponsorship opportunities

The Nonprofit Institute at USD ensures that our nonprofit leaders and organizations are best positioned to work in common cause and partnership with government, business, philanthropy and the communities they serve.

Learn more at sandiego.edu and follow them on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

Join Alliance San Diego on Monday, January 20, 2025 when they will host over 1000 guests at the 37th All Peoples Celebration to honor the living legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

This uplifting program will feature inspiring performances by Brittany Taylor, transcenDANCE, and Thunder Squad and a powerful keynote speech by John Kim, President & CEO Catalyst California.

• For more information: Visit Alliance San Diego’s event page for additional details, including ticketing information and sponsorship opportunities

Alliance San Diego is a community organization whose mission is to build collective power to create an inclusive democracy where everyone can participate fully with dignity. 

Learn more at alliancesd.org and follow them on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

Art Through the Glass invites the community to join them for an unforgettable afternoon celebrating art, resilience, and community at Unity in the Time of Uncertainty.

This inspiring exhibition features works by 30+ artists and poets addressing themes like environmental justice, gender equality, and resilience, with interactive art, poetry, and live music.

Admission is FREE, and everyone is welcome! Don’t miss this chance to experience art in an exciting and unexpected way.

The San Diego Art Society’s “Art Through The Glass” initiative transforms storefront windows into vibrant galleries, creating a unique platform for local artists to showcase their creativity in high-traffic areas throughout San Diego. This innovative approach supports artists by providing unprecedented exposure, engages the community by making art accessible to everyone, beautifies our urban landscape, and potentially boosts the local economy.

Learn more at sdartsociety.com and follow Art Through the Glass on Instagram.

You are invited to attend Greater Than Tech’s second-annual Tech Over Tapas fundraiser! Join us for an evening of innovation, networking, and community impact to support STEM programming, scholarships, and mentorship for underserved students. Your presence will help us break barriers, create opportunities,and build a more diverse and inclusive tech industry. Together, we can shape the future of tech and celebrate the incredible progress we’ve made!

Celebrate diversity, equity, and innovation in STEM while connecting with tech leaders, educators, and community changemakers. By participating, you’ll directly support scholarships and STEM programming that empower underserved students to pursue careers in technology and innovation.

• How to purchase tickets: Online via Greater Than Tech

• For more information: Visit GTT’s event page for event details, a donation link, sponsorship opportunities, and more

Greater Than Tech is dedicated to helping create the next generation of innovative technology leaders by introducing girls and underserved students to immersive educational programs at the intersection of STEM and business.

Learn more at greaterthantech.org and follow them on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

Please mark your calendar and save the date for Karen Organization of San Diego’s 2764 Karen New Year Celebration! This FREE public event is a community gathering and culture celebration to enjoy cultural performances, community stories, and Karen/Burmese traditional food.

10:15 - 11:00 am · Opening Ceremony

11:00 - 12:45 pm · Cultural Performances 

12:45 - 1:00 pm · Closing Ceremony

1:00 - 2:00 pm · Lunch 

Note about the location: The event will be held at the south edge of Colina Del Sol Park in City Heights. You can enter the event area from 52nd Street & 52nd Place, close to the Colina Park Golf Course (4085 52nd St, San Diego, CA 92105). 

• For more information: Visit KOSD’s event page for additional details.

Founded by grassroots community organizing efforts in 2008, Karen Organization of San Diego (KOSD) is committed to the educational and social enhancement of various ethnic minority groups from Burma who reside in San Diego, California.

Learn more at karensandiego.org and follow them on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

Join First Gen Scholars for a double birthday celebration and fundraiser at Meraki San Diego for First Gen Scholars (turning 5!) AND Jonathan Burgos, our Founder and Executive Director (turning 50!). While the birthday will be a golden one for Jonathan, it is your presence that is priceless.

Please join us as we celebrate these milestones and ring in the new year. We will be sharing program updates and our vision and plans for 2025. You'll have the chance to hear directly from our scholars and enjoy delicious food from our friends at Meraki. Wear your favorite college gear! We hope to see you there! 

ICYMI: Check out Jonathan's recent blog post reflecting on 5 years of First Gen Scholars. 

• For event details and to purchase tickets: Visit their event page at Give Butter

• For sponsorship inquiries or more information: Email Jonathan at jonathan@firstgenscholars.org

First Gen Scholars is on a mission to enable students to unlock their full academic potential, and to remove all financial barriers that often hold these students back.

Learn more at firstgenscholars.org and follow them on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

The World Design Capital initiative promotes the exploration of using art as a medium for civic engagement and change. However, throughout this experience there has been something lacking in regards to the inclusion of artists of color.

Join artists Melinda Barnadas, Khalil Bleux, Thao French, and Yvette Roman with Barry Pollard as they share and uplift these voices, projects, and experiences to explore and create a template for what true belonging can look like in communities of color.

Moderated by musician, practice consultant, and creator Kendrick Dial.

• Date and Time: Wednesday, October 30, 2024, 4:00 - 7:00 pm

• Location: Exchange Pavilion @ Balboa Park’s Plaza de Panama (in front of the San Diego Museum of Art)

• Cost: Free admission

• RSVP: Sign up on Eventbrite to let us know you’ll be there

RISE San Diego is changing the landscape of leadership, and RISE Arts aims to help arts and culture nonprofits, artists, and cultural practitioners throughout the San Diego-Imperial Valley region to grow and thrive. Visit the RISE Arts page and join our email list to receive updates on upcoming events and programs.

Save the date for the 8th Annual celebration of the RISE Inclusive Leadership in Action (ILIA) Awards—details to be announced Spring 2024

• Learn more about the awards and meet our 2023 honorees

• Nominate a community leader for the 2024 awards

• Join our mailing list for event updates and ticket announcements

• Sponsor the 2024 ILIA Awards and support inclusive leadership in the San Diego region

• Reach out to the RISE team with any questions on how to get involved!

Join Fresh Glass co-founders Cassandra Schaeg and Theresa Hoiles for the premier of Season Two! Celebrate unique flavors, captivating stories, and the entrepreneurial spirit of America’s tapestry.

In September 2022, the brazened stories of women and minority-owned businesses burst on the scene, coming to life on KPBS and PBS with Season One of Fresh Glass. Showcasing California's most loved locations and experiences, the series featured 18 businesses created or led by women, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ innovators and celebrated their respective journeys and triumphs. Fresh Glass received two Emmy® nominations and one win for the Magazine Program from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

• Event date and time: Wednesday, October 2 at 6:00 pm

• Location: UCSD Park & Market, 1100 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101

• Tickets: Purchase online via Eventbrite

• For more information: Email contact@freshglassproductions.com

Fresh Glass is a series that takes a deep dive into the wine and beer industry with guests whose backgrounds, personalities, and journeys symbolize empowerment, grit, and perseverance. Learn more at freshglassproductions.com.

Join our Far South/Border North (FSBN) hub partner, the Imperial Valley Food Bank, for a weekend celebrating their FSBN artists!

• Event dates and times:

  • Friday, September 20, 6:00 - 9:00 pm — Gallery Opening & Cocktail Party

  • Saturday, September 21, 2:00 - 8:00 pm

  • Sunday, September 22, 12:00 - 4:00 pm

• Location: Casa de Manana, 200 E Imperial St, Imperial, CA 92251

• Cost: Free admission

• For more information: Email Imperial Valley Food Bank at info@ivfoodbank.com

The Imperial Valley Food Bank aims to ensure that all residents have access to adequate amounts of nutritionally valuable food. To improve the quality of life within their community, their programs and staff support the distribution of healthy food and provide outreach and awareness about CalFresh assistance. Learn more at ivfoodbank.com and follow them on Instagram.