San Diego Museum Council

Vibrant arts communities trace their roots to equally vibrant school arts programs and dedicated teaching artists. A great example of our region's emerging young artists can be seen at the Sweetwater Union High School District's Student Art Exhibition featuring more than 200 pieces from middle and high school students. Friday's Gala Awards Ceremony was an inspiring, standing-room only event filled with families cheering on their students at the Chula Vista Public Library. I was so proud to present the "Museum Choice Award" on behalf of the San Diego Museum Council to two incredible artists, senior Sielle Lopez and eighth grader Sienna Jensen. More than 20 additional awards were presented including by Chula Vista Mayor John McCann, City of Chula Vista Principal Librarian and Cultural Arts Manager Erwin Magbanua, and SUHSD Superintendent Dr. Moises G. Aguirre, Ed.D. Congratulations to all the presenting student artists, the event's host Visual Art Council Chairperson Erica Fojtik, the SUHSD Visual and Performing Arts Department, and a special thanks to Chula Vista Public Library Senior Librarian Alyson Hamlin. The exhibition runs now through March 20 at the Chula Vista Public Library.

?? Art, Nature & Healing at the Tijuana Estuary ?? Nature has the power to heal, inspire, and reconnect us—not just through its beauty, but also through the arts. At the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve, you’ll find more than just scenic trails and diverse wildlife; it’s a space where creativity and nature come together to nurture the soul. Whether walking along the coastal paths, spotting vibrant birdlife, or finding artistic inspiration in the estuary’s landscapes, this sanctuary offers a chance to unwind, reflect, and heal. ?? Why Visit? ? Free, family-friendly trails open daily ? Guided nature walks & birding tours ? A vital habitat for endangered wildlife ? Proven health benefits of time in nature ? A source of artistic and personal inspiration Ready to explore and be inspired? Check out our latest blog to learn more and plan your visit: ?? https://lnkd.in/gHP8ktNq #NatureHeals #ArtInNature #TijuanaEstuary #OutdoorAdventures #SanDiegoTrails #Birdwatching #HealingThroughArtsandNature.

Unlock your potential with a rewarding career in the museum sector. The San Diego Museum Council’s Job Opportunities page features exciting roles at institutions such as the Living Coast Discovery Center, the San Diego Natural History Museum, the The Navy SEAL Museum San Diego, and more. Whether your expertise is in visitor engagement, technical support, conservation, curating, or key business functions like marketing, security, administration, and HR, there’s a role that matches your passion and skills. Explore the latest job openings and take the next step in your career: https://lnkd.in/gTxVEgtM.

Calling all artists! ?? In collaboration with the The City of San Diego and IKE Smart City, an exciting opportunity for local artists, cultural institutions, and community organizations to bring their work to the streets. Your artwork could be featured on Downtown's digital interactive kiosks in high-traffic areas, giving residents and visitors a chance to experience San Diego’s rich artistic diversity. ????? Submissions are now open. Learn more and apply today: https://lnkd.in/gQJbnknt?

ATTN: the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund (PAEPF) grant opportunity will be opening soon!?If you lead a California Nonprofit 501(c)(3) or Model C fiscally sponsored performing arts organization that has employees, this opportunity may be for you! PAEPF supports small nonprofit performing arts organizations (SNPAOs) with adjusted gross revenue under $2 million, to hire and retain employees. To qualify, the performing arts organization’s primary mission must be the creation of, or presentation of, performing arts in productions that are advertised and open to the public and must be paying their workers as employees. Together with CalOSBA and our statewide community partners, we are hosting a series of informational webinars. We will review the eligibility criteria and the application process in detail, including what you can do now to get ready. Swipe through to see the webinar schedule for the week of 2/10/2025. You are welcome to attend any session as all webinars will be covering all aspects of the program. Visit our website at https://lnkd.in/gq_P_6we to learn more about the program and to register for the webinars. PAEPF is funded through a grant with the California Office of the Small Business Advocate. The program is administered by CalOSBA and managed by CA for the Arts. #PAEPF #PerformingArts #LiveArts #GrantOpportunity #Funding #CAisCreative

Highlighting the effectiveness of State and Regional Networks like the San Diego Museum Council!

NEW! Weekend Holiday Fun Guide—Museums are always a favorite stop with festive decor, toy trains, towering poinsettia trees, and sparkling light shows of wonder and joy. Pick your favorites from our family-friendly guide, including the best weekend events at https://lnkd.in/gD8qmU2m. Photo: Experience the enchanting Lightscape event at the?San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas.

San Diego Museum Council is excited to welcome San Diego Foundation as title sponsor of its three 2025 signature events including the popular Museum Month in February, The Big Exchange in May, and Kids Free San Diego in October. The sponsorship celebrates the Foundation’s Fifty & Forward Campaign during 2025 which recognizes its past 50 years of investment and impact, and looks forward to 50 years of possibility and promise. “As we celebrate San Diego Foundation’s 50th anniversary, we’re proud to sponsor local events that bring our community together,” said Mark Stuart, President and CEO of San Diego Foundation, the event’s sponsor. “These gatherings allow us to connect directly with our neighbors and support efforts that align with our vision of just, equitable, and resilient communities.” The title sponsorship begins in February with the 36th annual San Diego Museum Month, a program which reduces economic barriers for all families to visit museums with half-off admission. The sponsorship includes The Big Exchange in May, which strengthens museum membership programs, and the family favorite Kids Free San Diego during October. Together, more than 250,000 people benefited from these three programs in 2024, giving families increased accessibility to more than 80 museums and cultural sites throughout San Diego. “Thanks to the generous support of San Diego Foundation, we will be able to strengthen our programs and increase access to museums for more kids and families throughout San Diego,” said Bob Lehman, Executive Director of San Diego Museum Council. “We want everyone to be able to enjoy the educational and cultural benefits of San Diego’s world-class museums and sites.” Learn more about how you can get involved at www.SDFoundation.org/50. #SDF50 #Philanthropy #CommunityGiving Pictured: (left) San Diego Museum Council Executive Director Bob Lehman thanks San Diego Foundation at the San Diego Natural History Museum in Balboa Park; (top right) CBS 8 San Diego anchor Eric Kahnert hosts live Fleet Science Center kid station during Kids Free San Diego; (center right) The New Children's Museum on LA's Spectrum News 1 during Museum Month; (below right) FOX 5 San Diego (KSWB-TV) anchor and reporter Heather Lake at San Diego Air & Space Museum for Kids Free San Diego.

Be one of the first to experience the immersive exhibition “Future Ancestral Technologies: Odyssey” featuring the extraordinary work of artist Cannupahanska Luger at downtown's The New Children's Museum. Join the fun on Friday, Nov. 15 at 5:30 p.m. for the free opening reception with your RSVP at https://lnkd.in/gPRPQp3y. At 6 p.m., don't miss the chance to hear Luger and author-educator Shelley Streeby in a discussion about how Luger's work envisions future narratives through the lens of science fiction. Afterward, take a tour of Luger’s new installation followed by a celebratory reception with light refreshments.

Professional development can be a lot of fun, which is why I love our member-led professional development collaboratives. These groups bring together museum colleagues sharing common roles like membership, fundraising, or volunteers so they can share and learn from each other. Yesterday, our San Diego Exhibit Experience Group led by California State Parks Education Manager Alexandra Latona and Anne Marie Tipton met aboard the USS Midway Museum. Hosted by Midway's Exhibitions Manager Billy Coleman, CPM, the group learned about, visited, and provided peer evaluations of its new exhibits "Engineering Experience" and "Fire, Fire, Fire." We capped off the day at the nearby Navy SEAL veteran-owned Protector Brewery with pizza around the fire pit. Our thanks to Billy Coleman, CPM, Admissions Manager Rayanne Paras, the USS Midway Museum, and its docent team for welcoming our group, and to SDEEG leaders Alexandra Latona and Anne Marie Tipton. Special thanks to videographer Reuben Herzl of Groundmaking, and San Diego Museum Council board members Jacinta Wong, Executive Director of San Diego Chinese Historical Museum, and Megan Lynch Boisvert, of California State Parks and San Diego Emerging Museum Professionals. Pictured (top): On the flight deck of the USS Midway with San Diego Museum Council participating museums including the The New Children's Museum, Cabrillo National Monument Foundation, United States Marine Corps nearby MCRD Museum Foundation, Living Coast Discovery Center, and San Diego Chinese Historical Museum. Pictured (lower left): Collaborative members viewing "Fire, Fire, Fire"; (center) Megan Lynch Boisvert, John McCaull, and Reuben Herzl at Protector Brewery; (right) Barbara Torres of MCRD Museum Foundation viewing "Engineering Experience."