Artists enrich us culturally, socially, and economically. We’re working to support their work.
Artists Count: San Diego + Tijuana is a binational initiative designed to strengthen the regional creative workforce.
Through research, project funding, and professional development, we help artists in San Diego and Tijuana build sustainable careers that uplift our whole region.
Creative economy in California—yet many artists in our state face income instability, no benefits, and irregular work cycles.
California arts workers are gig-based, juggling incomes without stable, full-time sustainability.
Job protections for artists, yet they face the same housing, material, and workspace costs.
We’re documenting the impact of artists in San Diego and Tijuana. With your participation, the survey data will support increased arts advocacy and a stronger creative community.
6/19/2026
Spring 2028
If you qualify, propose a project. If selected, you’ll be paid to complete your project.
5/15/2026
6/19/2026
By invite only8/21/2026
By invite onlyStay tuned.
A committed group of civic, philanthropic, and advocacy organizations sharing a belief that artists are essential contributors to social cohesion, innovation, and economic growth.
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Artists Count: San Diego + Tijuana is rooted in a simple belief: artists are essential to the cultural and economic vitality of our binational region. We know that applying for funding can feel complex, so we’ve gathered answers to some of the most common questions below to help you decide whether this opportunity is right for you. We encourage you to explore, read carefully, and reach out if you need clarification. We’re glad you’re here.
Artists Count is a workforce development and research initiative designed to support artists living and working in the San Diego–Tijuana region.
At its core, Artists Count is about recognizing that artists are essential to our binational community. The program provides direct funding to selected artists while also gathering information about how artists live and work across our region. That research will help shape future policies, partnerships, and investments in the creative workforce.
This is both an opportunity for individual artists — and a long-term investment in the cultural health of our region.
San Diego and Tijuana share more than a border — we share audiences, collaborators, and creative energy. Many artists live, work, and build community across both sides.
Artists Count reflects that reality. By supporting artists in both places, the program strengthens the relationships and cultural exchange that already define our region.
Artists Count provides:
• Direct funding
• Professional development opportunities
• Networking and peer connection
• Visibility and public presentation opportunities
It’s more than a grant. It’s a platform designed to help artists grow their work while contributing to the broader creative ecosystem of the region.
You may be eligible if you:
• Are 18 years of age or older
• Have lived in Tijuana, the City of San Diego, or San Diego County for at least two consecutive years
• Meet the definition of “artist” described in the Guidelines
• Are able to complete required income reporting forms based on your country of residence (U.S. or Mexico)
We encourage you to read the full Guidelines carefully for detailed eligibility requirements and documentation expectations.
No. You do not need to practice full-time.
Artists Count is designed for committed practicing artists at many stages of their careers. While it is not intended for casual hobbyists or one-time projects, artists balancing multiple income streams are welcome.
The following individuals are not eligible to apply:
• Full-time students
• Publicly elected officials or appointed commissioners
• Board or committee members, employees, agents, officers, or immediate family members of Artists Count funding partners
Please refer to the Guidelines for a complete list of eligibility restrictions.
Yes. Artists who have an established history of working together may apply as a team. One individual must serve as the primary applicant and meet all eligibility requirements.
Collaboration is part of what makes our region strong, and we welcome it.
Projects must:
• Take place in Tijuana, Mexico, or San Diego County
• Occur within the official program timeline
• Include a culminating event that is free and publicly accessible
• Reflect any artistic discipline
Artists Count supports work across disciplines — visual, performing, literary, film, folk and traditional arts, and more.
Detailed project requirements are outlined in the Guidelines.
Artists Count is distributing approximately $1.3 million across three geographic categories:
• Tijuana, Mexico
• City of San Diego
• San Diego County (excluding the City of San Diego)
A total of 42 artists will be selected. Award amounts vary by region. Full funding details are provided in the Guidelines.
Applications are reviewed through a multi-stage process supported by panels of community experts.
Final funding decisions are made by the program’s funding partners, including Prebys Foundation, International Community Foundation, and San Diego ART Matters.
We are committed to a thoughtful, transparent review process grounded in community expertise.
Application deadlines, review timelines, and project periods are detailed in the official Program Timeline.
Because specific dates may change, we strongly encourage you to review the Guidelines and Timeline section on this website for the most up-to-date information before applying.
Selected artists will sign a standard independent contractor agreement that includes a project scope of work. Once agreements are fully executed, artists will receive their full award amount as an advance.
Additional details about contracting and payment are included in the Guidelines.
Funds are intentionally flexible. They may be used for a wide range of project-related expenses, including artist time, materials, production costs, and certain living expenses.
Some restrictions apply. Please review the Guidelines carefully for complete information.
The Artists Count survey is a voluntary research component of the program. It gathers information about artists’ working conditions and economic realities across the San Diego–Tijuana region.
The insights collected will help inform future funding strategies, advocacy efforts, and cultural policy decisions.
Survey responses are anonymous.
No. Participation in the survey is optional and does not influence funding decisions.
We encourage all interested artists to read the full Guidelines and Timeline carefully before starting an application. They contain detailed information about eligibility, funding categories, deadlines, and program expectations.
Artists Count is designed to support artists who are deeply invested in their work and their communities. We look forward to learning more about you and your practice.