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What role do the arts play in a healthy democracy? Erin Harkey believes they are one of the clearest signs of whether a society is healthy, connected, and truly free. As arts funding faces cuts across our region and the country, this conversation is a timely reminder that when the arts flourish, communities flourish too.

In this episode of Stop & Talk, the President & CEO of Americans for the Arts reflects on why creative expression matters in every part of community life, from museums and theaters to classrooms, neighborhood traditions, and the spaces where people gather every day. The arts help communities tell their stories, encounter different perspectives, build connection, and imagine a better future.

Check out the full episode at the link in bio.

Space 4 Art presents The Color of Silence, a group exhibition curated by Francisco Eme, opening June 6 at Art Produce Gallery. Through monochromatic visual languages, immersive installation, sound, and performance, the exhibition explores the tension between silence and noise, absence and presence, stillness and disruption.

Join us for the opening reception and live performances on Saturday, June 6 from 4–7 PM, with an additional performance event on June 20 featuring local musicians and noise artists.

Featuring work by Cheryl Nickel, Jenifer de Poyen, Jenna Leathers, Nick Lesley, Caity Fares, Andrew Alcasid, Joe Cantrell, Amy Cimini, and Rabbitlight.

📍 Art Produce Gallery
3139 University Ave, San Diego, CA
🗓 June 6 – July 1, 2026

Produced by Space 4 Art as part of the Prebys Foundation Arts Ecosystem Grant.

#Space4Art #TheColorOfSilence #SanDiegoArt

Today is the last day to verify your eligibility for the artists count grant. Submissions close at 5pm May 15th!

You have until June 19th to fill out the research survey. Just go to artistscount.org #artistscount #artistgrant #artistsurvey

‼️ Tomorrow is the deadline to check eligibility for Artists Count: San Diego + Tijuana.

Artists Count is investing in YOU through funding, training, and networking opportunities that will help you build a sustainable career and expand your reach.

This is your chance to shape the future of our arts sector. Tell us what you need.
👉 Check eligibility and fill out the survey at the link in bio.

Be counted. Get funded.

#BinationalArtists #SanDiegoArtists #TijuanaArtists #ArtistsCountSDTJ #LosArtistasCuentanSDTJ

‼️ Tomorrow is the deadline to check eligibility for Artists Count: San Diego + Tijuana.

Artists Count is investing in YOU through funding, training, and networking opportunities that will help you build a sustainable career and expand your reach.

This is your chance to shape the future of our arts sector. Tell us what you need.
👉 Check eligibility and fill out the survey at the link in bio.

Be counted. Get funded.

#BinationalArtists #SanDiegoArtists #TijuanaArtists #ArtistsCountSDTJ #LosArtistasCuentanSDTJ

Smart Design + Evidence-Based Programming = Joy + Longevity 🌻♥️

Christopher Leech and Susi Stadler of @genspacenyc show how smart design and evidence-based programming enhance quality of life, promote social engagement, and create healthier communities.

Watch their full talk from last year’s WAVES Festival at the link in bio.

#WAVESFestival #SmartDesign #HealthyCommunities

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.

Get Funded.

If you qualify, propose a project. If selected, you’ll be paid to complete your project.

Eligibility deadline
5/15/2026
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Los Artistas Cuentan: San Diego + Tijuana es una iniciativa binacional diseñada para fortalecer la fuerza laboral creativa regional.

A través de investigación, financiamiento de proyectos y desarrollo profesional, ayudamos a artistas en San Diego y Tijuana a construir carreras sostenibles que impulsen a toda nuestra región.

Obtén financiamiento.

Si calificas, presenta una propuesta de proyecto. Si tu proyecto es seleccionado, recibirás fondos para realizar tu proyecto.

Fecha límite para verificar elegibilidad
5/15/2026

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.

Get Funded.

If you qualify, propose a project. If selected, you’ll be paid to complete your project.

Eligibility deadline
5/15/2026
~
Los Artistas Cuentan: San Diego + Tijuana es una iniciativa binacional diseñada para fortalecer la fuerza laboral creativa regional.

A través de investigación, financiamiento de proyectos y desarrollo profesional, ayudamos a artistas en San Diego y Tijuana a construir carreras sostenibles que impulsen a toda nuestra región.

Obtén financiamiento.

Si calificas, presenta una propuesta de proyecto. Si tu proyecto es seleccionado, recibirás fondos para realizar tu proyecto.

Fecha límite para verificar elegibilidad
5/15/2026

Biomedical breakthroughs save lives, but better health requires more than cures alone.

We also need health solutions science: research that helps us understand how our health is shaped by policy, the way care is delivered, and by the conditions in which we live and work.

The Collective to Strengthen Pathways for Health Research, a growing group of funders working to elevate this field, has published a special issue in the New England Journal of Medicine Catalyst highlighting why health solutions science is essential to improving health at scale and why it deserves greater investment.

Read our perspective at the link in bio.

Right when you’re feeling exhausted… right when you’re questioning if you should keep going… your sis @geminelle calls and says, “Spirit said let’s work.” And somehow, that message lands right on time.

Then you get a call from @rameljwallace inviting you to be part of the Narrative Capital Pilot… and you say yes.

Grateful to @prebysfound  for investing in creatives, storytellers, and community-rooted narratives that deserve to be amplified.

Lately, I’ve been leaning deeper into intentional storytelling, collaboration, wellness, culture, and the kind of work that creates real connection. From wellness activations to community events, the Artist Collection, and everything in between… we’re building something meaningful.

Thank you to @sandiegomadefactory for continuing to provide space for creatives like myself to dream, create, and collaborate.

San Diego has stories worth investing in.
And we’re just getting started. #sandiego #morelifeliquid #storytellers

Comment “PILOT” for more information about the Narrative Capital Pilot

Participants: @queenmorelife @sewloka @elisawithin @yayitzel @mashondatifrere @rameljwallace

Sponsor: @sandiegomade

Murals by @celestialterrestrial and @thaofrenchart and @aliciasiu_art/

Graphic Design by @jadengraydesign

In partnership with: @prebysfound
Shot by @_theholyfield

"I play the jarana, which is like the Mexican cousin of the ukulele, but with eight strings. It was difficult to tune at first, but then as I got used to it, I figured out how to tune it myself, and I can tune it by ear now. It’s one of the skills I learned in Somos La Voz. It was life-changing because now I can tell when someone is off tune, and I can help them out.

We are able to bring together the community to sing, dance, have fun, enjoy the music and the food.

When I represent my culture through music, I feel like I am making my ancestors proud. Even though my ancestors are no longer here, I feel like they’d be proud of me, proud that I’m learning and connecting to my culture. ”

- Valencia, Somos La Voz program participant and musician

Check out Valencia's full story at the link in bio.

"I play the jarana, which is like the Mexican cousin of the ukulele, but with eight strings. It was difficult to tune at first, but then as I got used to it, I figured out how to tune it myself, and I can tune it by ear now. It’s one of the skills I learned in Somos La Voz. It was life-changing because now I can tell when someone is off tune, and I can help them out.

We are able to bring together the community to sing, dance, have fun, enjoy the music and the food.

When I represent my culture through music, I feel like I am making my ancestors proud. Even though my ancestors are no longer here, I feel like they’d be proud of me, proud that I’m learning and connecting to my culture. ”

- Valencia, Somos La Voz program participant and musician

Check out Valencia's full story at the link in bio.

"I play the jarana, which is like the Mexican cousin of the ukulele, but with eight strings. It was difficult to tune at first, but then as I got used to it, I figured out how to tune it myself, and I can tune it by ear now. It’s one of the skills I learned in Somos La Voz. It was life-changing because now I can tell when someone is off tune, and I can help them out.

We are able to bring together the community to sing, dance, have fun, enjoy the music and the food.

When I represent my culture through music, I feel like I am making my ancestors proud. Even though my ancestors are no longer here, I feel like they’d be proud of me, proud that I’m learning and connecting to my culture. ”

- Valencia, Somos La Voz program participant and musician

Check out Valencia's full story at the link in bio.

"I play the jarana, which is like the Mexican cousin of the ukulele, but with eight strings. It was difficult to tune at first, but then as I got used to it, I figured out how to tune it myself, and I can tune it by ear now. It’s one of the skills I learned in Somos La Voz. It was life-changing because now I can tell when someone is off tune, and I can help them out.

We are able to bring together the community to sing, dance, have fun, enjoy the music and the food.

When I represent my culture through music, I feel like I am making my ancestors proud. Even though my ancestors are no longer here, I feel like they’d be proud of me, proud that I’m learning and connecting to my culture. ”

- Valencia, Somos La Voz program participant and musician

Check out Valencia's full story at the link in bio.

"I play the jarana, which is like the Mexican cousin of the ukulele, but with eight strings. It was difficult to tune at first, but then as I got used to it, I figured out how to tune it myself, and I can tune it by ear now. It’s one of the skills I learned in Somos La Voz. It was life-changing because now I can tell when someone is off tune, and I can help them out.

We are able to bring together the community to sing, dance, have fun, enjoy the music and the food.

When I represent my culture through music, I feel like I am making my ancestors proud. Even though my ancestors are no longer here, I feel like they’d be proud of me, proud that I’m learning and connecting to my culture. ”

- Valencia, Somos La Voz program participant and musician

Check out Valencia's full story at the link in bio.

"I play the jarana, which is like the Mexican cousin of the ukulele, but with eight strings. It was difficult to tune at first, but then as I got used to it, I figured out how to tune it myself, and I can tune it by ear now. It’s one of the skills I learned in Somos La Voz. It was life-changing because now I can tell when someone is off tune, and I can help them out.

We are able to bring together the community to sing, dance, have fun, enjoy the music and the food.

When I represent my culture through music, I feel like I am making my ancestors proud. Even though my ancestors are no longer here, I feel like they’d be proud of me, proud that I’m learning and connecting to my culture. ”

- Valencia, Somos La Voz program participant and musician

Check out Valencia's full story at the link in bio.

"I play the jarana, which is like the Mexican cousin of the ukulele, but with eight strings. It was difficult to tune at first, but then as I got used to it, I figured out how to tune it myself, and I can tune it by ear now. It’s one of the skills I learned in Somos La Voz. It was life-changing because now I can tell when someone is off tune, and I can help them out.

We are able to bring together the community to sing, dance, have fun, enjoy the music and the food.

When I represent my culture through music, I feel like I am making my ancestors proud. Even though my ancestors are no longer here, I feel like they’d be proud of me, proud that I’m learning and connecting to my culture. ”

- Valencia, Somos La Voz program participant and musician

Check out Valencia's full story at the link in bio.

"I play the jarana, which is like the Mexican cousin of the ukulele, but with eight strings. It was difficult to tune at first, but then as I got used to it, I figured out how to tune it myself, and I can tune it by ear now. It’s one of the skills I learned in Somos La Voz. It was life-changing because now I can tell when someone is off tune, and I can help them out.

We are able to bring together the community to sing, dance, have fun, enjoy the music and the food.

When I represent my culture through music, I feel like I am making my ancestors proud. Even though my ancestors are no longer here, I feel like they’d be proud of me, proud that I’m learning and connecting to my culture. ”

- Valencia, Somos La Voz program participant and musician

Check out Valencia's full story at the link in bio.

"I play the jarana, which is like the Mexican cousin of the ukulele, but with eight strings. It was difficult to tune at first, but then as I got used to it, I figured out how to tune it myself, and I can tune it by ear now. It’s one of the skills I learned in Somos La Voz. It was life-changing because now I can tell when someone is off tune, and I can help them out.

We are able to bring together the community to sing, dance, have fun, enjoy the music and the food.

When I represent my culture through music, I feel like I am making my ancestors proud. Even though my ancestors are no longer here, I feel like they’d be proud of me, proud that I’m learning and connecting to my culture. ”

- Valencia, Somos La Voz program participant and musician

Check out Valencia's full story at the link in bio.

As part of the Narrative Capital Initiative, we got to meet up with the @prebysfound team and talk about everything from the creative economy to medical research in San Diego.

And how our stories and voices can make an impact in this city…and beyond!

I left feeling really inspired to keep showing up because my voice matters.

And that’s on Mary had a little lamb 😂