Arts funding

A 15-year-old dancer and founder of a youth nonprofit who said cutting $11.8 million closes doors for thousands of kids.

With Diversionary Theater, described free programs for LGBTQIA+ youth and elders as lifelines and urged full arts restoration.

Of Coastal Nonprofit Consulting, he warned that eliminating OSP and CCSD funding won't be replaced by private donors and will cut programs and staff.

The Symphony's principal flutist who cited 51,000 people reached by free education programs and urged full restoration.

The ballet's founder said consequences are already happening: three of four planned productions will leave San Diego next season due to funding uncertainty.

Founder of a music and dance nonprofit who said art transformed her life and that budget cuts to arts education have been constant for years.

The public advocate supported core safety spending but asked the Council to meet arts advocates halfway with at least 50% restoration, suggesting savings from the communications department.

A District 3 resident who urged the Council to reject the revision, fund arts and OCYS, and cancel the Flock contract.

A San Diego Symphony violinist who described free Music Connects concerts in hospitals, schools, and correctional facilities and urged the Council not to cut the lifeline.

A Symphony musician who called elimination of arts funding unfathomable given $1.8 billion in annual tourism and urged reconsideration.

A senior headed to Harvard who credited San Diego Youth Symphony and Rady Shell programs for shaping her, urging investment in the arts.

A San Ysidro resident whose first professional play was at the Old Globe through the free student matinee program and who now works there; asked for sustainable funding.

The Old Globe's director of equity, diversity, inclusion and access said removing nearly $12 million cannot be the choice, comparing arts to the light of the pandemic.

Delivered a poem, 'Arts Witness,' honoring San Diego artists and cultural spaces.

Trinity Theater Company co-founder who detailed four programs on the chopping block — storytime in libraries, senior reading groups, teen leadership, and the New Works Festival.

Executive director of the Chicano Park Museum who delivered a poem invoking the 1970 Chicano Park takeover and demanded full arts restoration.

A District 7 artist and single mother with multiple arts jobs who demanded full restoration of arts, parks, libraries, and youth services.

A returning speaker who asked artists in the room to stand and demanded the Mayor explain why he wants to end their careers.

An SDSU instructor speaking for students pursuing arts careers, noting the deficit's listed causes never included the arts.

A returning speaker who said partial restoration isn't enough to save thousands of jobs and asked for full funding.

IATSE Local 122 business manager, representing 2,800 workers, said the cuts mean fewer jobs and asked the city to partner on solutions including a stronger film office.

Voices of Our City Choir director noted an $86,000 cut and asked the council to remember the choir of people experiencing homelessness.

Fleet Science Center director thanked the council for arts support and noted other cities like Austin invest far more in arts and culture.

Executive director of San Diego Arts Matters urged the council to keep treating arts and culture as essential civic infrastructure.

Representing 150+ arts organizations, asked the council to keep Penny for the Arts funding flat at 4.28% of TOT.