SD County Arts and Culture Commission retreat Key Note Speech, June 5, 2025, plus, plus, plus Arts Advocacy News

 

Laura Zucker,  Executive Director of the Los Angeles County Arts Commission from 1992 to 2017 gave the keynote address at the June retreat for the SD County Arts and Culture Commissioners.  She was there to give advice on how to build our commission to the juggernaut that is the Los Angeles is the largest County in the United States, encompassing 88 municipalities and nearly 140 unincorporated areas.  Under her guidance, the Arts Commission funded 364 nonprofit arts organizations through a two-year $9 million grant program, implemented the regional initiative dedicated to restoring arts education to 81 public school districts, funded the largest arts internship program in the country and manages the County’s civic art policy.

Zucker was very straight forward with her advice. The commission has to have a budget to function and that budget is achieved only by using political power. Every year in put on  the county budget  is requested two weeks before the budget is published. At that time the most influential leaders and campaign donors need to visit each county supervisor’s office and get them to sign a memo of support  for the requested amount needed. You need three out of the five supervisors to assure success.

To make sure you can sell your story here is some more advice:

·       Suck up to the Supervisors big time. Invite them to events to be honored and ask them to speak.  Take their pictures and get those published. Visibility is important.

·       Make sure that you broadcast all your stories. The arts are always a good news story and the county has a lot of bad news that needs to be balanced out.

·       Be the solution to a problem, which means you have to know what the platforms of the supervisors are. What do they want to achieve and how can the arts help them.

·       Embed artists in residence every department of government. Funding can come from collaborations and having artist knowledgeable about the functioning of all the issues is so helpful.

·       Make sure that your commission has regional impact.

·       Find out what you can do that no one else can do and broadcast that. Art issues are life issues.

Now this can’t be done all at once, but there are huge opportunities in San Diego to make a difference.

The rest of the retreat was spent discussing the strategy plan and setting new priorities. Most exciting was the discussion about the project with a $29K grant from the Local Arts Agency Learning Network  where it was proposed to hold a series of County Supervisor Arts Convening listening events.  

Pictured: County Liaison Giang Meyers, Vice Chair Bob Lehman of San Diego Museum Council, Chair Jim Gilliam, Felicia Shaw of San Diego ART Matters, guest consultant Laura Zucker of AEA Consulting and past director (1992-2017) of the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, Jennifer Jeffries of FALLBROOK CENTER FOR THE ARTS INC, Ladan Akbarnia of The San Diego Museum of Art, Sharlene O'Keefe of Poway OnStage (aka: Poway Center for the Performing Arts Foundation), and artist Jay Bell. Not pictured: Monica Hernandez of Casa Familiar, Inc., Lucas O'Connor of San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council, and artist Renee Richetts.

Other Arts Advocacy News:

There is a new program in North California (Oakland and SF) called GAAP which stands for Grassroots Artist Advocacy Program. GAAP is part of CA for the Arts' Regional Advocacy Infrastructure Network (RAIN), which seeks to reinforce advocacy capacity and efficacy at the local, state and federal levels by designing new models of collaboration at the local (county and municipal) level. This is a fellowship program for artist with a particular project in mind. San Diego are we ready for our own GAAP? In early 2023, they worked with  the San Diego Regional Arts and Culture Coalition now Arts Matter  by doing an assessment of what their needs are, and what their advocacy goals were for the year.  

Learn the ins and outs of leveraging AB 812 to create affordable housing for artists. There is finally a panel and a tool kit from CA for the Arts. The panelists include Tracy Hudak, Co-Author and Director of Field Engagement and Advocacy | CA for the Arts who last year gave the presentation for NCAN, AB 812 authorizes local governments to set aside 10% of any locally-required affordable housing units for artists within one-half mile of a state designated cultural district or within a locally designated cultural district. In Zoom on Wed, July 23 from noon - 1:30 PM.  Learn more here.

In the Art Conversation held for the benefit of the South Bay by Jonathon Glus in concert with the California Arts Council (CAC). Francisco Eme of The Front mentioned that border artists wanted to express other idea besides the border issues. Culture in Mexico is wide ranging and includes low riders, cuisines and fashion. Dr.  Alberto Lopez Pulido agreed with that. Sean Boyd of the Trinity Theater is having funding cuts so that his performances can't go to all the school that they visited last year. Bob Lehman from the Museum Council encouraged sharing resources and even merging with partners to survive. He suggested that funding be for multi-years so that some of the unpredictability of budgets could be avoided. There is an election for a new supervisor to take the place of Nora Vargas and you are urged to find out about all the candidates and show them how the arts can help with social issues.

We attended the CAC June meeting which was held in San Diego and also available to attend by zoom. We recommend that everyone attends at least one of these meeting to understand the process that these art profession use to support all of us. We learned so much and were inspired. Here is just one example: Governor Gavin Newson,  "We will be at California for All. We will not be divided between rural and urban, or north and south. Or coastal and inland. We will strive for solidarity and face our most threatening problems together. This will take courage, and that's a word that means different things to different people. And to me, courage means doing what is right, even when it is hard. We will strive for solidarity and face our most threatening problems together. This will take courage, and that's a word that means different things to different people. And to me, courage means doing what is right, even when it is hard. There's a spark of California, a hope. And a California courage that is born in all of us. It's up to us what we do with it Because the eyes of the world are upon us. Now, more than ever, America needs California."

Art Without Borders: Visionary Artists from San Diego & Baja Norte

The art film ARTWithout Borders celebrates Patricia Frischer, SDVAN, and the San Diego Art Prize and was created by Mark Murphy . Please share this link to spread the word about the work we are doing.

Art Without Borders: Visionary Artists from San Diego & Baja Norte

This short film features San Diego art advocate Patricia Frischer, founder of the San Diego Visual Arts Network and the San Diego Art Prize. You will enjoy an inspired tour of the artists behind the San Diego Art Prize and a binational community of artists who transcend borders through creative expression, mentorship, and cultural dialogue. 

From emerging voices to seasoned visionaries, the film showcases the impact of artistic collaboration, identity exploration, and community building in a region where art serves as both a social force and a bridge between cultures. 

🔗 Learn more about the visual arts in San Diego: https://www.sdvisualarts.net 

🎨 Subscribe for more stories from contemporary artists and cultural innovators at https://www.youtube.com/murphydesign and graphic design, marketing, or book design services, please visit https://www.murphydesign.com 

🔗 SDVAN is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and dynamic visual arts community by valuing artists, engaging the public, and using art as an economic driver. The organization emphasizes mentorship, education, and collaboration to reduce barriers to art appreciation and participation. 

By providing free access to its resources and promoting diverse voices, SDVAN ensures that the visual arts are a vital and accessible part of San Diego’s cultural life https://www.sdvisualarts.net 

SDVAN was founded by Patricia Frischer, who has orchestrated San Diego’s most significant online hub for visual arts, connecting over 1,500 artists and 1,000 organizations. Through mentorship, collaboration, and free resources, SDVAN strengthens the arts community while making creativity accessible through art events, education, and community empowerment. 

Learn more ➡️ sdvisualarts.net 

🏆 About the SDART Prize: The SDART Prize celebrates artistic excellence by awarding cash prizes and providing prestigious exhibition opportunities. This initiative highlights the creative talent that fuels our region’s vibrant cultural life. 

🌟 Why SDVAN Matters: Largest visual arts directory in San Diego 🌴 Free access to art services, management, and educational resources 📚 Promotes diversity, inclusion, and cross-border collaboration 🌎 Drives regional economic growth through the power of art 💥

Art Reach and Business of Art Scholarship at Mission Fed ArtWalk

 by Patricia Frischer

Robert Friedman  at the Mission Fed ArtWalk celebration for
featured artists at ArtReach new headquarters in Hillcrest. 

Robert Friedman is the recipient of this year’s Business of Art Scholarship and will have booth #344 on Cedar Street at the Mission Fed ArtWalk on Sat/Sun April 26/27. San Diego Visual Arts Network is the sponsor of this scholarship and is proud to see how the artist’s subjects fits into the Healing, Health and Hope theme of the April Arts, Culture and Creativity Month celebrations. 

Robert Friedman 

Robert Friedman 

Robert Friedman 

Robert Friedman 

Robert Friedman 

Robert Friedman 

Robert Friedman 

​Robert Friedman has experienced the highs and lows of life during his travels and work as a humanitarian. He has connected with refugees and victims of disaster and war. He views the world with awe at times, but also with heartbreak and concern. He studied visual arts as an undergraduate, but even as a teenager, he found his medium in photography. “Do I capture an image or does the image capture me?” is his explanation of his storytelling quest on view in his Lifescapes.

​

Sandi Cottrell and her sister Judy Berman Silbert 

Judy Berman Silbert and her sister Sandi Cottrell  were lucky to have art in their lives from an early stage. But we all know 2007 brought  massive cuts in the arts in public schools. Sandi was Managing Director of ArtWalk San Diego when I met her and Judy, who was already working with elementary school art programs brought the new experience of ArtReach to ArtWalk. In fact, it was an ArtWalk artist, Patti Fox who helped design the pilot project. Right away  this new programs was launched into a free program starting at Garfield Elementary.

At that time, San Diego Visual Arts Network was supplying a hands on live art experience at ArtWalk as well as the Business of Art Scholarship. The two came together at the celebration of this year’s featured artists including Robert Friedman, the Business of art Scholarship recipient for 2025. This lovely event was held at the new offices of Art Reach in Hillcrest. 

 The party celebration at ArtReach Headquarters

                                           

Two Videos of the ArtReach event and workshop spaces 

ArtReach believes that young students can create original art. They should be encouraged to express themselves and be as creative as possible.  Of course, they need guidance, but that is supplied by professional working artist.

They now have many programs that are funded in all the regular ways: grants, donations, galas like Party ARTy for ArtReach on June 8 from 3 – 6 pm. Besides the in-school Sparks art programs, these include their Artist Residency, ArtReach Murals,  Virtual Lesson Plans and teacher resources, and Community Program for workshops outside of school hours at the Hillcrest location. They even have team building workshops for staff and volunteer and professional development programs.

From summer camps to birthday parties,  in-school and after school, since 2007, ArtReach has provided over 86,000 young people with life-changing opportunities to create original art.

 

Robert Friedman
Business of Art Scholarship recipient 2025
Booth #344 on Cedar Street 
Mission Fed ArtWalk
Sat/Sun April 26/27.

Party ARTy for ArtReach on June 8 from 3 – 6 pm
Anna Laroque  619-940-7278
An inspiring afternoon of creativity, community, and connection to support free visual arts education for San Diego County youth. Set in a stunning Del Mar home, this party will feature: Hands on art-making with ArtReach artists,  A student art showcase celebrating young creatives, Toss a Ring for a chance to take home a bottle of fine wine A thoughtful menu featuring appetizers, salad and a choice of three paellas Live and silent auctions with exclusive experiences and unique items Your attendance on June 8th helps ensure that all children, regardless of economic circumstance, have access to art making. For tickets  starting from $175.

San Diego Visual Arts Network: Sharing our Mission

 

Artwork by Patricia Frischer

As the founder and coordinator of the San Diego Visual Arts Network (SDVAN) and as a working artist, I want to share our revised Mission, Vision, Core Value and Commitment with you.  

Mission
The San Diego Visual Arts Network (SDVAN) is committed to connecting and promoting visual artists with organizations and the public to create a vibrant, collaborative art ecosystem across San Diego County. We are dedicated to celebrating creativity, amplifying the  diversity of voices, and enhancing access to the arts for all.

Vision
We envision a thriving, inclusive, and dynamic San Diego visual arts community that values artists, engages the public, and uses art as an economic driver while enriching the lives of its residents.

Core Values

1. The visual artist is central  to our mission.
2. Mentorship: Legacy building can only be achieved generation to generation
3. Education: We foster art education as a tool for empowerment and lifelong learning for artist as well as enthusiast.
4. Recognition: Mapping is one way we can identify all the participants in our cultural ecosystem. Awards, exhibitions, reports help us recognize excellence.
5. Collaboration: We cultivate meaningful connections among artists, galleries, museums, community groups, and local government. An infrastructure of spokespersons is our strength.
6. Inclusion: There is a type of  artist for every sort of appreciator. Artist should not have to pay to display. There is a balance of genre, ethnicity, age and even mediums in our programs.
7. Accessibility: We are committed to reducing barriers to art appreciation and participation.

Commitments

• Artist Advocacy: We will advocate for additional funding,  organized visibility, and opportunities for local artists.
• Community Dialogue: We nurture relationships between artists and the public through events, workshops, exhibitions, blogs, social media and community partnerships.
• Cultural Preservation: We will honor San Diego’s diverse cultural heritage and shine light on underrepresented visual artists.
• Digital Presence: We continue to develop an accessible online platform for connecting, promoting, and discovering San Diego’s visual arts community.

Join us in building a stronger arts community! Whether you’re an artist, curator, collector, administrator or art enthusiast, there’s a place for you in the San Diego Visual Arts Network. Together, we can shape San Diego into a world class visual art destination.

SD Art Prize 2024, Gabriel Boils, Francisco Eme, Marisol Rendon.

Patricia Frischer, patricia@sdvisualarts.net 760.943.0148

Improving the Process for Public Art for the County of San Diego.

Anne Mudge's sculpture installation in County Admin building

A recent survey was done with art professionals and artists who have been involved with public art projects for the County of San Diego by our County Commission for Arts and Culture. The result of that survey were made public as is in keeping with all work of the commission. What follows is my brief summary of that document.

The survey ended with the goal of a public art program. But I am choosing to put that first:

• Celebrate community and local artists by putting art in public spaces within the community which expands access to the arts. Public Art inspires, educates, and creates an interesting, beautiful experience for people.
• To welcome visitors to the project sites to show what makes us a world class city.
• Centralize administration of a public art program under the Arts and Culture Program and standardize the implementation of the ordinance to meet national best practices i.e. a facilitation between government and art.   
• To tell the story of San Diego County and to show the diversity of artists in both rural and city sites.

·   

·    Let then go to what works well with the County of San Diego’s public art process:

The reinstatement of the County Art Commission is viewed as a great development with the engagement of the Commission’s Public Art Committee now involved with each project.  When qualified professional public art project management collaborate with the County facilities director and contractors/inspectors who have experience with art installations, the projects go more smoothly.

Now,  what doesn’t work well with the County public art process?

• The 0.5% allocation for public art is seen as low and has not increased over time, making it challenging to have the desired impact.
• .The County's artist agreement is problematic for artists, as it takes away their copyrights and ownership, and the language needs to be revised to better support both the artists and the County.
• There is a need for clear and transparent guidelines and SOP applicable to all projects.  
• Consistent community input in the selection and discussion process does not always happen.

Finally,  what are the recommendations and challenges  to improve the County public art process to make it more efficient, inclusive, or impactful for artists, communities, and other stakeholders?

• The 0.5% allocation for public art should be increased to 1%.
• The feedback suggests that providing mentorship or consulting support for artists who have not created public sculpture before would be beneficial. Allowing data on why work was rejected will help to improve future submissions.
• Updating the current county public art ordinance to reflect national standards by adopting policies and guidelines for various aspects of the public art program. For example: simplifying the language in RFPs to be more artist-friendly and building insurance needs into the budget to support artists.
• Increasing the involvement and reporting to the County Art Commission, with the qualified public art consultants working as partners.
• Allowing artists to retain copywrite of their own and be able promote that artwork
• Publishing an art inventory and a comprehensive art policy booklet outlining best practices and clarity would benefit all parties.
• Centralizing the implementation and administration of the ordinance with a qualified public art professional as an employer of the department.
• Standardizing the system for public input and making sure it is presented in multiple languages.

The recommendations emphasize the need for a more inclusive approach to public art installations. Many of the above recommendation would move to a more equitable systems for less experienced artists as well.   

We are so pleased to announce 4 large artists commissioned project in the county:

The City of Escondido's Public Art Commission is seeking qualified artists or teams for the Grand Avenue Art Project, focusing on large-scale art piece to be placed in the roundabout, currently under construction, on Grand Avenue and Broadway. Submissions are due Feb 28 but questions due by Feb 3. The commission fee is $350,00 plus $100,000 for companion pieces

The County of San Diego Animal Care Shelter is making a call for artists for commissions of artwork or purchases. In a variety of mediums from $500 to $50,000 for a new 20K square foot shelter in Santee. There is one large outside sculpture and 7 walls of art needed. Applications are due March 3. More info: Leah Goodwin.

The City of San Dieg is making a call for artist for the Ward Canyon Park Public Art Project. An artist or artist team is sought to design, fabricate and transport permanent, site-specific artwork for the park improvements and consult during installation of artwork with a budget of $110,000. The Deadline for applications is Feb 11.

The Imperial Beach Arts Bureau is making a call for  South Bay artists to for a Tourist Destination Marker in Imperial Beach.  Installation in 2026/2027 at the end of the IB Estuary on Seacoast Blvd. they want a sign, plaque or any other standing concept that invites people to pose and take photos not to exceed 6' wide x 6' long x 9' tall. For more info: ibartsbureau2@gmail.com

How the Arts in California could be affected by the recent election

Californians for the Arts put on a recent webinar about State of Funding and Legislation for Arts, Culture and Creativity

The most interesting part of this presentation was made by Priscilla Quiroz from Shaw Yoder Antwih Schmelzer & Lange, the advocacy, public affairs and association management firm in Sacramento. Yes, this is a lobbying firm. She was the only one that actually addressed the topic. She pointed out that the democrats still have a super majority in both the CA Senate and Assembly. There are now more women  than ever (58) and coming close to a majority (61 men) in the senate, and there are lots of new members as during this election some of the older members retired or decided to try for higher offices. There is a feeling that a  more moderate approach will be forthcoming and this conclusion is based on the bills that passed and were defeated.

Governor Newson has set aside $25M for the department of justice to fight a variety of national law suits against CA.  He has worked to get that done before the new president is inaugurated. This includes protecting civil right, reproductive freedom, climate action and immigrant families, We in the arts realize this is more than the whole budget of the CA Arts Council but these are important concerns.  

Please note: Even though our state only spends  54 cents per person to support the arts, California made it into the top ten most vibrant art states in the country, but only just at #10. This is ranked by per capita supply, demand and public support for the arts by SMU DataArts. San Diego county ranking in Arts Vibrancy is just above 90%.That means it is higher than 90% of other counties in the USA. Not too bad, but we are brought down by public/government support and the lower numbers employed by the arts indexes.

There was concern that there would be a $60 billion deficit in CA this year, but it turned out to be only $2 billion, so even though there are projections for a $20-$30 deficit next year, that has yet to be determined.

Julie Baker of CA for the Arts then gave us a run down of the state of the arts projects which are numerous. We know there was  lots of federal and state money for recovery and relief from the pandemic with that often being a one -time payment. Now lots of federal funding are stopping. And there are many cuts for example the Cultural District funding went from $30 million down to $10M.(More info: North County Networking Event: Affordable Housing for Artists through Cultural Districts.) The Arts in the Park program went from $25 M to $14m. There is a big need for sustained funding so that the fight for funding does not have to be won over and over again.  (more info: State Funding Proposed Cut for the Arts)

In San Diego County, in particular, the Creative project is called Far South/Border North where artists, cultural practitioners, and organizations implemented 71 campaigns across 20 sectors, from education and healthcare to environment and transportation and various artistic and creative forms, from performing arts, visual arts, and literature to music, film, and media. Their work involved 700 artists, created 940 jobs, and engaged people across 37 zip codes in the region’s most disproportionately impacted communities. It brought awareness to urgent issues shaping our region today – including public health, civic engagement, climate, and social justice. 

The other programs that were discussed included:  Prop 28 arts education, AB812 for artist housing connected to Cultural districts,  individual arts fellowships, SB127 a new workgroup to make a strategic plan for the creative economy, two part of prop 4 #91000 ($20m) and #94000 ($25m) from the Natural Resources Agency.

She ended with the announcement that for the first time the creative arts are being identified as an official strategic sector. This has never happened before.

And finally, Julie Baker talked about  the Californians for the Arts Policy Priorities for 2025/26: i.e. protect, invest, build. 

The two other presenters were concerned with the film industry:

Kerri Wood Einertson, SAG-AFTRA Film Industry  announced that they are asking the CA government to double their tax credit incentive program from $330 to $750M per annum to keep film project in CA.  This needs to happen to stay competitive with the enormous rise in film making throughout the world.

Alex Torres, NIVA CA is a lobbyist for the film industry who discussed the crisis in live entertainment industry's ticketing practices. The secondary sales market has nothing to do with the production of the product, but they making a profit off the industry and not giving anything back to it. There are lots of bills that have been proposed about this issue, some good, most bad, and none have passed. This is a real problem with no known solution yet.

You can watch the entire  video of the presentation.

To read about how the election affect the arts at the national level: And the Pendulum Swings: How the election results of 2024 will affect the arts A+ Art Blog by Patricia Frischer

And the Pendulum Swings: How the election results of 2024 will affect the arts

 By Patricia Frischer

In a zoom webinar in November,  American from the Arts (AFTA) arranged a panel of speakers to try to give us a clearer picture of what the future might mean for the arts post-election. These last days before the end of the year are always called the Lame Duck session, and very little is expected to happen until the handover. The word often used to describe our future is uncertainty.

We know that there was a lower turn out for this election, but Trump did manage a bigger majority. The Republican only have a very slight majority in the House and but now also hold the Senate. This is known as the trifecta and is very powerful. Although cabinet appointments from the house and senate could affect these balances, only time will tell. 

Bill Harper, partner Harper Downing, helped us understand that Trumps may well shift arts funding priorities with major cuts expected:

·       Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies will be discontinued

·       America’s 250^th birthday celebration plans in 2026 will be ramped up. (Maybe a big opportunity for the arts)

·       An emphasis on art programs that reach more rural areas and veterans

·       Even more support of small businesses

·       More individuals will be helped by the arts, especially those loyal to Trump.

David Reed, Policy Director Brownstein,  tacked the subject of the Reconciliation process: this is a special way to fast track certain budget legislation in the Senate by enabling just majority (instead of a 60-vote supermajority) for budget issues only with no filibuster from the Senate allowed.  Reconciliation cannot affect the NEA which is discretionary funding. But caps could be put on spending and tax reduction in general could ultimately affect the arts. Then there is Schedule F, which is a way to fire civil servants and gov appointed positions, and that could undermine the arts. Good news is that tax deductions for charity donation might come back for non-itemizers.

Americans for the Arts sees the Republican strategy as one to raise disruption where ever possible. But we all know the government could strive for more efficiency.  There will probably be work force reduction and re-locations, and a mandate to come back to in person office work but with a smaller government.  Some describe this a death by a thousand cuts. Time will tell as the civil service is a well organized body that goes through political and appointed leadership changes over and over.

There was then a presentation of the new members and the old guard that are supporters of the arts in the House and Senate by Tooshar Swain, Public Policy Director AFTA, and Olivia Tarpley., Public Policy Manager AFTA,  There was a lose of some key champions for the arts and lots of unknowns. But the bipartisan Senate Cultural Caucus leadership is still very strong with Susan Collins (R Maine) and David Reed (D Rhode Island) and House Art Caucus  with Mike Turner (R Ohio)  and Chellie Pingree (D Maine) with good track records.

When it comes to Governors and Mayors, although there were changes, the balance stayed about the same and almost equal. There are just a few more split legislatures. Split legislatures made for good government in general so that may be a good sign.

You have to remember that the local not federal agencies are the largest funders for the arts. But there was speculation that if the NEA was somehow eliminated, then those states that gave matching funds to the NEA might also stop their funding. Good news is that the few ballot initiatives for funding the arts around the county did pass, although AFTA did say it was hard to track this information. If you know of any others, please contact jay@artsusa.org.

Finally there was a strong please for extra support through advocacy and engagement.

Here is the link to see the Webinar slide show yourself:  https://www.americansforthearts.org/advocate/2024-post-election-webinar-impact-on-the-arts

The webinar  can be viewed here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pWLz8e73eg&t=8s

Here is the link to add your support: https://www.artsactionfund.org/arts-action-center?vvsrc=/campaigns/119049/respond

The is the link to the June AFTA conference in Ohio: https://afta2025convention.org/

If you want to know more specifics about California then The State of Funding and Legislation for Arts, Culture & Creativity in California is on Dec 11 at noon PT presented by Californian for the Arts. With the 2024 election, more than 25% of the CA legislature is new, Federal Funding resources are increasingly uncertain and the California state budget remains unstable.

There is a further Americans for the Arts Webinar on Jan 22 at noon PT: Advocacy 101: Introduction to the new 119th Congress

Carol Rogers: How the Arts helped me find community

This month I am dedicating the A+ Art Blog to Carol Rogers who gave a TedX talk in Escondido about her volunteer efforts in October this year. 

Her very impressive list of volunteer associations include:
Museums and Arts Growing Escondido Culture (MAGEC) Co-founder and Facilitator since 2016 
Escondido Downtown Business Association, Board Member  from 2019 
Esco Alley Art – Founding committee member in 2021
Escondido Public Art Commission newly elected Chair but committee member since 2023
Escondido Community Foundation Board Member 2024

Carol Rogers is a also a new board member of the North County Arts Network  where she is on the Government support committee which advocates for paid arts administrations in all cities.

She is dedicated to bringing more attention to the arts in her community.  Enjoy the talk below.