San Diego Art Directory was not built as a business idea. It was built out of necessity.
I am an immigrant, an artist, and a marketer who found herself isolated during COVID, new to the local art scene and hungry for connection. Like many artists, I was creating work in a garage studio and wondering how to find my people in a city that often feels spread out and disconnected.
So I started a conversation.
What began as a podcast became a living map of San Diego’s creative ecosystem. Through hundreds of conversations with artists, performers, organizers, and cultural workers, one thing became clear. San Diego has an incredible amount of arts and culture. What it lacks is visibility, coordination, and fair support.
San Diego Art Directory exists to change that.
SDAD connects artists and cultural organizations with audiences, partners, and opportunities. We highlight local creative work, support ethical marketing practices, and advocate for artists to be paid for their labor. We believe arts and culture are not a hobby or a nice bonus. They are a vital part of a healthy, thriving region.
We do not position ourselves as an authority. We act as connective tissue. We bring people together, break down silos, and help the community see what is already here.
At its core, SDAD is about dignity, access, and sustainability for artists and cultural workers. It is about making sure creativity in San Diego is seen, valued, and supported, not just enjoyed for free.
Press About Us
Our Team
Board of Directors
Galina Marcus
San Diego Artist, Host at In The Art Scene Podcast, Marketing Consultant.
Galina@SanDiegoArtDirectory.com
Isabelle Guimont
San Diego Artist, Founder of the Found Artistry Society, Business Development Guru.
Isabelle@SanDiegoArtDirectory.com
Cathy Homes
Government and Community Relationships Extraordinaire.
Cathy@SanDiegoArtDirectory.co
Cheryl Ehlers
San Diego Artist, COAL President, Fine Art Industry Veteran.
Cheryl@SanDiegoArtDirectory.com
Leslie Manning
San Diego Woodworking Artist, Goddess of Finances.
Leslie@SanDiegoArtDirectory.com