HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-10-02; Arts Commission; 03; Arts & Culture Master Plan Subcommittee UpdateMeeting Date: Oct. 2, 2025
To: Arts Commission
From: Krystal Roa, Program Manager
Staff Contact: Krystal Roa, Program Manager
krystal.roa@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-5611
Subject: Arts & Culture Master Plan Subcommittee Update
District: All
Recommended Action
Receive a report and recommendations from the subcommittee regarding implementation of the
Arts & Culture Master Plan.
Executive Summary
On Feb. 6, 2025, the Arts Commission established an Arts & Culture Master Plan subcommittee
in accordance with the approved Fiscal Year 2024-25 Work Plan. Commissioners Breyer, Nassiri
and Ferone were appointed to the subcommittee. This update will share the subcommittee’s
findings and recommendations for ongoing implementation of the Arts & Culture Master Plan.
Explanation & Analysis
On Dec. 5, 2024 the Arts Commission approved its Fiscal Year 2024-25 Work Plan. The plan
includes an item to “monitor and report to the City Council the progress of the initiatives
detailed in the Arts & Culture Master Plan, including adapting to current community needs and
reassessing the current status of the ten-year timeline. Create Arts Commission subcommittee
to study, along with city staff, the existing Arts Master Plan and examine the viability of a future
5-year Arts Master Plan, instead of 10 years.”
Community Engagement
None.
Fiscal Analysis
This action has no fiscal impact.
Next Steps
The subcommittee will work with staff to monitor and report to the City Council the progress of
the initiatives detailed in the Arts & Culture Master Plan, in accordance with the Fiscal Year
2024-25 Work Plan.
Arts Commission
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Environmental Evaluation
The proposed action is not a “project” as defined by CEQA Section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines
Section 15378(b)(5) and does not require environment review under CEQA Guidelines Section
15060(c)(3) and 15061(b)(3), because the proposed action to report on the Master Plan is an
organizational or administrative government activity that does not involve any commitment to
any specific project which may result in a potentially significant physical impact on the
environment. Any subsequent action or direction stemming from the proposed action may
require preparation of an environmental document in accordance with CEQA or CEQA
Guidelines.
Exhibits
1.Arts & Culture Master Plan (June 2018)
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Lifelong
Learning
Capacity
Building
DistinctIdentities
Business
Sector
Art in
Daily Life
Arts & Culture Master Plan
June 2018
Physical
Realm
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Exhibit 1
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| Arts & Culture Master Plan: Introduction 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
HOW TO READ THE PLAN 5
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 6
ARTS AND CULTURE IN CARLSBAD 7
ARTS AND CULTURE AS A CORE VALUE 8
WHY AN ARTS AND CULTURE MASTER PLAN? 9
A NEW CHAPTER FOR ARTS AND CULTURE IN CARLSBAD 10
CITYWIDE VISION FOR ARTS AND CULTURE 11
A ROADMAP 14
ARTS AND CULTURE FRAMEWORK 17
DEFINING ARTS AND CULTURE 18
CARLSBAD’S SUCCESS STORIES 22
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 27
THE PLANNING PROCESS 28
KEY COMMUNITY FINDINGS 30
THE PLAN 37
NEW ROLES FOR THE CITY OF CARLSBAD 38
ROLE OF THE CARLSBAD ARTS COMMISSION 40
ROLE 1: PROVIDER 42
CONTINUE TO PROVIDE STRONG ARTS AND CULTURE PROGRAMMING 43
ROLE 2: PARTNER 46
SUPPORT ART AS AN ESSENTIAL COMPONENT OF DAILY LIFE 47
FOSTER ARTS & CULTURE WITHIN THE PHYSICAL REALM 50
ROLE 3: CONNECTOR 54
EXPAND ARTS & CULTURE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES 55
ESTABLISH RELATIONSHIPS THAT SUPPORT A THRIVING BUSINESS SECTOR 58
ROLE 4: LEADER 62
CELEBRATE CARLSBAD’S UNIQUE HISTORY AND DISTINCT IDENTITIES 63
BUILD CAPACITY WITHIN THE ARTS & CULTURE SECTOR 66
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IMPLEMENTATION 71
NEXT STEPS 72
CONTINUOUS PLANNING 73
PRIMARY IMPLEMENTATION RECOMMENDATIONS 74
FUNDING SOURCES 77
FUNDING SOURCES FOR THE ARTS AND CULTURE SECTOR 78
ADDITIONAL FUNDING AND FINANCING OPPORTUNITIES 81
IMPLEMENTATION CHARTS 87
TEN PRIORITY ACTIONS 88
PROGRAM AND POLICY PRECEDENTS 99
PROGRAM AND POLICY PRECEDENTS 100
APPENDICES 105
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 106
KEY TERMS 107
LISTING OF CULTURAL ASSETS 108
INTERVIEW AND FOCUS GROUP PARTICIPANTS 112
GROUP PRESENTATIONS 114
CONSULTANT PROFILE 115
PLAN PREVIEW SUMMARIES AND FEEDBACK 116
COMMUNITY FEEDBACK REPORT 118
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| Executive Summary 4
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Arts & Culture Master Plan: Executive Summary | 5
HOW TO READ THE PLAN
This Arts & Culture Master Plan presents a vision of new roles for the City of
Carlsbad and the Cultural Arts Office, leading to the creation of vibrant
experiences for everyone. The action items bring it to life. Planning for arts and
culture is a bit different than planning in other municipal departments. While this
plan pulls from multiple disciplines, from the arts and business administration, to
marketing and education, it arrives at a different type of plan. This plan is not so
much about physical things, like roads, parks or utility lines, as it is about people,
and how we experience culture in our community.
We still have visions to discern, ideas to discover, resources to be identified and
partnerships to establish for fostering collaboration. In other words, we are just at
the beginning; planting seeds that will one day grow into something bigger. With
that in mind, this plan presents many aspects that are essential in arts and culture
planning and you will find:
• What defines Carlsbad, where we are now and what is the current role of arts
and culture in our neighborhoods.
• What arts and culture looks like in the nation and how it applies to our
community.
• The many stages of input and feedback from the community that lead to
crafting this plan.
• Outcomes prompted by listening to you, leading to the following:
o Four roles for the city (PROVIDER, PARTNER, CONNECTOR and LEADER).
o Six themes with strategies organized into specific actions which are
necessary to realize the vision of the plan.
• Based on community feedback, there are ten items that rose to the top; each
incorporates a variety of tactics representing input from numerous sectors
such as business, education and nonprofit.
• Finally, we outline an implementation strategy with recommendations for
resources that will be required to bring this vision to life.
As you read the Arts & Culture Master Plan, you will learn about the many ideas
brought forward by the residents of Carlsbad on how the current state of arts and
culture could grow to its fullest potential. We invite you to find your own place in
this effort to build the larger system that will be benefit all.
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| Executive Summary 6
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
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Arts & Culture Master Plan: Executive Summary | 7
ARTS AND CULTURE IN CARLSBAD
Throughout its history the City of Carlsbad has been a meeting place of people,
cultures and ideas. From its origins as the home of the Native American Luiseño
people, to Spanish missionaries of the late 18th century, the early farmers who
cultivated fruits and flowers, olives and avocados, and on to the executives who
built the world-class business hub it is today, Carlsbad has had a rich story to
match its abundant natural resources and beauty.
Now a city of roughly 115,000, the city is still known as a “village by the sea” and
prides itself on its small, coastal town feel. No longer reliant on agriculture as a sole
economic engine, Carlsbad is a popular tourist destination and home to a number
of commercial and industrial enterprises. Its enviable location between San Diego
and Los Angeles, striking coastline, fertile soil and temperate climate all ensure
Carlsbad’s attractiveness and growth into the 21st century.
Arts and culture have long been an essential component of Carlsbad life. Founded
in 1986, the city’s Cultural Arts Office provides cultural services throughout the
community and works with a host of partners to expand arts programming and
arts appreciation. One of its most popular programs has been TGIF Concerts in the
Parks, a free musical series offered each summer. The City of Carlsbad’s Art in
Public Places, the first public art program in the San Diego area, has installed over
100 works of art. Other organizations in the city—the Museum of Making Music,
New Village Arts and many others—further enliven Carlsbad’s arts and culture
scene.
Still, previous and current visioning efforts have determined that there is a wealth
of untapped potential for arts and culture in Carlsbad. There are opportunities that
could further enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike. A broadening of the
definition of “art,” a deeper and more layered integration of art within everyday
life and a more balanced offering of arts and culture experiences across the city
and across multiple age groups have emerged as priorities. With additional goals
and resources, Carlsbad is poised to become a more vibrant local arts community
and serve as the engine for arts and culture activities in the surrounding region.
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| Arts & Culture Master Plan: Executive Summary 8
ARTS AND CULTURE AS A CORE VALUE
Strengths. Carlsbad sits within a regional landscape that is defined by its
geography, industries and cultures. Counting itself as part of the North County
group of local cities (along with Oceanside, Encinitas, Vista and others), Carlsbad
the city is tightly connected to its neighbors and San Diego to the south. Today,
the city recognizes the value of a strong arts and culture community as an integral
part of daily life, as well as the strong growth of the arts and cultural economies
within the region.
Several strengths led to Carlsbad’s commitment to this core value:
● High-quality programs. Among the year-round arts and culture programs
valued by residents of all ages are arts education opportunities, gallery
exhibits and special events such as the TGIF Concerts in the Parks.
● Dedicated resources. Carlsbad's investment in arts and culture is
significantly higher than neighboring cities and includes a Cultural Arts
Office staff to continually renew and maintain the excellence of the
programs.
● History of partnership. These programs are the result of decades of
commitment from community organizations and volunteers. They have
fostered a deep sense of local identity by helping create iconic locations
like the Flower Fields and signature events.
Challenges. These strengths will allow us to meet key challenges before us, such
as:
● Clearly defining the city’s role as a regional arts and cultural resource and
destination.
● Providing access to programming for a growing and increasingly diverse
population.
● Developing new forms of funding and new partnerships that will provide
more ways for artists and arts and cultural organizations to bring new work
to the public.
● Instilling arts and culture participation as a part of daily life.
● Coordinating with neighboring cities to jointly explore programming
opportunities that will attract regional audiences.
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Arts & Culture Master Plan: Executive Summary | 9
WHY AN ARTS AND CULTURE MASTER PLAN?
By creating this Arts & Culture Master Plan, Carlsbad is taking its place among the
many U.S. cities that recognize the arts, culture and creative sectors as
fundamental to their city and integral for a strong quality of life and robust
economic development strategies. With the adoption of this plan, arts and culture
take on a new role within city government. The city can no longer serve merely as
a provider but must serve as a catalyst for new ideas and efforts from the creative
community. To support this change, the Arts & Culture Master Plan helps to
strategically align resources, goals and actions among city departments and
between the city, community partners, the creative community and the city’s
robust cadre of civic volunteers.
ARTS & CULTURE MASTER PLAN GOALS
Carlsbad has arts and culture written into its DNA as a place of natural beauty. The
city has become a popular meeting place for people and ideas as well as a fertile
environment for entrepreneurship. These and other qualities have made it a
national and international business hub with a creative civic spirit. Carlsbad takes
great pride in striving for a high quality of life.
The goal of the Arts & Culture Master Plan is to harness the ideas and energy of
local residents and combine them with national best practices. The result will be a
roadmap that can help the city not only support its existing arts and culture
offerings but grow and develop into new roles and experiences in partnership
with local artists and arts and culture organizations.
Photo from Museum of Making Music
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| Arts & Culture Master Plan: Executive Summary 10
A NEW CHAPTER FOR
ARTS AND CULTURE IN CARLSBAD
In 2017, the City of Carlsbad began working with
residents, artists, arts and culture organizations and
other stakeholders on developing a plan to deepen
and expand an arts and culture environment that is
already a model for cities across Southern
California. These efforts built upon vision and
policies for arts and culture established by the
Carlsbad Community Vision and General Plan and
nurtured by a long-standing understanding about
the role rts and culture play in the vitality of a community. The planning process
has been divided into three phases: Discover, Envision and Develop. Through
public outreach in the Discover and Envision phases, the city gathered input from
the community about specific ideas and priorities for arts and culture. These
recommendations and ideas emerged as the framework of the draft Arts & Culture
Master Plan. In these conversations residents shared a strong desire to nurture,
grow and develop the arts and culture community.
During the final Develop phase of the planning process, the input gathered from
the community was sorted and analyzed in order to discover specific ideas the
community would like to see implemented to help the city’s arts and culture
sector continue to thrive. These ideas were transformed into specific action items
and developed and refined further through extensive discussions with staff and
city partners. These final action items became the heart of the Plan.
While continuing on its current course, there is opportunity for Carlsbad to
develop new ways of offering residents and visitors the delightful, sometimes
surprising and ever-engaging arts and culture events and public art that are
associated with the city.
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Arts & Culture Master Plan: Executive Summary | 11
CITYWIDE VISION FOR ARTS AND CULTURE
A vision has now emerged for an arts and culture sector in the City of Carlsbad. It
should be creative, innovative, inclusive and vital. These are the values that now
provide the framework for the priorities and action items within the Arts & Culture
Master Plan and establish guideposts for implementing the Plan
recommendations over the next ten years.
● Creative. Building on a history of civic engagement and volunteerism in
and around arts and culture, the city will work to enhance its reputation
for vibrant, creative community expression and gathering.
● Innovative. As an incubator of business innovation, the city will help the
arts and culture sector participate in developing new solutions for
business, government, education and philanthropic sectors.
● Inclusive. As a coastal community known for its beauty and diverse
communities, the city will work towards access and inclusion to arts and
culture for all Carlsbad residents.
● Vital. Known for its high quality of life and robust Village and Barrio
histories, the city’s arts and cultural communities will contribute to the
creation of dynamic neighborhoods, vibrant market areas and an
engaging city center.
OPPORTUNITIES ON THE HORIZON FOR ARTS AND
CULTURE IN CARLSBAD
While there are many strengths, there are also opportunities present that could
further the impact of arts and culture, such as:
● Defining the city’s role in the region and locally in arts and culture.
● Reaching additional resident populations with accessible arts and cultural
programming.
● Growing demand for arts and culture participation as a part of daily life by
generating new forms of funding and fostering partnerships to create
additional ways for artists and arts and culture organizations to bring their
work to the public.
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| Arts & Culture Master Plan: Executive Summary 12
IDENTIFYING NEW ROLES
During the Discover phase, the consensus was that to expand the city’s role in arts
and culture locally and regionally, the city should evolve beyond its role from a
Provider of programs and funding to be a Connector, Leader and Partner. We
define these terms as follows:
● Provider to ensure that the city’s role of providing arts and culture
programming and funding to the community remains strong.
● Partner to form cross-sector collaborations that can increase the impact of
arts and culture.
● Leader to advocate for arts and culture with innovative ideas and
stimulating conversations with partners throughout the North County
area.
● Connector to bring together diverse entities to pursue mutual goals.
SIX NEW STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
Six new strategic priorities that help define these new roles were identified during
the initial phases of community engagement. They have been tested and refined
throughout the development of the Plan and final specific action items based on
discussions with City of Carlsbad staff, community residents and local creative
sector professionals and are now at the foundation of our plan.
1. Support Art as an Essential Component of Daily Life
2. Foster Arts & Culture Within the Physical Realm
3. Expand Arts & Culture Learning Opportunities
4. Establish Relationships that Support a Thriving Business Sector
5. Celebrate Carlsbad’s Unique History and Distinct Identities
6. Build Capacity Within the Arts & Culture Sector
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Arts & Culture Master Plan: Executive Summary | 13
ENVISIONED OUTCOMES
Arts and culture have always been essential to Carlsbad's character and will remain
at its core as the city moves forward. The challenge for residents is to help the city
encourage and support the emerging arts and culture landscape that becomes
part of every resident’s daily life. As the city begins implementation of this
community-inspired Arts & Culture Master Plan, it will focus on four primary goals:
● Promote Carlsbad as a vital cultural destination.
● Encourage greater implementation of the arts in academic and social
programs including the advancement of STEAM (Science, Technology,
Engineering, Arts and Mathematics).
● Support the ongoing integration of arts and culture into city policy and
new project discussions.
● Establish relationships that support a creative and thriving local arts and
culture ecosystem encouraging greater collaboration between the arts
and culture community and business, education and nonprofit sectors.
Sage Creek High School Drama
Photo from the Carlsbad Unified School District
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| Arts & Culture Master Plan: Executive Summary 14
A ROADMAP
Going forward, this Arts & Culture Master Plan will serve as a roadmap for the City
of Carlsbad, providing it with short-term, mid-term and long-term strategies. The
realization of goals and strategies will require the community’s leadership and its
support, along with the combined efforts of City of Carlsbad leadership,
department staff, and with artists and partner organizations in the private and
nonprofit sectors. As a roadmap, the plan describes the ways in which arts and
culture, cross-sector partnerships, neighborhood initiatives and diverse
community offerings come together to support a dynamic quality of life for
residents, and achieve the vision of creating a vital, vibrant and inviting city.
To do this, the plan provides guidance on strategically bringing together the
partnerships and resources needed to create opportunities within the city for the
arts and culture sector to thrive.
The plan came from the ideas of residents in the city and will further develop with
their continued input and entrepreneurial energy making arts and culture not only
part of resident’s quality of life, but an essential component of the city’s identity
and prosperity. We hope that when you read this Arts & Culture Master Plan you
will be able to see yourself in the ideas and inspiration that are at its foundation.
TEN PRIORITY ACTIONS
The staff from the Cultural Arts Office and the Arts Commission have identified the
following ten priority actions:
1. Research and develop a venue feasibility plan.
2. Implement Mobile Outreach Strategy utilizing a newly programmed Arts
Vehicle and Mobile Stage, i.e., Business Park After Dark.
3. Support the continuation and development of Carlsbad’s festival and
event culture.
4. Leverage local partnerships to support creating an initial STEAM pilot
program with Carlsbad's Title I schools with an eventual goal of replication
in schools across the city.
5. Partner with Community and Economic Development to convene a series
of dialogues with local creative and artistic industry professionals to
discover mutual goals and interests, i.e. supporting professional and
personal development of employees in the workplace.
6. Increase community grant funding and support.
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Arts & Culture Master Plan: Executive Summary | 15
7. Work with business networking organizations to develop trainings for
business professionals to serve on arts and culture nonprofit boards and
encourage mentorship opportunities.
8. Create a Trail Art Initiative.
9. Create a Guest Artist residency program.
10. Create a Cultural Tourism Marketing Plan.
“Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story”, New Village Arts, 2017
Photo from: Daren Scott, New Village Arts
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| Arts & Culture Master Plan: Executive Summary 16
“Landsailers”, Neal Bociek,
Carlsbad Sculpture Garden,
2014
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17 | Art & Culture Master Plan: Arts and Culture Framework
ARTS AND CULTURE FRAMEWORK
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18 | Art & Culture Master Plan: Arts and Culture Framework
DEFINING ARTS AND CULTURE
Planning for arts and culture can be tricky as the terms have many meanings. For
that reason, we have used a broad understanding of these terms during the
formulation of the Arts & Culture Master Plan.
Traditionally, the arts have conjured images of companies and institutions – the
ballet, the opera, the symphony, theaters and museums. Today, the arts mean
much more. With greater access to both new and traditional media, inspired
entrepreneurship and venture capital, downtown revitalization and the fusion of
culture and cuisine, the arts can be more immediate. They are as likely to be in the
form of crafts, community art, digital media or food as in painting, sculpture,
dance, theater and music. This plan takes a broad view of arts and culture and
recognizes that the diversity of media and modes of expression is a strength of the
arts sector and deserving of support.
Like the term art, culture refers to the way in which a group of people express their
ideas, values and hopes. At its core culture embodies all the activities that we do
as a community and help to form our knowledge of and attachment to the places
in which we live. Captured in architecture, histories and the shared events that
bring people together, a community's culture is its unique stamp upon the world.
Art and culture are how we express ourselves as individuals and how we engage
each other as a community.
ARTS AND CULTURE ARE TAKING A NEW ROLE IN OUR CITIES
Arts and culture have always been an essential part of what it means to be human.
Through image, stories, dance and other forms of expression, we become inspired,
delighted and connected to each other as a community. Until recently the arts
were viewed as enhancements or special extras within our daily lives. Over the
past decade, however, our understanding has shifted. Scientific research has
shown the arts stimulate a child's brain development. We see new and increased
funding for cross-sector partnerships to develop vibrant urban areas. There has
been a fundamental shift in business for more creativity and innovation. As a
result, we see arts and culture taking a critical role in guiding how we develop as
cities, communities and individuals.
Today, within the United States, we know that1:
• Arts unify communities. 67 percent of Americans believe “the arts unify
our communities regardless of age, race and ethnicity.”
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• Arts improve academic performance. Lower dropout rates are another
benefit.
• Arts strengthen the economy. In the United States today, the arts and
culture sector is a $730 billion industry representing 4.2 percent of the
nation’s GDP - a larger share of the economy than transportation, tourism
and agriculture.
• Arts are good for local businesses. Attendees at nonprofit arts events
spend $24.60 per person, per event, beyond the cost of admission on
items such as meals, parking and babysitters.
• Arts drive tourism. Arts travelers stay longer and spend more to seek out
authentic cultural experiences.
• Arts spark creativity and innovation. Creativity is among the top five
applied skills sought by business leaders - with 72 percent saying creativity
is of high importance when hiring.
• Arts improve healthcare. Nearly one-half of the nation’s healthcare
institutions provide arts programming for patients, families and even staff.
More than two-thirds believe these programs provide healing benefits to
patients - shorter hospital stays, better pain management and less
medication.
• Arts foster healing in the military. The arts are part of the military
continuum—promoting readiness during pre-deployment as well as
aiding in the successful reintegration and adjustment of veterans and
military families into community life.1
During conversations with local stakeholders, many said this is the time for arts
and culture in the City of Carlsbad. Given the opportunities, needs and political
will, aligning arts and culture-based strategies with other community priorities just
makes sense.
CREATIVE PLACEMAKING
The city’s planning efforts also take place within a national groundswell of interest
in the ways in which arts and culture can advance diverse community strategies.
1 Reference: Ten Reasons to Support the Arts. Randy Cohen, 2017. The Americans
for the Arts, https://www.americansforthearts.org/by-program/reports- and-
data/legislation- policy/naappd/ten-reasons- to- support-the- arts-2017
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20 | Art & Culture Master Plan: Arts and Culture Framework
For instance, since 2010, the National Endowment for the Arts, ArtPlace (a
consortium of 12 philanthropic foundations and six major financial institutions,
with diverse federal agencies participating as strategic partners) and the Kresge
Foundation have invested over $80 million in creative placemaking projects all
across the country. Creative Placemaking is an area of city planning that partners
with the arts and culture sector in order to develop the quality and vitality of a
place. In addition to national arts funders, both the U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Education have revised
funding guidelines to encourage arts strategies as part of their programs.
BENEFITS OF THE CREATIVE ECONOMY
The success of new approaches such as Creative Placemaking prompts cities to
reassess the role and value of arts and culture within their communities and to
examine the types of skills, connections and capacities needed to harness the
potential of their arts and culture assets. Even smaller towns and cities are
engaging the arts and culture community with economic development in order to
achieve the following:
● Support for the development of downtown assets and cultural renewal.
● Increase in business attraction and expansion of the tax base.
● Growth of a regional and community image.
● Arts increasing the attractiveness of the area to highly desirable,
knowledge-based and creative-sector employees.
These national trends tie in closely with Carlsbad's goals to strengthen the city’s
strong and diverse economy and its position as an employment hub in North San
Diego County.
THE ARTS IN CALIFORNIA
Shifts in the arts and culture sector are happening throughout the state and the
nation. A recent report by the James Irvine Foundation looked at how people in
the State of California participate in arts and culture activities.2 The report
identified many of the same trends that are emerging in Carlsbad today.
2 Novak-Leonard, et.al. (2015) The Cultural Lives of Californians: Insights from the Cultural
Survey of Arts & Culture Participation. University of Chicago and The James Irvine
Foundation
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People’s participation in arts and cultural activities, especially in ways that allow
them to develop or release their own artistic impulse, is extensive — and perhaps
nowhere more so than in California. At the same time, California’s cultural
landscape is undergoing massive changes, affecting the ways people encounter,
experience and engage with art. These changes include California’s demographic
shift to be a so-called “majority-minority” state and rapid technological advances
that offer new opportunities for artistic expression and access. These changes pose
challenges and exciting new opportunities for how artists and organizations
create and share their expertise and work.
Key findings include:
• Californians want to engage in arts and culture, and demand is high.
• Art happens everywhere - new technology, expectations and cultural
norms mean Californians engage in art in new ways and places.
• There is disparity - Californians have varied arts interests, but there are
evident patterns of lower participation levels for some of California’s
largest and growing demographic groups.
Photo from the Carlsbad Music Festival
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CARLSBAD’S SUCCESS STORIES
Carlsbad has a rich history with several arts and culture organizations and
traditions that are embedded as a core component of that legacy. These
organizations bring diverse cultural experiences to the community. It is one of the
aspirations of the Arts & Culture Master Plan to continue to support these
organizations and to create programs that will assist them with capacity building
to strengthen their operations and help each to further its mission.
NEW VILLAGE ARTS THEATRE
The only live theater venue in the Village of Carlsbad, New Village Arts has brought
critically acclaimed productions to the city since 2001. Founded by graduates of
New York’s Actors Studio Drama School, the company first staged shows at the
Granary – a converted chicken coop in Carlsbad’s Magee Park. Thanks to the
support of the City of Carlsbad, New Village Arts is currently housed in one of the
Village’s oldest buildings – a 1922 former lumber yard – with a 99-seat theater and
artists incubator space known as The Foundry. With innovative classes and
outreach programming such as Teatro Pueblo Nuevo, NVA offers professional and
family educational opportunities that help to create a healthy and culturally
vibrant community.
MURALS
Today the Village of Carlsbad is known for a unique and eclectic set of murals
supported by local businesses and artists. Residents and visitors can find works
tucked along quiet streets and alleyways such as “The Robot,” by local artist Jason
Markow, at the corner of State St. and Carlsbad Village Dr. and Michael Summers’
“Catnap,” located on the exterior of Witch Creek Winery. A popular spot is the
New Village Arts Building
Photo from New Village Arts
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Carlsbad Art Wall created by local community artist Bryan Snyder. Bryan works
with a rotating set of local and regional artists, muralists, teens and community
members to create ever-changing artworks along the wall of Señor Grubby’s.
MUSEUM OF MAKING MUSIC
The Museum of Making Music is the official museum of NAMM (National
Association of Music Merchants), the not-for-profit association that serves and
strengthens the global music products industry. Founded in 1998 and opened to
the public in March 2000, the Museum celebrates the rich history of the music
products industry from 1900 to today. Through unique exhibitions, live music
performances and educational programs, the Museum shares the
accomplishments and impact of the people who make, sell and use musical
instruments and other products.
“Carlsbad Art Wall”, Señor Grubby’s, 2017
Museum of Making Music Gallery Space
Photo from Museum of Making Music
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CARLSBAD MUSIC FESTIVAL
Now in its 15th season, the annual Carlsbad Music Festival has offered a three-day
summer celebration of “adventurous music by the beach.” The Festival features
over 60 performances and is curated by Founder and Artistic Director Matt
McBane, who is also a composer and violinist. Performers bring a mix of eclectic
and adventurous music including contemporary classical, indie rock, world music,
electronic, jazz and more. Each year, dozens of free outdoor concerts draw
thousands of visitors to the Village of Carlsbad where they can find a beer garden,
food trucks and an artisan market. In addition, the Carlsbad Music Festival is
supported by their partner organization St. Michael’s Episcopal Church.
TGIF CONCERTS IN THE PARKS
What started in 1985 as a series of intimate jazz concerts in parks has grown to a
major fixture of summer in Carlsbad. Nine concerts are presented in four city parks.
Each event features food vendors and hands-on art activities at Family Open
Studios. Live music and a dance floor offer evening entertainment for over 30,000
residents and visitors annually. Musicians are featured from San Diego, as well as
across southern California and nationally. Support for the concert series comes
from the City of Carlsbad through the Cultural Arts Office as well as Parks &
Recreation, Public Works, Carlsbad Police, Carlsbad Explorers and Senior Volunteer
Patrol. In addition, the concert series receives strong annual support from
Carlsbad Friends of the Arts.
LEO CARRILLO RANCH HISTORIC PARK
Opened in 2003, the Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park is Carlsbad’s 27-acre former
working ranch, once owned by actor Leo Carrillo. Today, this historic park is home
to handcrafted adobe buildings, antique windmills, a reflecting pool and many
other historic structures where visitors can explore California history. Known for
the natural beauty found in the agave, bougainvillea, Birds of Paradise, flowering
trees and dozens of peacocks, the City of Carlsbad supported the stabilization and
preservation of this unique historical asset. A unique entry gate was created
specifically for the park through the city's public art program. Leo Carrillo Ranch is
a designated Historic National Landmark and is connected to the citywide trails
system via the four-mile-long Ranch Carrillo Trail.
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TGIF Concert in the Parks Series
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Carlsbad Music
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
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THE PLANNING PROCESS
Direction and recommendations for the Arts & Culture Master Plan action items
came from community residents who desire the ongoing development of arts and
culture within Carlsbad. Additional ideas and inspiration were taken from national
best practice models.
The public engagement component of the project is based on numerous outreach
methods:
• Stakeholder Interviews and Focus Groups
• Public Meetings
• In person and Online Surveys
• Community Outreach in Focused Areas
• Plan Preview
• Meeting-in-a-Box for Arts Organizations
Each individual engagement component played a specific part in the
development of the Arts & Culture Master Plan. The initial stakeholder interviews
and focus groups helped the team to create the overall theme framework, while
public meetings provided a chance to update the larger public on the planning
process and test ideas that were emerging from those stakeholder discussions.
The in-person and online surveys helped to deepen the team’s understanding of
how the larger public viewed each of the themes and what specific ideas they
might like to see develop as part of the plan.
As the plan evolved, a Plan Preview document (included in the Appendices) was
created to give residents an advance look at what ideas were emerging and get
one final round of feedback before the final draft. The Arts & Culture Master Plan
now reflects the ideas and visions created by and tested with community
representatives. The national best practices that helped inform this final draft
involve cultural sector economic development and creative placemaking.
The plan’s action items provide a clear roadmap for expanding arts and culture
that is specific to Carlsbad, its history and its residents.
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KEY COMMUNITY FINDINGS
The community engagement process revealed just how strongly Carlsbad
residents want arts and culture to be part of their daily lives. There is support for
seeing the arts beyond the traditional settings of galleries and concert halls and
placed along natural trails, in business parks and within different neighborhoods
to provide fuller engagement with works of expression and creativity.
These ideas and others, gathered in interviews with individual residents, creative
professionals, focus groups and community meetings laid the foundation for the
two broad surveys distributed digitally and on paper throughout the city –
including surveys during TGIF concerts - from May through August, 2017.
Survey Results. Overall survey results showed that, broadly speaking, residents of
the City of Carlsbad believe arts and culture are an essential part of the city and
their quality of life. The vast majority of all respondents (92%) expressed that arts
and culture is either moderately important (32%) or extremely important (60%).
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%
Extremely important
Moderately important
Slightly important
Not at all important
Don't know
Overall, how important a role do arts and cultural
activities play in improving the quality of life of
Carlsbad area residents (English)
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Additionally, many Carlsbad residents are quite active in the arts, with a majority
(84%) of respondents saying they participate either monthly (38%) or two-to-five
times (48%) per year in an arts and culture event.
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%
Extremadamente importante
Importante
Algo importante
Nada importante
No lo sé
Overall, how important a role do arts and cultural
activities play in improving the quality of life of
Carlsbad area residents (Spanish)
0%10%20%30%40%50%
Weekly
Monthly
Two to five times a year
Once a year
In a typical year I participate in arts and culture
events and programs in the Carlsbad area (English)
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In addition to this broad general support, the results show support for integrating
arts and culture into non-traditional aspects of daily life. There was significant
interest in programming that bring interactions with the arts in new ways such as
the Mobile Outreach Strategy which offers arts experiences throughout Carlsbad.
By supporting different partnerships, finding new grant opportunities and helping
local creative businesses and non-profits grow, the city can leverage its efforts to
meet this desire for more interaction with the arts. Through the survey, Carlsbad
residents showed both an understanding of and support for this direction.
0%10%20%30%40%50%
Semanalmente
Mensualmente
Dos a cinco veces al año
Una vez al año
In a typical year I participate in arts and culture
events and programs in the Carlsbad area
(Spanish)
0 1 2 3 4 5
Health and wellness
Environmental activities
Business activities
Recreational activities
Education
Civic engagement
Please rate the following on a scale of 1-5: I’d
like to see closer links between Carlsbad’s arts
and cultural offerings and…(English)
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Survey results showed a difference in how English-speaking and Spanish-speaking
residents visited cultural facilities. Given the smaller sample size, the survey results
are not fully reflective of the Spanish-speaking community. However, it is a
difference that should be noted for further planning to ensure all resident
communities feel they have access to expanding arts and culture.
The survey data and other community input suggests that, particularly in the
Barrio area with its rich traditions, the Village is a popular choice for an arts and
culture district.
0 1 2 3 4 5
Salud y bienestar
Actividades ambientales
Actividades deportivas
Desarrollo de negocios
Actividades recreativas
Educación
Compromiso civil
Please rate the following on a scale of 1-5: I’d like
to see closer links between Carlsbad’s arts and
cultural offerings and…. (Spanish)
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34 | Arts & Culture Master Plan: Community Engagement
0%20%40%60%80%100%
William D. Cannon Art Gallery
Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium
Deedie’s House at Leo Carrillo Ranch
Sculpture Garden
Carlsbad Cultural Arts Office
Carlsbad Community Cultural Center
New Village Arts Theatre
Carlsbad Historical Society
Carlsbad Village Theater
Museum of Making Music
Carlsbad City Library
City of Carlsbad parks
Carlsbad Village
Where have you attended arts and culture events
in the community? (English)
ArtSpash, Armanda Drive, City of Carlsbad
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0%20%40%60%80%100%
Galería de Arte William D. Cannon
Auditorio Ruby G. Schulman
La Casa de Deedie en el Rancho Leo Carrillo
El Jardín de las Esculturas
Oficina de Artes Culturales de Carlsbad
Centro Cultural de la Comunidad de Carlsbad
Teatro New Village Arts
Sociedad Histórica de Carlsbad
Teatro Carlsbad Village
Museo de la Música (Museum of Making…
Biblioteca de la Ciudad de Carlsbad
Parques de la Ciudad de Carlsbad
Carlsbad Village
Where have you attended arts and culture events
in the community? (Spanish)
City of Carlsbad William D. Cannon Art Gallery
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Arts & Culture Master Plan: The Plan | 37
THE PLAN
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NEW ROLES FOR THE CITY OF CARLSBAD
During the creation of the Arts & Culture Master Plan, it became apparent that the
City of Carlsbad needed to take on new roles in order to create a more vibrant arts
and culture destination while maintaining its high quality of life. “No longer will
the city be building the ship," it was said. "Now it needs to be wind in the sails.”
PROVIDER, LEADER, CONNECTOR, PARTNER
The vision of a creative, innovative, inclusive and vital creative community lays the
foundation for understanding how the city can expand from a Provider of arts
programs and funding into broader new roles that allow the city to realize this
vision of arts and culture in everyday lives while stimulating an expanding creative
sector economy.
Building on its ability to bring residents together, the city will become a leader in
bringing innovative ideas to the city, partnering with local groups to create
capacity within the creative sector and connecting across city departments and
among city partners.
The city will evolve from Provider of programs and funding, to performing the
broader function of Connector, Leader and Partner. These four roles factor into
each objective but come into play in different combinations. The Arts & Culture
Master Plan recommendations are organized to meet this new understanding.
Each of its four roles is defined by one of six major goals: Daily Life, Physical Realm,
Business Sector, Lifelong Learning, Distinct Identities and Capacity Building.
PROVIDER (traditional role)
• Continue to Provide Strong Arts & Culture Programming
PARTNER (expanded role)
• Support Art as an Essential Component of Daily Life
• Foster Arts & Culture Within the Physical Realm
CONNECTOR (expanded role)
• Expand Arts & Culture Learning Opportunities
• Establish Relationships that Support a Thriving Business Sector
LEADER (expanded role)
• Celebrate Carlsbad’s Unique History and Distinct Identities
• Build Capacity Within the Arts & Culture Sector
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At the heart of the Arts & Culture Master Plan are the strategies and action item
recommendations themselves. Each recommendation that is listed grew from the
ideas and visions of community members, city staff and from inspiration found in
the work of other cities. Together, these ideas create a plan that guides the City of
Carlsbad to continue in its role as a regional leader for arts and culture.
“Les Miserables”, La Costa Canyon High School, 2018
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ROLE OF THE CARLSBAD ARTS COMMISSION
By identifying targeted activities that support the city's development of arts and
culture and connecting residents with those efforts, the Carlsbad Arts Commission
serves an important role and must reassess its goals and strategies.
As specified by city ordinance, the Carlsbad Arts Commission is an advisory body
that advocates on behalf of the community and strives to advance the fine arts
and the performing arts. Appointed by the Mayor and the City Council, the
Commissioners serve as ambassadors to the community, focused on its cultural
enrichment. Its members apply their diverse experience in culture and creative life
as a resource to assist with meeting Carlsbad’s objectives and goals related to
culture and the quality of life. The Commissioners are also asked to serve on
subcommittees that include reviewing and recommending funding on
Community Arts Grants applications and serving as an extension of the
community in discussions regarding public art and arts education.
Specific areas for the Arts Commission to explore include:
• How the Commission can help nurture younger artists to be
leaders within the arts and culture sector.
• How the composition of the Arts Commission can work to
represent a balance of both the wide range of communities within
the city and the diversity of the creative sector.
• How retired Arts Commissioners may consider serving on other
boards and commissions to keep the arts 'at the table' in early
conversations about project and program developments across
the city’s different departments.
Arts & Culture Master Plan Guidance. The Arts Commission will serve as an
advisory body for implementation of the plan. It may assess progress annually and
request an update report on the status of implementation, including a discussion
about current arts and culture priorities. Through its own annual work plan, it can
communicate with the City Council about recommended next steps, budget
priorities and other interests related to arts and culture.
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Museum of Making Music
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ROLE 1: PROVIDER
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CONTINUE TO PROVIDE STRONG
ARTS AND CULTURE PROGRAMMING
The City of Carlsbad's historic support of arts and culture as a core value led to the
establishment of its Cultural Arts Office as part of the city’s investment in the visual
and performing arts. The Cultural Arts Office is supported by the city’s general
fund with an annual budget of over $1 million in fiscal year 2017-18. Its programs
include a robust series of concerts, exhibitions, special events, arts education
opportunities and public art installations. They include the following:
• Cannon Art Gallery
o Year-round world class exhibitions
o Resident art displays in city libraries
• Public Art
o Permanent collection - Art In Public Places
o Temporary works - new and exciting works designed to
inspire
o Carlsbad Sculpture Garden - an outdoor art encounter
• Foreign Film Fridays
o Bringing the best of world cinema to Carlsbad
• Performing Arts Series
o Starring Artists – an interview and performance experience
o This Is Jazz - showcases the region’s musical talent
o Opera Previews - an in-depth look at classical and modern
masterpieces
• TGIF Concerts in the Parks
o The city’s biggest musical happening, now in its 33rd year
• Community Arts Grants
o Annual funding cycle for arts organizations and schools
o Special opportunities
• Arts Education
o Three-Part Art - an educational outreach to local school
groups
o Deedie’s House at the Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park
o California History and Art Program at Leo Carrillo Ranch
Historic Park
o Family Open Studios - families enjoying art together
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o Creative Arts - an interactive experience of creating visual
and performing arts summer camp
o Club Pelican Summer Camp - exploring nature and the
visual arts at the Batiquitos Lagoon
The professional staff recognizes that arts and culture are integral to the core
values of the community. Encouraging self-expression and creativity are key
components in designing meaningful and quality experiences with the arts. Each
member of the team brings a passionate commitment to arts and culture, a
unique set of skills and a distinctive perspective on what arts and culture mean to
them. Collectively, the staff strives to bring the arts and culture world to Carlsbad
through innovative programming. Their work together is collaborative,
representing the best outcome when artists and administrators join forces to
create truly memorable encounters for audiences, promoting lifelong learning
that touches the heart and invigorates the mind.
PRIMARY GOAL
GOAL: Continue to Provide Strong Arts & Culture Programming
Through its continual role as a Provider the Cultural Arts Office will continue to
deliver the highest level of innovative programming and events supported by the
community.
COMMUNITY VOICES
Some comments from the community survey:
“Carlsbad is a very unique community in the types of arts and culture events it
currently supports.”
“I love the foreign films at the Dove Library and would like to see Carlsbad support
bringing more of them, as well as the lesser known films that are never shown in
our local theaters.”
“I think Carlsbad is clearly the leader in North County when it comes to arts and
cultural events.”
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“Landsailers”, Neal Bociek, Carlsbad Sculpture Garden, 2014
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ROLE 2: PARTNER
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SUPPORT ART AS AN ESSENTIAL
COMPONENT OF DAILY LIFE
Just as our image of the artist has changed, so has our interaction with art.
Whether it's public art in corporate parks and along city trails, live performances by
international stars and local amateurs, or touring exhibitions and neighborhood
art projects, Carlsbad residents want greater access to an increasingly varied arts
and culture experience. Community residents responded with broad support to
the idea of integrating arts and culture into many different aspects of daily life –
from health and wellness, to education and environmental activities.
Making arts and culture available for everyday experiences will bind a community
together and foster a local identity. The City of Carlsbad can help drive this effort
through active partnerships with businesses, artists and cultural organizations.
PRIMARY GOAL
GOAL: Support Art as an Essential Component of Daily Life
In its role as Partner, the city's Cultural Arts Office will bring together city
departments, local arts and culture organizations and local businesses to promote
a more diverse range of arts and culture opportunities that will bring art into all
aspects of daily life. Through these partnerships, the Cultural Arts Office can help
to incorporate the arts in unique and innovative ways within all dimensions of life:
business, health, education and the environment.
STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS
Ensuring that arts and culture are part of everyday life requires strategic
partnerships with organizations throughout the community. The Cultural Arts
Office can look to case studies within the City of Carlsbad and in other cities that
demonstrate how local government is partnering with community stakeholders to
raise the profile of arts and culture as reoccurring elements throughout the city.
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Strategy 1:
Develop a Mobile Outreach Strategy for the Cultural Arts Office.
• DL 1.1 (Daily Life): Investigate the possibility of utilizing the city’s Mobile
Stage for performance opportunities outside of the TGIF concert series
including potential rentals as a revenue source.
• DL 1.2 (Daily Life): Procure an "Art Vehicle" for city staff to deliver arts
programming to locations throughout the city.
Strategy 2:
Support the continuation and development of a festival and events culture within
the city.
• DL 2.1 (Daily Life): Continue to support and foster relationships, while
partnering with large-scale events within Carlsbad, such as Art in the
Village, La Costa Film Festival, Carlsbad Music Festival and other local
organizations that can help to create and promote a festival offering for
both residents and visitors.
• DL 2.2 (Daily Life): Streamline city regulations related to street festivals,
performances in the parks and street performers for specific performance
appropriate places around the city. Create a FAQ sheet for potential
performers and artists.
• DL 2.3 (Daily Life): Encourage temporary artworks to be included in the
planning of community celebrations and special events.
• DL 2.4 (Daily Life): Support city-wide recognition of October as Arts and
Humanities Month.
Strategy 3:
Ensure that access to the arts is available for all community members.
• DL 3.1 (Daily Life): Work with local social service providers to explore
opportunities for collaborative partnership programming where people
with physical or other types of challenges can be supported by the arts to
explore their own creativity and connect with the greater community.
• DL 3.2 (Daily Life): Create an access to the arts program and seek
opportunities to expand scholarships, subsidies and passes for
populations identified as having financial barriers to arts and culture
access.
• DL 3.3 (Daily Life): Explore opportunities to advance artist relationships
with the local military community, including funding for specific project
development.
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Strategy 4:
Partner with local neighborhood groups to promote the creation and display of
art.
• DL 4.1 (Daily Life): Work with neighborhood-based cultural activities and
enable Cultural Arts Office staff to encourage and support neighborhoods
with the planning of installations or events.
• DL 4.2 (Daily Life): Create a neighborhoods arts grant program to provide
seed money and formalize a technical assistance program to help local
groups implement arts events and projects.
Strategy 5:
Identify opportunities for new and innovative coverage by local and regional
media around the arts.
• DL 5.1 (Daily Life): Create a city-wide and/or regional event listing with
current art offerings around Carlsbad.
POTENTIAL PARTNERS
• Businesses
• Developers
• Land use and planning organizations
• Local arts organizations
• Artists
• Parks & Recreation Department
• Public Works Department
• Community & Economic Development Department
• Neighborhood Groups
COMMUNITY VOICES
Here are some of the survey comments that show how important this is:
“Make random art installations throughout the city…. Not just in major traffic
areas throughout downtown, but maybe some in Holiday Park, Calavera Hills, to
Hosp Grove. It makes people get out to places that they may not have gone before
and adds so much character to underused areas of the city. I especially think that
an art walk through Hosp Grove would be amazing.”
“Art & cultural events should be hosted at various sites; such as in parks and trails,
at lagoons, outdoor venues spread throughout the City. Combine education,
nature, arts and culture whenever possible.”
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FOSTER ARTS & CULTURE
WITHIN THE PHYSICAL REALM
Today, expectations about art, where they see it and what they experience, are
changing. Many want to see arts and culture as infused within the very fabric of
the city. Whether this means more artwork along city trails, new murals, or local
neighborhood art projects, Carlsbad residents would like to expand upon
traditional experiences of seeing art inside galleries and performance spaces to
seeing art in new and surprising ways all around them.
PRIMARY GOAL
GOAL: Support Partnerships that Foster Arts & Culture within the Physical Realm
Serving as a Partner with both city departments and external businesses and
organizations, the Cultural Arts Office will bring together the people and resources
needed to create opportunities for a more diverse range of arts opportunities
within the city.
STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS
Strong partnerships are needed to use arts and culture to enhance the physical
realm. There are opportunities for the city’s Cultural Arts Office to achieve this goal
by building these partnerships with other city departments, the local design and
development community and local arts organizations. The Cultural Arts Office can
explore, identify, cultivate and ultimately support the partnerships needed to
attract outside funding for projects that would enhance existing and create new
spaces in the community.
Strategy 1:
Enhance existing venues and explore the potential for additional artistic and
performance venues within the city including various funding models such as
public-private partnerships.
• PR 1.1 (Physical Realm): Launch a feasibility study to explore the creation of
a City of Carlsbad cultural arts facility that responds to the regional interest
for a larger performance venue for professional theater and can provide
classrooms, rehearsal spaces and production studios.
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• PR 1.2 (Physical Realm): Work with Carlsbad Village business owners and
organizations to create a map of potential performance spaces within the
Downtown area for use by additional performance-based artists.
• PR 1.3 (Physical Realm): Work with the local faith-based community to
expand use of available congregational spaces for cultural activity.
Strategy 2:
Expand upon public art opportunities within the community to begin moving
towards more equal placement of the arts within the city.
• PR 2.1 (Physical Realm): Encourage and assist local businesses to support
the creation of privately-sponsored murals within Carlsbad Village and
new developments throughout the city.
• PR 2.2 (Physical Realm): As plans for the Coastal Corridor develop, work
with regional planning agencies and artists to identify opportunities for
displaying public art.
Strategy 3:
Work internally across city departments to identify opportunities to include art
within existing and future improvement projects.
• PR 3.1 (Physical Realm): Establish a practice of including a Cultural Arts
representative in preliminary concept development conversations about
upcoming Capital Improvement Projects (CIP).
• PR 3.2 (Physical Realm): Explore a utility box wrapping program.
• PR 3.3 (Physical Realm): Fund technology upgrades for the Cannon Art
Gallery to enable the space to function at industry standards for
presentation of art, audio programming and visitor support features.
Strategy 4:
Work with the development community to support the inclusion of the arts in
future projects.
• PR 4.1 (Physical Realm): Create an Arts Inclusion policy to help frame
conversations between the city and private developers who might be
looking to include artwork (both permanent and temporary) within their
own developments. Policy should address a strategy for creating public art
on private development sites, proposed contribution (typically .5-2%),
definition of appropriate art, artists selection criteria, and project selection
criteria.
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POTENTIAL PARTNERS
• Businesses
• Artists and Arts Organizations
• Parks & Recreation Department
• Carlsbad Village Association
• Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce
• Local Non-profits
• North County Arts Network (NCAN)
• Neighborhood Groups
• Local Media Outlets
• Property Owners
COMMUNITY VOICES
Here’s what we heard from the community in our outreach surveys.
“I absolutely love all the street art in Carlsbad! From the Carlsbad Art wall, to the
painted fire hydrants! I also love finding the doodles in the village! We live in such
a great community and art keeps us all connected!!!”
“We need a civic theatre that can be used by community organizations.”
“Build a centrally located cultural arts center where many different music,
performing and visual artists and patrons can enjoy quality experiences. Make it
easy for all people to experience the arts.”
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William D. Cannon Art Gallery, City of Carlsbad
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ROLE 3: CONNECTOR
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EXPAND ARTS & CULTURE LEARNING
OPPORTUNITIES
A community's vitality, like that of each individual, depends on continued learning
and engagement with new ideas. Community members have shared input about
the importance of arts and culture education and providing access for people of all
ages. Creative opportunities can be offered by the city to ensure that community
members of all ages have strong exposure to the arts.
PRIMARY GOAL
GOAL: Expand Arts & Culture Learning Opportunities
In its role as a Connector, the Cultural Arts Office will bring together schools, arts
organizations and businesses to network towards a supplemental system for arts
support and strategize new means of providing arts education for all ages.
STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS
The city’s Cultural Arts Office will convene local partners and seek creative
solutions to provide arts education opportunities for all ages.
Strategy 1:
Encourage innovative intergenerational arts programming such as sharing oral
histories that can serve as source material for performances and visual art that
foster creativity and collaboration.
• LL 1.1 (Lifelong Learning): Leverage local partnerships to support STEM to
STEAM learning initiatives with an initial pilot program with Carlsbad's
Title I schools with an eventual goal of replication in schools across the
city.
• LL 1.2 (Lifelong Learning): Explore potential partnerships and grant
resources to develop a City of Carlsbad “Arts and Health” initiative, with
the eventual goal of replication to all school districts within Carlsbad.
Strategy 2:
Adults & Community - Increase access to arts-based enrichment programs and
opportunities.
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• LL 2.1 (Lifelong Learning): Work with local colleges, universities, arts
educators, and arts providers, to develop partnerships that focus on the
creation of a community arts learning plan that promotes lifelong learning
in the arts.
• LL 2.2 (Lifelong Learning): Work in partnership with the Carlsbad City
Library Learning Center to create targeted Spanish-language arts and
music classes for the Barrio community.
• LL 2.3 (Lifelong Learning): Work with regional community college districts
and other higher education partners to identify applied learning
opportunities for art and design students to teach classes at City of
Carlsbad facilities.
• LL 2.4 (Lifelong Learning): Create opportunities for guest artist residencies
for master classes or other engagement events.
Strategy 3:
Youth - Expand arts education provided by local school districts, the city and third-
party providers.
• LL 3.1 (Lifelong Learning): Develop annual careers in the arts event in
conjunction with local schools and local organizations to help facilitate
local artists and creative professionals to connect middle and high school
students about careers in the creative sector and create a youth arts
council.
• LL 3.2 (Lifelong Learning): Work with Carlsbad, San Marcos, Encinitas and
San Dieguito school districts as well as higher education institutions to
create an internship program that provides career learning opportunities
in the municipal arts field.
“Three-Part Art Program”, William D. Cannon Art Gallery, City of Carlsbad
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POTENTIAL PARTNERS
● Businesses
● Community college districts
● California State University San Marcos
● Chamber of Commerce Education Committee
● School districts and PTAs
● Private creative businesses
● Local arts organizations
● Local non-profits
● Carlsbad Historical Society
● Parks & Recreation Department
COMMUNITY VOICES
Here is what some of our respondents said about the question of education.
“[Create] community programs that enable and encourage mentorship and
growth of educational opportunities, so that art education and traditions can be
passed down to the next generations.”
“Have more art classes, more music venues which are affordable to all.”
“More advanced/sophisticated community classes, art studios open to the public,
woodworking workshops with all machinery open to the public.”
“Make more 'entry-level' arts education opportunities available (such as)
community theatre productions and introductory arts classes.”
California History and Art Program, Leo Carillo Historic Ranch
Photo from the California History Project
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ESTABLISH RELATIONSHIPS THAT SUPPORT
A THRIVING BUSINESS SECTOR
Successful business leaders depend on creativity and innovation to keep their
companies growing, their products and services relevant, their employees
engaged and their customers loyal.
By investing in an active arts environment, Carlsbad has attracted world-class
companies at the forefront of innovation in action sports, life sciences, hospitality,
tourism, information and communications technology and clean technology.
Many of these companies embody the arts-business link with inventive solutions
to office workspaces and bringing creative storytelling into marketing and
employee communications. There are numerous opportunities to further explore
the integration of arts and business to engage artists to enliven offices and
branding, acting techniques to invigorate corporate presentations and coach
public speaking and many more examples.
PRIMARY GOAL
GOAL: Establish Relationships that Support a Thriving Business Sector
To do this the city, which has strong ties with both local artists and businesses, will
actively serve as a Connector of the arts and business sector in organized
exchanges that lead to candid dialogue and collaborative projects.
STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS
The city is the common thread between both the local arts and business
communities in Carlsbad. The city has strong ties with both sectors and can utilize
these connections to pull together stakeholders to achieve this goal.
Strategy 1:
The Cultural Arts Office will partner with the Community & Economic
Development Department to encourage small, innovative business start-ups by
creative entrepreneurs.
• BS 1.1 (Business Sector): Convene a Cultural Arts Office and Community
and Economic Development Department staff discussion to explore how
cultural planning goals intersect with economic development goals.
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• BS 1.2 (Business Sector): Partner with Community and Economic
Development Department to convene a series of dialogues with local
creative and artistic industry professionals to discover mutual goals and
interests, i.e. supporting professional and personal development of
employees in the workplace.
Strategy 2:
Strategize with arts allies in the business community to take a leadership role in
the development of the arts and culture sector.
• BS 2.1(Business Sector): Work with business networking organizations to
develop trainings for business professionals to serve on arts nonprofit
boards and encourage mentorship opportunities.
• BS 2.2 (Business Sector): Work with business networking groups to host
events, titled Creative Carlsbad, targeted to connecting artists, arts
organizations and creative businesses.
• BS 2.3 (Business Sector): Support the development of North County Arts
Network (NCAN) towards potential non-profit status and strengthen its
efforts to support the regional arts ecology.
• BS 2.4 (Business Sector): Create a roundtable to serve as a business and arts
leadership and advocacy board to explore topics such as increasing public
and private funding for arts and helping cultural entrepreneurs build
capacity.
Strategy 3:
Encourage artistic programming in the city’s underutilized spaces or areas.
• BS 3.1 (Business Sector): Establish Business Parks After Dark program to
present cultural events through Mobile Outreach Strategy.
POTENTIAL PARTNERS
● Businesses
● Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce
● Carlsbad Village Association
● City’s Community & Economic Development Department
● Facility owners or management companies
● Artists and arts organizations
● Local non-profits
● NCAN (North County Arts Network)
● Innovate 78
● North County Regional Economic Development Council
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Carlsbad Farmers Market
Carlsbad Farmers Market
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COMMUNITY VOICES
Here are survey comments relevant to this topic:
“Arts and culture enhance and improve the quality of a city. Improved quality of
life couples into a better economic environment because top companies and their
employees want to work and live in a culturally enhanced environment.”
“Bring in art galleries (all genres), build a small theatre for plays and, mostly, bring
in creative businesses. Carlsbad could be a hot art town, but quality art needs
venues and money so that professional artists have ways to get their work out
there and earn a living. The City benefits from businesses while keeping Carlsbad
unique and artsy.”
Carlsbad Village Association
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ROLE 4: LEADER
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CELEBRATE CARLSBAD’S UNIQUE HISTORY
AND DISTINCT IDENTITIES
Artists have unique tools and talents that can provide insights into a culture's
history. By taking a leadership role in promoting numerous cultural legacies, the
City of Carlsbad can help to share these historic treasures at outdoor concerts, on
weekend outings in the Village and during walks along our extensive trail network.
PRIMARY GOAL
GOAL: Celebrate Carlsbad’s Unique History and Distinct Identities Through Arts &
Culture
In this Leader role, the city would help develop and promote the diverse, creative
and cultural resources that define it. The Cultural Arts Office can foster
partnerships and collaborations between organizations that share the vision of
building a dynamic arts and culture sector that promotes the city’s identities and
gives voice to its stories.
STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS
The Cultural Arts Office can bring together organizations with a common vision to
support a dynamic arts and culture sector by promoting the city’s identities and
giving voice to its many stories.
Strategy 1:
Promote Carlsbad's distinctive identities by connecting the arts, the city’s heritage
and the natural and constructed environment.
● DL 1.1 (Distinct Identities): Create a trail art program through a
collaboration with city departments, local businesses and organizations
that encourages wellness and enhances the outdoor experience.
Strategy 2:
Enhance the Carlsbad Barrio neighborhood as a cultural destination.
● DL 2.1 (Distinct Identities): Celebrate Barrio heritage through city signage
in English and in Spanish to foster and support cultural heritage
connection.
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● DL 2.2 (Distinct Identities): Explore opportunities for the Cultural Arts
Office to support efforts in the Barrio neighborhood in identifying its
status as a cultural asset and destination for residents and visitors.
Strategy 3:
Promote Carlsbad as a vital cultural destination that celebrates the work of local
artists.
● DL 3.1 (Distinct Identities): Develop a working with local artists program to
help the business community bring more artists' work (visual, performing,
etc.) into area hotels and businesses, leading to a directory.
● DL 3.2 (Distinct Identities): Create a cultural tourism marketing plan,
collaborating with Visit Carlsbad and other tourism-related organizations.
‘
Barrio Mural, Victor Ochoa, 1981
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POTENTIAL PARTNERS
● Local artists and arts organizations
● Neighborhood associations
● City of Carlsbad Departments
● Businesses
● Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce
● Visit Carlsbad
● Carlsbad Village Association
● Carlsbad Historical Society
● Local preservation advocates
COMMUNITY VOICES
Here’s what members of the community said in our outreach surveys.
“We need something to connect us throughout the city, art and cultural activities
have the potential to do just that.”
“Environmental art sculpture and environmental art. More calls for sculpture in the
environment and more venues in which to exhibit.”
“I miss the Barrio Festival that used to be held. It offered a wide range of diverse
cultural art, food and entertainment close to our downtown.”
“Look for the diversity and history of our community. Be open to considering arts
and culture that serves to tell a lifelong story of our community.”
“I'd love to see a tour of the architecture of Carlsbad or the gardens.”
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BUILD CAPACITY
WITHIN THE ARTS & CULTURE SECTOR
Stereotypes of paint-splattered artists alone in cramped studios are giving way to
more realistic images of individuals engaged in local economies across a wide and
expanding array of performing and visual disciplines as well as digital work.
Today, artists are forming mutually beneficial partnerships with local businesses
that help entrepreneurs gain awareness within the community and grow the
economy.
Cities can help by stimulating capacity building that leverages resources and
assists artists and arts organizations. Capacity building, according to the National
Council of Nonprofits, is a way for a nonprofit to more effectively deliver its
mission by identifying a communications strategy, improving volunteer
recruitment, developing a leadership succession plan, updating technology and
securing financial and operational stability.
As a longstanding provider of arts and culture programs in our community, the
City of Carlsbad can support existing and attract new arts and culture providers
through capacity building.
PRIMARY GOAL
GOAL: Build Capacity Within the Arts & Culture Sector
In this additional role as a Leader the City of Carlsbad would connect and initiate
dialogue with partners able to help explore and expand the vision of arts and
culture in the area.
STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS
Opportunities exist for the Cultural Arts Office to provide insight and support to
build other local arts and culture organizations to strengthen their reach and
impact in the community. The city could then assume a greater leadership role at
the local and regional level and identify new strategic opportunities for
programming, venue development and education that might otherwise not be
financially feasible.
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Strategy 1:
Foster arts and culture organizational capacity building such as through
alternative funding opportunities for the arts, like the city’s 2018 Capacity Building
Grants and increasing funding in the city’s Community Arts Grants budget.
● CB 1.1 (Capacity Building): Create a grants program focused on arts
organization start-ups within their first five years.
● CB 1.2 (Capacity Building): Create a technical assistance program in
partnership with local business, organizations and higher education
institutions targeted to support local artists and arts organizations with
needed skills such as business plans, accounting and marketing.
• CB 1.3 (Capacity Building): Explore the development of an arts incubator
program for new creative-sector start-ups.
Strategy 2:
Elevate awareness of and attention to the cultural arts as part of city policy
decisions.
• CB 2.1 (Capacity Building): Create a City of Carlsbad orientation program
for local artists and creative entrepreneurs to help foster artist involvement
on different city boards and commissions.
• CB 2.2 (Capacity Building): Explore a relief time program for city staff to
volunteer with local arts programs.
Strategy 3:
Foster arts leadership integration through existing organizations like North County
Arts Network (NCAN) and others.
• CB 3.1 (Capacity Building): Explore the creation of an annual state of the
arts event in North County to provide opportunities for community-
building and shared learning and to generate interest and create dialogue
and ideas around the arts, culture and creative industries within North
County.
• CB 3.2 (Capacity Building): Convene a regional arts oundtable to look at
broad needs with specific working groups to address topics such as
programming, venues and other essential elements of the regional arts
ecosystem.
• CB 3.3 (Capacity Building): Work with regional partners to pursue creative
economy research can create a regional convening around the release of
the results.
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POTENTIAL PARTNERS
• North County cities
• North County Arts Network (NCAN)
• Local artists and arts organizations
• New local, regional and national grant sources
• City of Carlsbad grantees
• Carlsbad Library & Arts Foundation
• Carlsbad Friends of the Arts
• San Diego Regional Arts & Culture Coalition
• Innovate 78
• San Diego North Economic Development Council
New Village Arts
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COMMUNITY VOICES
Here’s what members of the community said in our surveys during our outreach:
“More local artists displaying and being part of decision making (in various
citywide planning efforts) for Carlsbad.”
“Carlsbad could elevate the existing arts and culture offerings by enhancing the
efforts of local galleries, music venues and theatres, like New Village Arts, by
providing funding and increased marketing support.”
“[Provide] more opportunities for local artists to be involved in the planning of
events, such as through round table discussions, meetings, online groups and
discussions that focus on getting more people involved in working to implement
music and arts events around the city.”
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Community Mural Creation
Photo from Janell Cannon
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IMPLEMENTATION
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NEXT STEPS
The Carlsbad Arts & Culture Master Plan is based on the understanding that the
strongest long-term effects can be created through partnerships between the city
and the community. While the city will take the lead for most of the action items, it
cannot bring the community’s long-term vision to life without the involvement of
the business community, artists, arts and culture organizations, schools and
neighborhood residents. The actions that form the foundation of the plan came
from input by Carlsbad residents. It is with their energy, ideas and passion that the
city can see those visions come to life.
The planning process itself has already created substantial changes, including:
• Addition of more TGIF concert pre-show performances to create new
opportunities for local arts and culture groups.
• Expansion of Community Arts Grants to include new categories of
Capacity Building and Special Opportunities.
• Partnerships for programming such as the Cannon Gallery Spring 2108
Prom exhibit and student film project with Carlsbad High School Film
Academy.
• Incorporating audience interests and feedback into new arts and culture
programming such as Starring Artists.
“The World on a String”, Cannon Art Gallery, 2011
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CONTINUOUS PLANNING
Future initiatives will be determined and guided by the following steps:
• Implementation of a new program or activity.
• Emphasis on evaluation.
• Review and refinement leads to a program or activity becoming
operationalized.
• Recommendation for annual update to the City Council.
In this Arts & Culture Master Plan, there are numerous recommendations that will
take the city and the Cultural Arts Office in new directions. Building upon a
reputation of quality service to residents, the plan asks staff to create new
programs in collaboration with other city departments and community partners.
Yet, at this stage, it is recognized that not all of the pieces of the puzzle can be
known up front; specific details of the vision – the partners, the organizations,
funding options and potential outcomes – will emerge over time.
Many of the action items include a directive such as “explore, develop or launch.”
Over the next ten years, these action items will be crafted into initial pilot
programs designed to incorporate best practices from the arts and culture sector.
Executed by the city’s Cultural Arts Office staff, each pilot program will maximize
resources for the best impact in the community. Throughout planning and
implementation, results-oriented evaluation practices will be utilized to assess
outputs and ensure that the outcomes measure up against the original
programmatic goals. The next step is operationalization; that is, a successful
program becomes part of the ongoing offerings by the Cultural Arts Office.
Evaluation remains a constant with a results-oriented programming philosophy
and an emphasis on improvement, innovation and expanded collaboration.
Additionally, it’s recommended that the city’s Cultural Arts Office return to the City
Council annually to update the Arts & Culture Master Plan’s progress, launch new
action items and request financial support. This incremental approach assists City
Council members in staying current on recent developments and provide
feedback in supporting arts and culture as a core value in Carlsbad.
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PRIMARY IMPLEMENTATION
RECOMMENDATIONS
Given the new roles established within the plan for the Cultural Arts Office and the
city at large, many of the costs associated with these roles are for staff. Capacity
building and partnering efforts for the creative community will take additional
staff time. The staff will also be required to ensure that the city continues to
provide its high level of artistic programming. New staffing will be critical to
achieve the action items that help grow the arts and culture sector while
maintaining current events and programming that the community expects. It
should be noted that the Cultural Arts Office has not seen a staffing increase in
over eighteen years. The growing understanding about the role that arts and
culture plays within the local economy will require re-evaluating and expanding
the staff structure to proceed beyond the current status quo and meet the
demands for growing and supporting the local creative community.
BUDGET ENHANCEMENTS
As action items move forward, provide General Fund allotment for the following
items:
• Recommended annual increase
o Annual increase of 10 percent to be reviewed every three
years in support of ongoing Community Arts Grants.
• Recommended specific increases
o Implement mobile art outreach strategy including
exploring a collaboration with support organizations for
purchasing an arts vehicle
o Provide support of an artists residency program, including
annual increases to support expansion
o Consider a one-time grant to be given jointly to the
Carlsbad Library & Arts Foundation and the Carlsbad
Friends of the Arts to hire a grant strategist for both
organizations to develop their capacity to identify, procure
and administer grants that will eventually provide funding
support for the city’s Cultural Arts Office and arts
programming.
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RECOMMENDED OPERATIONAL STRATEGIES
• Schedule an annual review and presentation to the City Council recapping
progress on the Arts & Culture Master Plan in conjunction with the Arts
Commission’s annual workplan.
• Utilize an incremental approach to address the action items by requesting
funding annually for the next set of projects through the city’s budget
process.
• Recommend that the City Manager and staff review both the City of
Carlsbad Corporate Marketing Partnership policy and Naming of City
Assets policy to create specific policy recommendations and support the
development of a broad funding strategy that is tailored to the arts and
culture sector of the city.
• Have city staff investigate opportunities for more creative funding streams
and encourage the creation of partnerships across both the private and
non-profit sectors for the creation of arts and culture opportunities
throughout the city.
• Recommend to the City Manager and staff to look at implementing a
graduated fee structure for arts and culture offerings within the city when
appropriate and the potential for fee for service offerings such as the
rental of the mobile stage.
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Photo from Hospice of the North Coast
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FUNDING SOURCES
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FUNDING SOURCES FOR
THE ARTS AND CULTURE SECTOR
With new ideas come new funding needs. The City of Carlsbad has traditionally
funded its arts and culture programs from its General Fund revenues. With the
implementation of the initiatives proposed within the Arts & Culture Master Plan,
additional funding will be needed from local, state and federal sources. And while
current arts and culture funding mechanisms are important to maintain, new
funding sources can be identified and pursued.
GENERAL FUND
Currently, the City of Carlsbad supports the Cultural Arts Office, its staff and
programming through the General Fund. Fiscal year funding levels of $1 million
annually result in spending of approximately $8.75 per capita.
DESIGNATED FUNDING STREAMS
Transient Occupancy Tax
Many cities across the United States choose to support the arts and culture sector
with a portion of the taxes gathered through hotel stays called Transient
Occupancy Tax (TOT). These taxes help to support arts and culture events that
create a draw to the area for visitors. Since arts and culture are often a core part of
visitor marketing and development, these funds can be critical for creating the
type of environments that attract tourists. Currently, the City of Carlsbad collects
$1.00 per occupied room per night that is designated for the Carlsbad Tourism
Business Improvement District (CTBID), and $2.00 per occupied room per night for
the Carlsbad Golf Lodging Business Improvement District (CGLBID). It is
recommended that the city create a fund specifically for the funding of arts and
culture initiatives with an additional increase in TOT tax levies and to integrate
these efforts with the creation of the Cultural Tourism Marketing Plan.
Fees for Service
Additional funding sources can come through a combination of city general funds,
local, state and federal grants, matching funds from partner organizations and
potential earned income through fees for services (such as art camps) and
admission to city events.
Potential renting of the Mobile Stage or other such initiatives, as a number of U.S.
cities and non-profits have done, can use a graduated fee structure that addresses
a broader number of factors including:
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• Whether the renter is an individual, non-profit organization, or for-profit
entity.
• The number of people attending the targeted event.
• Certain holidays and event timeframes that may allow the city to charge
more due to demand.
Longer-Term: Dedicated Revenue Source
As the city continues developing long-term sustainable funding streams for its
growing creative sector, it will most likely also seek to identify additional
dedicated funding streams. Other jurisdictions have been successful in creating
citizen ballot initiatives that allocate a particular percentage of property or sales
tax to fund arts and culture. Focused on the creation of special taxing districts or
specific sales tax levies, these taxes require state legislative authority. However,
one caution with tax levies: The use of these levies for arts and culture funding,
especially sales taxes, can have a regressive impact on low-income families unless
exemptions or other policies are adopted to minimize the impact on these
families.
One example of a voluntary tax done in collaboration with other sectors is Cedar
City, Utah’s RAP Tax. Taxpayers voted in the RAP Tax (Recreation, Arts and Parks) in
2004 for an additional one-tenth-of-one-percent sales tax levied on all purchases
within the city. Revenues are allocated equally between recreation, arts and parks.
Initially the tax levy was for a seven-year term but state law has expanded that
timeframe to ten-year renewable cycles. The most recent renewal was in 2014 and
was supported by more than 67% of voters.
● https://www.cedarcity.org/DocumentCenter/Home/View/267
Another example of an arts and culture tax is the county level cigarette tax in
Cuyahoga County, Ohio, which helps to support the arts and culture sector in
Cleveland. The county ordinance places a one-and-a-half percent tax of every
pack of cigarettes sold in the county. In 2015, a vote was taken to renew the
county’s ordinance and passed by 75.2 % – a higher margin of support than any
other county issue in the decade since its inception, the tax has provided between
$15 million and $20 million, although that amount is decreasing given the fact
that the number of smokers is currently declining.
● https://tinyurl.com/y79e64gb
A third example of cross sector arts and culture tax levies can be found in Denver,
which levies a sales tax of one cent per $10 (0.1%). The tax is focused specifically
on supporting the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District that was created in 1988
and voted for renewal in 1994 and 2004. The tax currently raises over $53 million
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for arts, cultural and scientific groups and funds such organizations as The Denver
Zoo, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Denver Art Museum and Denver
Botanic Gardens, as well as approximately 250 smaller arts organizations
throughout the seven-county metro area that the legislation supports.
● http://scfd.org/graphics/uploads/Files/2016%20SCFD%20Statute.pdf
The cultural sector can also look to ideas from other sectors such as parks and the
environment that historically have received additional funding from specific (often
voluntary) fees added onto city utility bills. Recently these types of fees have also
been targeted towards arts and culture as well. One specific program is in Belle
Plaine, Minnesota where the Belle Plaine Parks Board and City Council have sought
additional ways to support youth recreational and community programming. To
help bolster general funds that go towards grants assisting in registration costs for
youth activities, they have created the Round-Up Program. It gives utility billing
customers the option of “rounding up” their utility bill to the nearest dollar. The
funds gathered from the program go directly towards the Youth Activity Grant
Program.
● http://www.belleplainemn.com/utility-bill-round-program
In another example from Cedar Park, Texas the local Parks, Arts and Community
Enrichment (PACE) Advisory Board is funded in part by a voluntary monthly
donation on city water utility bills. Residents set the amount and all funds are
directed towards the public art program.
● http://www.cedarparktexas.gov/Home/ShowDocument?id=3891
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ADDITIONAL FUNDING AND
FINANCING OPPORTUNITIES
The potential partnerships outlined within this plan are at the heart of what many
current state and national funders – such as the National Endowment for the Arts
and the California Arts Council – are currently seeking to support. Looking to
identify projects that function inside and outside traditional spheres of artistic
production, national, state and local funders often support communities that can
leverage arts and culture to help achieve goals in areas such as the environment,
health and transportation.
Carlsbad is fortunate to have both the Carlsbad Library & Arts Foundation and the
Carlsbad Friends of the Arts to serve critical roles in supporting the high level of
programming and services offered by the city. One of the primary implementation
recommendations is to provide a grant that would be given jointly to both
nonprofit organizations in order to hire a grant strategist for two years. This grant
professional would develop an overall strategy for arts and culture grants and
create the initial round of applications. The goal for the initial grant cycle would be
to fund specific programs and help the two support organizations develop the
administrative tools needed to identify, write and administer grant projects in the
future.
As the grants strategist surveys the local, state and national funding landscape, it
is important to note that specific grants will most often not cover annual
operating costs. They will however be able to help with the funding of capital
projects, seed funding and cross-sector placemaking projects that can bring many
local partners to the table in order to create arts-based community improvements.
One source of creative placemaking funding is the National Endowment for the
Arts Our Town program3 and the Art Works program4, both of which have funded
numerous Californian cities. For a comprehensive set of Our Town program
examples see the Exploring Our Town website5.
3 National Endowment for the Arts Our Town program:
https://www.arts.gov/grants-organizations/our-town/introduction
4 National Endowment for the Arts Art Works program:
https://www.arts.gov/grants-organizations/art-works/grant-program-description
5 National Endowment for the Arts Exploring Our Town website:
http://arts.gov/exploring-our-town
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The California Arts Council also provides grants to local arts agencies with their
Creative California Community program6, which, like the NEA Our Town program,
specifically seeks to create opportunities for creative placemaking-type projects.
Another California Arts Council program that can help the City of Carlsbad achieve
its Priority Action for creating artist residencies is the Artists in Communities
program7. This program seeks to support artistic residencies in community
settings and help demonstrate that “artists are integral to healthy communities
and that the arts … brings people together, builds community and fosters social
progress.”
It is important to note that, as the city and its supporting organizations embark
upon the development of a larger arts funding strategy, opportunities can be
sought outside of the arts world and traditional arts-based funders. Just as the
National Endowment for the Arts and the California Arts Council seek to fund
communities that are looking to achieve cross-sector partnerships that bring
artists into community development contexts, many funding agencies that
traditionally support other disciplines and other sectors can also be tapped for arts
support. One such example can be found in the area of transportation, where
funders are now realizing the important role that the arts can play in creating
visual enhancements, community outreach and project ideation. The Americans
for the Arts offers a guide on federal funding for arts-based Transportation
Enhancements8. More recently, Transportation for the Arts, a transportation
advocacy group, has written a Creative Placemaking Field Scan9 and started State
of the Art Transportation Trainings,10 in which communities receive tailored
technical assistance to equip themselves to utilize arts, culture and other creative
approaches for solving specific transportation problems.
6 California Arts Council Creative California Community program:
http://www.cac.ca.gov/programs/ccc.php
7 California Arts Council Artist in Communities program:
http://www.cac.ca.gov/programs/ac.php
8 The Americans for the Arts Transportation Enhancements:
https://www.americansforthearts.org/sites/default/files/pdf/get_involved/advoca
cy/TransportationGuide07.pdf
9 Transportation for the Arts Creative Placemaking Field Scan:
http://t4america.org/maps-tools/creative-placemaking-field-scan/
10 Transportation for the Arts State of the Art Transportation Trainings:
http://t4america.org/creative-placemaking-workshops/
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PARTNERSHIP CONTRIBUTIONS
The collaborative relationships created within the context of partnerships that can
help to garner philanthropic donations can also help to bring additional resources
to city efforts such as volunteers, sponsorships, in-kind donations and additional
staff support. As the Arts & Culture Master Plan continues to be implemented it
will be important to foster strong ties with the private sector, which has
traditionally served in a major support role for cultural organizations. Carlsbad is
fortunate to have a robust business sector that understands the critical
importance of arts and culture for creating the vital and dynamic sense of place
that creative talent demand. This existing support should be further cultivated
through the creation of strong ties between the Cultural Arts Office and the
Community & Economic Development Department along with fostering support
and recognition for the critical role that arts and culture play within private sector
networks.
PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES AND FEES
Given the dynamic and interconnected nature of the arts and culture sector to the
larger economy, general support for the creative economy sector is critical for the
growth and sustainability of arts and culture within Carlsbad. The city can help to
foster relationships between the creative economy sector and private sector
industries. These relationships can take many forms including philanthropic
support, partnerships, in-kind donations and project staff support. Additionally,
the city can implement specific policies that will help to steer private investment
in the city towards the support of the creative economy sector.
● Create an Arts Inclusion policy: The policy would outline parameters for
private developers when they incorporate artwork into new large-scale
residential, commercial and institutional projects. The policy can help to
frame conversations between the city and private developers looking to
place artwork or sponsor ongoing arts and culture events within their own
developments. The policy should address a strategy for creating art on
private development sites, proposed contribution (typically .5-2%),
definition of appropriate public art, artist selection criteria and project
selection criteria.
o Example of City of Suwanee:
http://www.suwanee.com/pdfs/public%20art%20developer%20gui
de.pdf
● Offer development incentives: Encourage the identification of specific
arts and culture contributions (such as public art or ongoing support for
temporary displays or performances) as part of Community Benefit
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 86 of 292
84 | Arts & Culture Master Plan: Funding Sources
Agreement (CBA) conversations for future in-fill projects. CBAs require
new developments to be in conversations with neighborhood
organizations and identify tangible benefits for residents who live near a
project, before the city offers tax incentives or other development
supportive services.
o National CBA examples:
http://somervillecdc.org/sites/default/files/scc-
minimal/files/national_examples_of_community_benefits_agree
ments_cbas.pdf
● Sponsorship of events and programs: In 2014, the City of Carlsbad
adopted a corporate marketing partnership policy (resolution #2014-025)
that enables corporate entities to support city programs, events and
services while generating exposure for their brands among city audiences.
These specific policies can be reviewed as part of a larger effort to identify
new and creative funding streams for the programs and initiatives directed
by the Cultural Arts Office. To tailor the policy to the needs of the Carlsbad
creative community, the policy can be reviewed and compared to best
practices of larger scale arts and culture organizations for the sponsorship
and underwriting of artistic productions.
o Carlsbad Corporate Marketing Partnership Policy:
http://edocs.carlsbadca.gov/HPRMWebDrawer/RecordHTML/3
92427
● Naming Opportunities: The naming of specific venues can be another
way that the City of Carlsbad can enter into supportive relationships with
private individuals or organizations. Traditionally naming policies review
geographic, historical and other culturally significant criteria to ensure that
discussions on the naming of civic assets reflects the desires and norms of
the community. The city’s Naming Rights Policy can be examined to
ensure that it is tailored to meet the opportunities that may present
themselves within the development of the city’s creative sector.
o Carlsbad Naming Rights Policy:
http://edocs.carlsbadca.gov/HPRMWebDrawer/RecordHTML/3922
99
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Arts & Culture Master Plan: Funding Sources | 85
WORKING WITH OUTSIDE DEVELOPERS
FOR LIVE/WORK SPACES
As cited earlier, the Cultural Arts Office, with advisement from the Arts
Commission, has identified that city residents wish to encourage arts and culture
and enhance community character and historic resources within the Village at
large. The Arts & Culture Master Plan specifically calls for fostering art in the
Village and the Barrio areas in ways that are connected in place and spirit yet
retain the unique personalities of each. Arts and culture can be a key component
in developing this strategy, particularly with the development of affordable
live/work housing for local artists. Often unable to afford both residential and
studio space, artists may need to live outside of the areas that would benefit most
from their presence. The development of affordable live/work artist housing can
thus help to support both the creative community and the local community in
having access to rich traditions of cultural and expression within their
neighborhood. However, the development of affordable spaces for artists is
complicated and it is recommended that the City of Carlsbad reach out to
experienced and respected national organizations such as ArtSpace, to learn how
to best create workable strategies.
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“Illusions in Wood”, John Cederquist, Cannon Art Gallery, 2014 Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 89 of 292
87 | Art & Culture Master Plan: Arts and Culture Framework
IMPLEMENTATION CHARTS
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TEN PRIORITY ACTIONS
As cited earlier, the Cultural Arts Office, with advisement from the Arts
Commission, has identified ten strategic priorities they will be pursing over the
next five years:
1. Research and development of venue feasibility plan. [PR 1.1 (Physical
Realm) – Partner]
2. Implement a Mobile Outreach Strategy utilizing a newly programmed Arts
Vehicle and Mobile Stage, i.e. Business Park After Dark. [DL 2.1 and DL 2.2
(Daily Life)– Partner & BS 3.1 (Business Sector) – Connector]
3. Support the continuation and development of Carlsbad’s festival and
event culture. [DL 2.1 (Daily Life) – Partner]
4. Leverage local partnerships to support creating an initial STEAM pilot
program with Carlsbad's Title I schools with an eventual goal of replication
in schools across the city. [LL 1.1 (Lifelong Learning) – Connector]
5. Partner with Community and Economic Development to convene a series
of dialogues with local creative and artistic industry professionals to
discover mutual goals and interests, i.e. supporting professional and
personal development of employees in the workplace. [BS1.2 (Business
Sector) – Connector]
6. Increase community grant funding and support. [CB1.1 (Capacity Building)
- Leader & DL 4.2 (Daily Life) – Partner]
7. Work with business networking organizations to develop trainings for
business professionals to serve on arts and culture nonprofit boards and
encourage mentorship opportunities. [BS 2.1 (Business Sector) –
Connector]
8. Create a Trail Art Initiative. [DI 1.1 (Distinct Identities) – Leader]
9. Create a Guest Artist residency program. [LL 2.4 (Lifelong Learning) –
Connector]
10. Create a Cultural Tourism Marketing Plan. [DI 3.2 (Distinct Identities) –
Leader]
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Arts & Culture Master Plan: Implementation Charts | 89
In addition to these priorities, the other Action Items within the plan have been
ranked according to the timeframes in which they will be addressed for
implementation. Within the plan the following categories were used:
• Short-Term: 1-3 years
• Mid-Term: 4-6 years
• Long-Term: 7-10 years
CARLSBAD ARTS & CULTURE PLAN
TOP TEN ACTION ITEMS CHART
TOP TEN THEME ACTION ITEM STAFFING SOURCE OF FUNDING TIMEFRAME
1. Research and development of venue
feasibility plan.
Physical Realm 1.1 Existing staff $35,000
(Originally funded in FY15/16)
Year One
2. Implement a Mobile Outreach Strategy
utilizing a newly programmed Arts Vehicle
and Mobile Stage, i.e. Business Park After
Dark.
Daily Life 1.1, 1.2 Expand staff Increase in general funding
allocation $90,000 (FY 18-19)
Year One
Business Sector 3.1
3. Support the continuation and
development of Carlsbad’s festival and event
culture.
Daily Life 2.1 Expand staff Explore the utilization of a
percentage of the Transient
Occupancy Tax
Year Five
4. Leverage local partnerships to support
creating an initial STEAM pilot program with
Carlsbad's Title I schools, with an eventual
goal of replication in schools across the city.
Lifelong Learning 1.1 Expand staff Increase in general funding
allocation and pursue cross-sector
grant opportunities with local
school districts
Year Two
5. Partner with Community & Economic
Development to convene a series of
dialogues with local creative and artistic
industry professionals to discover mutual
goals and interests, i.e. supporting
professional and personal development of
employees in the workplace.
Business Sector 1.2 Expand staff Increase in general funding
allocation and pursue sponsorships
or grant funds
Year Three
6. Increase community arts grant funding and
support.
Capacity Building 1.1 Existing staff 10% annual increase in grant
funding allocation
Year Two
Daily Life 4.2
7. Work with business networking
organizations to develop trainings for
business professionals to serve on arts
nonprofit boards and encourage mentorship
opportunities.
Business Sector 2.1 Expand staff Increase in general funding
allocation
Years Three
8. Create a Trail Art Initiative.Identities 1.1 Expand staff Explore the utilization of a
percentage of the Transient
Occupancy Tax
Year Five
9. Create a Guest Artist residency program.Lifelong Learning 2.4 Expand staff In addition to general fund
allocation, pursue new funding
sources such as sponsorships and
underwriting opportunities in
subsequent fiscal years
Year One
10. Create a Cultural Tourism Marketing Plan.Identities 3.2 Expand staff Explore the utilization of a
percentage of the a percentage of
the Transient Occupancy Tax
Year Four
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90 | Arts & Culture Master Plan: Implementation Charts
To outline all Arts & Culture Master Plan recommendations, the charts in the next section outline
the full list of Action Items and identify the partners, timeframe and resources needed to
accomplish plan goals.
CARLSBAD ARTS & CULTURE PLAN
TOP TEN ACTION ITEMS TIMELINE
Year One Year Two Year Three Year Four Year Five
Venue Feasibility Plan x
Mobile Outreach Strategy x
Guest Artist Residency Program x
STEAM Pilot Program x
Arts grant funding support x
Business partner dialogues x
Business professionals arts board training x
Cultural Tourism Marketing Plan x
Festival and event support x
Trail Art Initiative x
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Arts & Culture Master Plan: Implementation Charts | 91
Carlsbad Flower Fields Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 94 of 292
92 | Arts & Culture Master Plan: Implementation Charts
CARLSBAD ARTS & CULTURE PLAN
ACTION MATRIX - DAILY LIFE
WHO WHEN HOW MUCH
ACTIONS POTENTIAL PARTNERS TIMEFRAME ESTIMATED RESOURCES
DL 1.1 (Daily Life): Investigate the possibility of utilizing the city’s
Mobile Stage for performance opportunities outside of the TGIF
concert series including potential rentals as a revenue source.
Local and regional entities 1 to 3 years Expand staff to incorporate
this new effort.
DL 1.2 (Daily Life): Procure an arts vehicle for city staff to deliver
arts programming to locations throughout the city.
Carlsbad Library and Arts
Foundation, Carlsbad Friends
of the Arts, City of Carlsbad
Departments
1 to 3 years Explore alternative funding
partnerships for vehicle
procurement. Additional
programming with expanded
staff.
DL 2.1 (Daily Life): Continue to support and foster relationships,
while partnering with large-scale events within Carlsbad, such as
Art in the Village, La Costa Film Festival, Carlsbad Music Festival
and other local organizations that can help to create and promote
a festival offering for both residents and visitors.
Local event producers,
presenting organizations and
nonprofit organizations
4 to 6 years Utilize existing staffing with
potential impact on current
programming. Staff time for
continued oversight.
DL 2.2 (Daily Life): Streamline city regulations related to street
festivals, performances in the parks and street performers for
specific performance appropriate places around the city. Create a
FAQ sheet for potential performers and artists.
Local music and event
professionals, presenting
organizations, City of
Carlsbad Community &
Economic Development
Department
1 to 3 years Utilize existing staffing with
potential impact on current
programming. Staff time for
development and continued
oversight.
DL 2.3 (Daily Life): Encourage temporary artworks to be included
in the planning of community celebrations and special events.
Local event producers, artists 4 to 6 years Utilize existing staffing with
potential impact on current
programming. Additional staff
time for development and
continued oversight and
delivery.
DL 2.4 (Daily Life): Support city-wide recognition of October as Arts
and Humanities Month
City of Carlsbad departments,
NCAN, local nonprofit arts
organizations
1 to 3 years Utilize existing staffing with
potential impact on current
programming. Staff time for
development and continued
oversight and delivery.
DL 3.1 (Daily Life): Work with local social service providers to
explore opportunities for collaborative partnership programming
where people with physical or other types of challenges can be
supported by the arts to explore their own creativity and connect
with the greater community.
Local disability advocates,
public health officials, mental
health advocates
4 to 6 years Expand staff to incorporate
this new effort as well as
recruit volunteers to support
proposed activity
DL 3.2 (Daily Life): Create an access to the art program and seek
opportunities to expand scholarships, subsidies, and passes for
populations identified as having financial barriers to arts and
culture access.
Local advocacy and social
service agencies, City of
Carlsbad Departments
1 to 3 years Utilize existing staffing with
potential impact on current
programming. Explore
funding with Utility Bill
donation strategy.
DL 3.3 (Daily Life): Explore opportunities to advance artist
relationships with the local military community, including funding for
specific project development.
Representatives from local
military community
4 to 6 years Expand staff to incorporate
this new effort as well as
recruit volunteers to support
proposed activity
DL 4.1 (Daily Life): Work with neighborhood-based cultural
activities and enable Cultural Arts Office staff to encourage and
support neighborhoods with the planning of installations or events.
Neighborhood leaders, artists 4 to 6 years Expand staff to incorporate
this new effort as well as
recruit volunteers to support
proposed activity.
DL 4.2 (Daily Life): Create a neighborhoods arts grant program to
provide seed money and formalize a technical assistance program
to help local groups implement arts events and projects.
Neighborhood leaders 4 to 6 years Expand staff to incorporate
this new effort with added
10% annual increase in
general fund grant support.
DL 5.1 (Daily Life): Create a city-wide and/or regional event listing
with current art offerings around Carlsbad.
Local tourism bureaus,
regional nonprofits, arts
organizations, artists, creative
economy businesses, schools
1 to 3 years Expand staff to incorporate
this new effort depending on
partnership arrangements.
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Arts & Culture Master Plan: Implementation Charts | 93
CARLSBAD ARTS & CULTURE PLAN
ACTION MATRIX - PHYSICAL REALM
WHO WHEN HOW MUCH
ACTIONS POTENTIAL PARTNERS TIMEFRAME ESTIMATED RESOURCES
PR 1.1 (Physical Realm): Launch a feasibility study to explore the
creation of a City of Carlsbad cultural arts facility that responds to
the regional interest for a larger performance venue for
professional theater and can provide classrooms, rehearsal
spaces and production studios.
Outside consultant 1 to 3 years Previously budgeted
expenditure of $35,000.
PR 1.2 (Physical Realm): Work with Carlsbad Village business
owners and organizations to create a map of potential
performance spaces within the Downtown area for use by
additional performance-based artists.
Carlsbad Village Association,
Community & Economic
Development Department,
and local music and event
professionals
1 to 3 years Recruit volunteers to support
proposed activity, as well as
utilize existing staffing with
potential impact on current
programming.
PR 1.3 (Physical Realm): Work with the local faith-based
community to expand use of available congregational spaces for
cultural activity.
Local congregational leaders 4 to 6 years Expand staff to incorporate
this new effort. Option to
outsource (Partners for
Sacred Places).
PR 2.1 (Physical Realm): Encourage and assist local businesses
to support the creation of privately-sponsored murals within
Carlsbad Village and new developments throughout the city.
Carlsbad Village Association,
local businesses and
organizations
1 to 3 years Expand staff to incorporate
this new effort. Staff time
needed to work with local
businesses on an ongoing
basis and provide technical
assistance as needed.
PR 2.2 (Physical Realm): As plans for the Coastal Corridor
develop, work with regional artists to identify opportunities for
displaying public art.
Regional artists and state
coastal authorities
7 to 10 years Expand staff to incorporate
this new effort.
PR 3.1 (Physical Realm): Establish a practice of including a
Cultural Arts representative in preliminary concept development
conversations about upcoming Capital Improvement Projects
(CIP).
City of Carlsbad Departments 1 to 3 years Expand staff to incorporate
this new effort.
PR 3.2 (Physical Realm): Explore a utility box wrapping program.City of Carlsbad Departments 1 to 3 years Expand staff to incorporate
this new effort.
PR 3.3 (Physical Realm): Fund technology upgrades for the
Cannon Art Gallery to enable the space to function at industry
standards for presentation of art, audio programming and visitor
support features.
Cultural Arts Office 1 to 3 years To be administrated by
current staff.
PR 4.1 (Physical Realm): Create an arts inclusion policy to help
frame conversations between the city and private developers who
might be looking to include artwork (both permanent and
temporary) within their own developments. Policy should address:
Strategy for creating public art on private development sites,
proposed contribution (typically .5-2%), definition of appropriate
art, artists selection criteria, and project selection criteria.
Local business and
development leaders
4 to 6 years Expand staff to incorporate
this new effort. Staff time
needed to develop the
creation of the policy.
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CARLSBAD ARTS & CULTURE PLAN
ACTION MATRIX - LIFELONG LEARNING
WHO WHEN HOW MUCH
ACTIONS POTENTIAL PARTNERS TIMEFRAME ESTIMATED RESOURCES
LL 1.1 (Lifelong Learning): Leverage local partnerships to support
STEM to STEAM learning initiatives with an initial pilot program
with Carlsbad's Title I schools.
Local business leaders, local
arts leaders, local school
districts and local PTAs
1 to 3 years Expand staff to incorporate
this new effort.
LL 1.2 (Lifelong Learning): Explore potential partnerships and
grant resources to develop a City of Carlsbad arts and health
initiative, with the eventual goal of replication to all school districts
within Carlsbad.
Non-profit and public service
agencies and local health-
based organizations
4 to 6 years Expand staff to incorporate
this new effort.
LL 2.1 (Lifelong Learning): Work with local colleges, arts educators
and arts providers to develop partnerships that focus on the
creation of a community arts learning plan that promotes lifelong
learning in the arts.
Local colleges, arts
educators, and arts education
providers
1 to 3 years Expand staff to incorporate
this new effort. Staff time for
development and continued
oversight.
LL 2.2 (Lifelong Learning): Work in partnership with the Carlsbad
City Library Learning Center to create targeted Spanish-language
arts and music classes for the Barrio community.
Carlsbad Library Learning
Center, local Barrio leaders
interested in arts education
1 to 3 years Utilize existing staffing with
potential impact on current
programming.
LL 2.3 (Lifelong Learning): Work with regional community college
districts and other higher education partners to identify applied
learning opportunities for art and design students to teach classes
at City of Carlsbad facilities.
Local community college
districts
1 to 3 years Utilize existing staffing with
potential impact on current
programming.
LL 2.4 (Lifelong Learning): Create opportunities for guest artist
residencies for master classes or other engagement events.
Artists 1 to 3 years Work with arts funders for
grants, i.e. California Arts
Council.
LL 3.1 (Lifelong Learning): Develop annual careers in the arts
event in conjunction with the local schools and the local
organizations to help facilitate local artists and creative
professionals to connect middle and high school students about
careers in the creative sector and create a youth arts council.
Local school districts, arts
organizations, artists, support
organizations, creative
professionals
1 to 3 years Expand staff to incorporate
this new effort. Staff time for
development and continued
oversight and delivery.
LL 3.2 (Lifelong Learning): Work with Carlsbad, San Marcos,
Encinitas and San Dieguito school districts as well as higher
education institutions to create an internship program that
provides career learning opportunities in the municipal arts field.
Local school districts and
higher education institutions
1 to 3 years Expand staff to incorporate
this new effort.
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CARLSBAD ARTS & CULTURE PLAN
ACTION MATRIX - BUSINESS SECTOR
WHO WHEN HOW MUCH
ACTIONS POTENTIAL PARTNERS TIMEFRAME ESTIMATED RESOURCES
BS 1.1 (Business Sector): Convene a Cultural Arts Office and
Community & Economic Development staff discussion to explore
how cultural planning goals intersect with economic development
goals.
Community & Economic
Development
1 to 3 years Utilize existing staffing with
potential impact on current
programming.
BS 1.2 (Business Sector): Partner with Community & Economic
Development to convene a series of dialogues with local creative
and artistic industry professionals to discover mutual goals and
interests, i.e. supporting professional and personal development
of employees in the workplace.
Community & Economic
Development, creative and
artistic industry professionals
1 to 3 years Utilize existing staffing with
potential impact on current
programming.
BS 2.1 (Business Sector): Work with business networking
organizations to develop trainings for business professionals to
serve on arts nonprofit boards and encourage mentorship
opportunities.
Chamber of Commerce,
Carlsbad Village Association,
Rotary Clubs, business sector
representatives
4 to 6 years Expand staff to incorporate
this new effort, or contract
with an outside provider.
BS 2.2 (Business Sector): Work with business networking groups
to host events, titled Creative Carlsbad targeted to connecting
artists, arts organizations and creative businesses.
Chamber of Commerce,
Carlsbad Village Association,
Rotary Clubs, creative sector
representatives
1 to 3 years Utilize existing staffing with
potential impact on current
programming.
BS 2.3 (Business Sector): Support the development of North
County Arts Network (NCAN) towards potential non-profit status
and strengthen its efforts to support the regional arts ecology.
North County Arts Network
(NCAN) and other regional
arts partners
1 to 3 years Utilize existing staffing with
potential impact on current
programming.
BS 2.4 (Business Sector): Create a roundtable to serve as a
business and arts leadership and advocacy board to explore
topics such as increasing public and private funding for arts and
helping cultural entrepreneurs build capacity.
Community & Economic
Development, Chamber of
Commerce, Carlsbad Village
Association, Rotary Clubs
1 to 3 years Expand staff to incorporate
this new effort.
BS 3.1 (Business Sector): Establish Business Parks After Dark
program to present cultural events through Mobile Outreach
Strategy.
Facility owner or management
companies, art organizations
1 to 3 years Expand staff to incorporate
this new effort.
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CARLSBAD ARTS & CULTURE PLAN
ACTION MATRIX - DISTINCT IDENTITIES
WHO WHEN HOW MUCH
ACTIONS POTENTIAL PARTNERS TIMEFRAME ESTIMATED RESOURCES
DI 1.1 (Distinct Identities): Create a Trail Art program through a
collaboration with city departments, local businesses and
organizations that encourages wellness and enhances the
outdoor experience.
City departments, local
businesses and
organizations, regional artists
4 to 6 years Expand staff to incorporate
this new effort to include
potential matching
opportunties.
DI 2.1 (Distinct Identities): Celebrate Barrio heritage through city
signage in English and in Spanish to foster and support cultural
heritage connection.
Public Works, Village Barrio
leaders
4 to 6 years Expand staff to incorporate
this new effort and plan
request for future signage.
DI 2.2 (Distinct Identities): Explore opportunities for the Cultural
Arts Office to support efforts in the Barrio neighborhood in
identifying its status as a cultural asset and destination for
residents and visitors.
Barrio neighborhood
advocates and leaders, city
departments, local business
and organizations
4 to 6 years Expand staff to incorporate
this new effort.
DI 3.1 (Distinct Identities): Develop a working with local artists
program to help the business community bring more artists' work
(visual, performing, etc.) into area hotels and businesses, leading
to a directory.
Businesses and
organizations, artist and
cultural organizations
1 to 3 years Expand staff to incorporate
this new effort.
DI 3.2 (Distinct Identities): Create a cultural tourism marketing plan,
collaborating with Visit Carlsbad and other tourism-related
organizations.
Commynity & Economic
Development Department,
Communications Department,
Carlsbad Tourism business
Improvement District and Visit
Carlsbad
4 to 6 years Outsource activity with
potential expenditure funded
with future budget request.
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CARLSBAD ARTS & CULTURE PLAN
ACTION MATRIX - CAPACITY BUILDING
WHO WHEN HOW MUCH
ACTIONS POTENTIAL PARTNERS TIMEFRAME ESTIMATED RESOURCES
BC 1.1 (Capacity Building): Create a grants program focused on
arts organization start-ups within their first five years.
Internal staff discussion, input
from local organizations on
exact nature of start-up needs
1 to 3 years Utilize existing staffing with
potential impact on current
programming. Fund via
annual 10% increase in CAO
grant funds.
BC 1.2 (Capacity Building): Create a Technical Assistance program
in partnership with local business, organizations and higher
education institutions targeted to support local artists and arts
organizations with needed skills such as business plans,
accounting and marketing.
Local businesses,
organizations, regional higher
education institutions, artists
and arts organizations
1 to 3 years Expand staff to incorporate
this new effort.
BC 1.3 (Capacity Building): Explore the development of an Arts
Incubator program for new creative-sector start-ups
Internal staff discussion plus
input from local artists and
arts organizations
4 to 6 years Expand staff to incorporate
this new effort.
BC 2.1 (Capacity Building): Create a City of Carlsbad Orientation
program for local artists and creative entrepreneurs to help foster
artist involvement on different city boards and commissions.
City of Carlsbad staff and
board/commission members
4 to 6 years Utilize existing staffing with
potential impact on current
programming and recruit
volunteers to support
proposed activity.
BC 2.2 (Capacity Building): Explore a “Relief Time” program for city
staff to volunteer with local arts programs.
City departments, arts
organizations
1 to 3 years Utilize existing staffing with
potential impact on current
programming.
BC 3.1 (Capacity Building): Explore the creation of an annual
Sstate of the arts event in North County to provide opportunities
for community-building and shared learning and to generate
interest and create dialogue and ideas around the arts, culture,
and creative industries within North County.
North County Arts Network
plus other regional arts
organizations and arts
advocates
1 to 3 years Utilize existing staffing with
potential impact on current
programming.
BC 3.2 (Capacity Building): Convene a regional arts roundtable to
look at broad needs with specific working groups to address topics
such as programming, venues and other essential elements of the
regional arts ecosystem.
North County Arts Network
plus other regional arts
organizations and arts
advocates
4 to 6 years Utilize existing staffing with
potential impact on current
programming.
BC 3.3 (Capacity Building): Work with regional partners to pursue
creative economy research can create a regional convening
around the release of the results.
North County Arts Network
plus other regional arts
organizations and arts
advocates
7 to 10 years In partnership with other
regional arts organizations,
fund consultancy for regional
economic analysis.
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PROGRAM AND POLICY PRECEDENTS
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PROGRAM AND POLICY PRECEDENTS
The arts, culture and creative sectors across the United States are seeing a
renaissance of successful, innovative projects and ideas. Fortunately, it is also a
time when the field is looking to capture a tremendous amount of case study
information where others can find inspiration for their own work. The following
selection of case studies is offered as “food for thought” for the work of Carlsbad’s
city staff, artists and their supporters.
Identifying Innovative Ways to Provide Arts Programming
The Art Bus Project: Dedicated to public access to the arts, this “exhibit on
wheels” is housed in a repurposed school bus. It is a traveling showcase of eight
American artists who span a range of disciplines, ages and races. Traveling across
the US the artists invite the public on board to experience art, meet artists and get
inspired. At each stop, they host hands-on creative workshops designed to foster
imaginative thought and action.
https://www.theartbusproject.com/the-project.html
Local Arts and Culture Initiative
Whittier Neighborhood Mural Project, Sioux Falls, SD: In the Whittier
neighborhood of Sioux Falls, SD, a barren wall in the public park that served the
city’s most diverse neighborhood had become a site for graffiti. A class of intrepid
8th graders imagined an alternative for this problem: a mural that would reflect
the identity of the community while filling in the blank space that had become a
target for vandalism.
https://www.arts.gov/exploring-our-town/whittier-neighborhood-mural-project
Role 1: PROVIDER
Continue to Provide Strong Arts & Culture Programming
Role 2: PARTNER
Support Art as an Essential Component of Daily Life
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Public-Private Partnerships to Enhance the Public Realm
Co-Sign, Covington, KY: The City of Covington partnered with the American Sign
Museum to create CoSign, an initiative to provide local artist-designed storefront
signage to area businesses in a neighborhood targeted for economic
redevelopment and revitalization. With a focus on education for both small
business owners and artists, the initiative provided employment and training
opportunities for artists while creating new signage for small businesses to attract
visitors to an area known for commerce and creativity.
https://www.arts.gov/exploring-our-town/co-sign
Education – Community Initiatives
Writing Lives, Missoula, MT: Missoula has a rich literary tradition, with many
writers living amidst its inspiring beauty. In its public schools, though, creative
writing instruction has tended to be piecemeal, with some schools able to afford it
and others not providing it. The Missoula Writing Collaborative set out to fill those
holes by developing Writing Lives, a program that would place professional
writers in 4th grade classes across the city. Like the many writers in Missoula’s
history, the students would treat the local context itself—the city and its natural
surroundings—as the subject of their work.
https://www.arts.gov/exploring-our-town/writing-lives
Role 2: PARTNER
Foster Arts & Culture Within the Physical Realm
Role 3: CONNECTOR
Expand Arts & Culture Learning Opportunities
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Resources and Ideas for Arts and Business Partnerships
pARTnership Movement: Americans for the Arts is the nation's leading nonprofit
organization for advancing the arts in America. Its pARTnership Movement is an
initiative to show business leaders that partnering with the arts can build their
competitive advantage. Online resources provide case studies for how specific
businesses were able to partner with their local arts community.
http://www.partnershipmovement.org
Connecting Art and the Environment
FLOW: Can You See the River?, Indianapolis, IN: Conceived by visual artist Mary
Miss, “FLOW: Can You See the River?” is a citywide public art project in Indianapolis
that reveals how the ordinary activities of citizens affect the health and future of
the White River water system. As a collaboration of artists, community
organizations, scientists and city planners, “FLOW” engaged the citizens of
Indianapolis through physical installations along the river, an exhibition and an
online interactive mapping tool (trackaraindrop.org) in order to enhance
Indianapolis residents’ awareness of the waterway and many of the river-related
issues that affect their lives.
https://www.arts.gov/exploring-our-town/flow-can-you-see-river
Role 4: LEADER
Celebrate Carlsbad’s Unique History & Distinct Identities
Role: 3: CONNECTOR
Establish Relationships that Support a Creative and
Thriving Economy
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Arts & Culture Master Plan: Precedents | 103
Partnerships that Support Capacity Building
Arts Incubator of the Rockies: When the Fort Collins Museum moved out of the
city’s historic Carnegie Library Building in 2011, it left the City of Fort Collins with a
vacant property in one of its most impressive buildings. Reaching out to the
community through a series of public dialogues, the city asked residents how they
would envision using the building. What they heard was a strong desire to turn
the space into a community arts center–the Arts Incubator of the Rockies (AIR).
Today the Arts Institute is partnering with Berea College to provide more robust
programming and training in the arts.
https://www.arts.gov/exploring-our-town/arts-incubator-rockies
Role 4: LEADER
Build Capacity Within the Arts & Culture Sector
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Sage Creek High School Drama, 2018
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APPENDICES
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| Arts & Culture Master Plan: Appendices 106
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thank you to the more than 1,100 residents of the City of Carlsbad who gave of
their time, energy and ideas through individual interviews, community
conversations, focus groups and surveys. This plan is by you and for you.
City of Carlsbad
Mayor Matt Hall
Mayor Pro Tem Keith Blackburn
Council Member Mark Packard
Council Member Michael Schumacher
Council Member Cori Schumacher
City of Carlsbad Arts Commission
Cathy Breslaw, Chair
Laurenn Barker, Vice Chair
Emma Jadhav
Joan Markovits
Tina Schmidt
Bryan Snyder
Scott White
Aaron Alter, Former Chair
City of Carlsbad Cultural Arts Office
Heather Pizzuto, Library & Cultural Arts Director
Richard L. Schultz, Cultural Arts Manager
Karen McGuire, Curator of Exhibitions
Tonya Rodzach, Arts Education Coordinator
Megan Gilby, Community Arts Coordinator
Chase Dougherty, Gallery Assistant
Lisa Naugler, Arts Education Assistant
Sandra Riggins, Senior Office Specialist
Mimi Kim, Administrative Assistant
Consultant
GO collaborative
Lynn Osgood
Supported by: Arlene Ellwood
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KEY TERMS
Arts – Within the Arts & Culture Master Plan, art is broadly defined and includes an
understanding of personal and creative expression through many forms such as
music, dance, drama, fine arts, folk art, literary arts, design and architecture, film,
radio and television, cuisine, digital media and many others. These different forms
of expression can be undertaken professionally or solely for individual reasons.
Arts Ecology – The general system of individual artists and arts organizations
found within a city that has an impact on the social and economic systems of the
area. The goal of a healthy arts ecology is to create strong arts organizations with
stable and increasing audiences that can in turn help to strengthen local business
economies, local hiring potential and job retention.
Creative Placemaking – A cross-sector practice found within city planning and
community development that intentionally creates partnerships between the arts
and culture sector in order to develop the quality and vitality of a place. Often
working with partners from public, private, nonprofit and community sectors,
these efforts look to strategically shape the physical and social dimensions of a
place through arts and culture activities.
Culture – Broadly speaking, culture is both the expression and celebration of the
values of a particular community through its traditions, geography, cuisine, oral
traditions, fashion, literature, music and religious expression. Recognized through
the sharing of history, language and place, the arts are often a fundamental
component in the development and expression of a local sense of place.
Innovation – The process of iterative change that occurs for the development of
ideas, goods or services. Often with the intention of solving a problem, innovation
is a major topic in fields of business, economic development and policy creation.
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LISTING OF CULTURAL ASSETS
Asset Type
Arts Commission City department, commission, or entity
Carlsbad Historical Society City department, commission, or entity
City of Carlsbad McGee House City department, commission, or entity
Cole Library City department, commission, or entity
Carlsbad City Library Learning Center / La
Biblioteca de Carlsbad Centro de
Aprendizaje
City department, commission, or entity
Parks & Recreation Department City department, commission, or entity
Library and Cultural Arts Department City department, commission, or entity
Library Board of Trustees City department, commission, or entity
Dove Library Complex (including Cannon
Gallery, Schulman Auditorium)
City department, commission, or entity;
Museum or gallery; Venue
Carlsbad Sculpture Garden City department, commission, or entity;
Public art; Park/outdoor space
Carlsbad Friends of the Arts Community organization
Carlsbad Senior Center Community organization
Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad Village
Clubhouse
Community organization
Carlsbad Village Association Community organization
Boys & Girls Club Carlsbad Bressi Clubhouse Community organization
Carlsbad Library & Arts Foundation Community organization
Carlsbad Friends of the Library Community organization
Carlsbad Community Church Community organization; Venue
St. Michael’s by the Sea Episcopal Chruch Community organization; Venue
Agua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Center Community organization
Carlsbad Music Festival Cultural experience
Legoland Cultural experience
La Costa Film Festival Cultural experience
Carlsbad High School Education
Valley Middle School Education
Buena Vista Elementary School Education
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Jefferson Elementary School Education
Kelly Elementary School Education
Magnolia Elementary School Education
Carlsbad Village Academy Education
Carlsbad Seaside Academy Education
Gemological Institute of America Education
St Patrick Catholic School Education
LePort School - Carlsbad Village Education
Carlsbad Montessori Center Education
Beautiful Saviour Lutheran School Education
Army and Navy Academy Education
Poinsettia Elementary School Education
Pacific Ridge School Education
Kuyper Preparatory School Education
Sage Creek High School Education
Calavera Hills Middle School Education
Calavera Hills Elementary School Education
Hope Elementary School Education
Carlsbad Art Farm Education
Pacific Rim Elementary School Education
Carlsbad Unified School District Education
Aviara Oaks Middle School Education
Aviara Oaks Elementary School Education
National University Education
Halstrom Academy Education
Giocolleti Music Center Education; Business
Carlsbad Oceanside Art League (COAL)
Gallery
Museum or gallery
Front Porch Gallery Museum or gallery
The Foundry Museum or gallery
Barrio Museum (aka Barrio Carlos) Museum or gallery
Green Dragon Tavern and Museum Museum or gallery
Museum of Making Music (MoMM) Museum or gallery; Music venue
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch Park/outdoor space
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Strawberry Fields (Carlsbad Strawberry
Company)
Park/outdoor space
Batiquitos Lagoon Park/outdoor space
Magee Park Park/outdoor space
Leo Carrillo Historic Ranch Park/outdoor space; Museum or gallery
Alga Norte Community Park (TGIF concerts) Park/outdoor space; Music venue
Stagecoach Park (TGIF concerts) Park/outdoor space; Music venue
Calavera Hills Community Park (TGIF
concerts)
Park/outdoor space; Music venue
Poinsettia Park (TGIF concerts) Park/outdoor space; Music venue
National Association of Music Makers
(NAMM)
Professional organization
Bird of Paradise Medallion Public art
Caballeros Gates Public art
Carlsbad Golfers Public art
Carlsbad Shore Protection Sea Wall Public art
Carlsbad Village Entrance Public art
Coastal Helix Public art
Contemplation Public art
Father and Child Public art
Historical Flowers of Carlsbad Public art
Marmalade Dragonflies Public art
Mother Earth and Father Sky Public art
Northwest Entrance Sculpture Public art
Photo Mural Public art
Tree for Elijah Public art
Untitled Public art
Young Singer Public art
10,000 Year Trail Public art
Coastal Rail Trail Public art
Crown Lair Public art
Flowers and Flames Public art
Leo Carrillo Historic Park Entry Gate Public art
Swim and Dive Entry Panels and Mosaic
Pool Towels
Public art
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Portrait Heads Public art
Skateboarder Public art
Spires Public art
Firefighter Heritage Installation Boxes Public art
Flying Shadows Public art
Photo Collages on Metal in Rock Shapes Public art
Sculptures in the Carlsbad City Children's
Library
Public art
Six Paintings Public art
Sports Cut-outs Public art
Theresa and Kristi Public art
New Village Arts Theater org; Venue
Carlsbad Theater Venue; Business
CarlsbadCrawl.com Virtual
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INTERVIEW AND FOCUS GROUP
PARTICIPANTS
Organization / Affiliation Name
Artist Anne Mudge
Artist Bryan Snyder
Artist Paul Henry
Artist Kenneth Capps
Artist Janell Cannon
Assistant City Manager Gary Barberio
Assistant to the City Manager Jason Haber
Attorney Hap L'Heureux
Barrio Museum Ofie Escobedo
Batiquitos Lagoon Fred Sandiquist
City of Carlsbad Arts Commission Tina Schmidt
City of Carlsbad Arts Commission Laurenn Prater Barker
City of Carlsbad Arts Commission Cathy Breslaw
City of Carlsbad Arts Commission Aaron Alter
City of Carlsbad Arts Commission Emma Jadhav
Carlsbad Library & Arts Foundation Jim Selover
Carlsbad Village Association Marty Volla
City Council Michael Schumacher
City of Carlsbad’s Community & Economic
Development Department
Glen Van Peski
City of Carlsbad’s Community & Economic
Development Department
Christie Marcella
Carlsbad City Library Learning Center Glynn Birdwell
City Public Artist (Fire Station 3) Betsy Schulz
City Public Artist (Safety Training Center) Michael Stutz
City Public Artist (Golf Course) TJ Dixon
Comet Design Nanette Newbry
Cruzan Jim Mandler
Cruzan Tom Wood
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CUSD, Calavera Hills Middle School Judi Stapleton
CUSD, Valley Middle School Sue DeWulf
DD Studio Tracy Manning
City of Carlsbad Parks & Recreation Department Mick Calarco
City of Carlsbad Parks & Recreation Department Chris Hazeltine
Dragmaster - architect/developer Brett Farrow
Dragmaster - architect/developer Damian DeRobbio
Elevator Frank Cowell
Environmental Issues Advocate Mary Anne Viney
Flower Fields Joni Miringoff
Friends of the Arts Jackie Stone
Historic Preservation Commission Linda Geldner
Historic Preservation Commission Laurie Boone
Historic Preservation Commission Chris Garcia
La Costa Canyon High School Ron Lenc
La Jolla Historical Society Heath Fox
Legoland Lynn Crockett
LegoLand Jake Gonzales
City of Carlsbad Library & Cultural Arts Department Heather Pizzuto
City of Carlsbad Library & Cultural Arts Department Richard Schultz
Museum of Making Music Carolyn Grant
Musician and Carlsbad Residents Bonnie and Gunnar
Biggs
New Village Arts Kristianne Kurner
North County Symphony Orchestra Bill Gilmer, President
Parks and Recreation Commission Ron Withall
Senor Grubby’s Justin Jachura
SMUSD, San Marcos Middle School Michelle Breyer
Special Projects Consultant Peder Norby
Viz Art Ink Gallery Gregg Visintainer
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GROUP PRESENTATIONS
6/19/17 Oceanside Museum of Art
7/4/17 Art Walk
7/12/17 North County Arts Network
7/18/17 San Diego Shakespeare Society
8/3/17 La Costa Film Festival
8/4/17 Museum of Making Music
10/26/17 Carlsbad Citizens Academy
11/17/17 Mira Costa College Board of Trustees
1/2/18 Village Voices
2/5/18 LEAP - Carlsbad Unified School District
2/5/18 Museum of Making Music
2/15/18 Youth Enrichment Services
2/21/18 Chamber of Commerce Education Committee
2/26/18 Carlsbad Unified PTA
2/26/18 Student/Superintendent Advisory – CUSD
2/28/18 New Village Arts Board Meeting
3/19/18 Carlsbad Historical Society
3/19/18 Friends of the Arts
3/19/18 North Coast Calvary Chapel Arts Group
3/20/18 Carlsbad Library & Arts Foundation
3/21/18 City of Carlsbad Library Board
3/28/18 Carlsbad Unified School District
4/5/18 Barrio Neighborhood Group
4/10/18 Kiwanis Club
4/11/18 Carlsbad Public Works Department
4/12/18 Carlsbad Citizens Academy
5/2/18 Chamber of Commerce Government Committee
5/15/18 Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation
5/17/18 Carlsbad Friends of the Library
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Arts & Culture Master Plan: Appendices | 115
CONSULTANT PROFILE
GO collaborative is a design and planning firm focused on creative, community
design and development. Their services include arts and culture master planning,
arts evaluation, creative placemaking design and development services. Founded
by Sarah Gamble, architect and Lynn Osgood, urban planner and researcher, the
firm combines their complementary backgrounds and passion for the public
realm. GO collaborative embodies the strengths of their diverse professional
training with experience providing creative and innovative services to connect
people in meaningful ways with the places they care about. The firm led the NEA’s
efforts to create Exploring Our Town, an online resource that highlights their Our
Town grant program and provides insights into how creative placemaking
projects come together across the nation.
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PLAN PREVIEW SUMMARIES AND FEEDBACK
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Lifelong
Learning
Capacity
Building
DistinctIdentities
Business
Sector
Art in
Daily Life
Arts & Culture Plan Preview
Physical
Realm
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 120 of 292
Carlsbad Arts & Culture Plan
Community engagement. Cultural enrichment.
Introduction: The Commitment
In 2017, the City of Carlsbad asked local residents, artists, arts organizations and other
groups and individuals who care deeply about the cultural health of our community how
they would invest city resources to deepen and expand an arts environment that is
already a model for cities in North San Diego County.
This initial phase sparked an outpouring of imaginative ideas and thoughtful priorities.
Residents of Carlsbad were eager to join in an effort to encourage the artists who create
and innovate, to support the organizations and institutions that produce and present,
and to stimulate an informed and engaged population who hunger for the widest range
of performing and visual arts.
We are grateful to all who took time to share their insights and commitment to nurture
arts and cultural programs for a growing, diversified population of residents and visitors.
This document is a vital next step in the process.
What follows, after a brief preview of what we see as the strengths of our current
programs and the challenges to maximizing their effectiveness, are five short previews
based on three recommended roles for the city, several major themes for growth and
the recommendations that emerged over the past year during dialogues with the
community.
We look forward to receiving your feedback on this summary and to working with you
to develop a far-reaching and realistic plan that will ensure that the City of Carlsbad
remains a haven for the arts and a cultural destination for the region and beyond.
Carlsbad Arts & Culture Today
Strengths. The City of Carlsbad has earned its reputation as a leader in developing the
arts and culture of North County by focusing on three strengths:
• High quality programs. Among the year-round arts and culture programs valued by
residents of all ages are arts education opportunities, gallery exhibits and special
events such as the TGIF Concerts in the Parks.
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• Dedicated resources. Carlsbad's investment in arts and culture is greater than
neighboring cities and includes a Cultural Arts Office staff to continually renew and
maintain the excellence of our programs.
• History of partnership. These programs are the result of decades of commitment
from countless community organizations and volunteers. They have fostered a deep
sense of local identity by helping create iconic locations like the Flower Fields and
signature events such as TGIF Concerts in the Parks.
Challenges. These strengths will allow us to meet key challenges before us, such as:
• Clearly defining the city’s role as a regional arts and cultural resource and
destination.
• Providing access to programming for a growing population increasingly diverse and
distributed throughout the city.
• Developing new forms of funding and new partnerships that will provide more ways
for artists and arts organizations to bring new work to the public.
• Instill arts participation as a part of daily life.
• Coordinate with leadership of neighboring municipalities to ensure Carlsbad’s funds
help develop programming and installations that appeal to regional audiences.
New Roles. Consensus was clear that such challenges could be better met if the city
expanded its role of Provider of programs and funding, as well as increasing its current
status as Connector, Leader and Partner in an expanded local arts community and
economy.
• Connector … to bring together diverse entities to pursue mutual goals.
• Leader … to advocate for the arts and encourage innovative ideas for regional
conversations with arts partners throughout the North County area.
• Partner … to form cross-sector collaborations as a key action to increasing the
impact the arts should have.
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Preview 1
Connector Role 1: The Business Sector
Successful business leaders depend on creativity and innovation to keep their
companies growing, their products and services relevant, their employees engaged and
their customers loyal.
By supporting an active arts environment, Carlsbad and its strong and innovative
business environment, has attracted world-class companies that are at the forefront of
innovation in action sports, life sciences, hospitality, tourism, information and
communications technology, and clean technology.
Many of these companies embody the arts-business link with inventive solutions to
office workspaces and bringing creative storytelling into marketing and employee
communications. There are endless opportunities to further explore the integration of
arts and business to engage artists to enliven offices and branding, actors to invigorate
corporate presentations and coach public speaking, and many more examples.
Here are just two survey comments relevant to this topic:
“Arts and culture enhance and improve the quality of a city. Improved quality
of life couples into a better economic environment because top companies
and their employees want to work and live in a culturally enhanced
environment.”
“Bring in art galleries (all genres), build a small theatre for plays, and, mostly,
bring in creative businesses. Carlsbad could be a hot art town, but quality art
needs venues and money so that professional artists have ways to get their
work out there and earn a living. The City benefits from businesses while
keeping Carlsbad unique and artsy.”
GOALS, STRATEGIES & ACTIONS
Goal: Establish relationships that support a creative and thriving economy.
To do this the city, which has strong ties with both local artists and businesses, will
actively connect arts and business in organized exchanges that lead to candid dialogue
and collaborative projects.
Strategy 1: The Cultural Arts Office will partner with the Community & Economic
Development Department to encourage small, innovative business start-ups by creative
entrepreneurs.
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Action: Convene a cross-department workgroup comprised of Cultural Arts Office and
Economic Development Department personnel to explore how cultural planning goals
intersect with economic development goals.
Strategy 2: Strategize with arts allies in the business community to take a leadership
role in the development of the arts and culture sector.
Action: Create a roundtable to serve as a business arts leadership and advocacy board to
help increase public and private funding, coordinate business volunteers for the arts,
identify event sponsors and facilitate art.
Strategy 3: Encourage cultural programs in the city’s high-tech industrial core.
Action: Establish Business Parks After Dark program and pop-up artistic venues, which
are attractive to the city’s creative class, in the city’s high-tech industrial core.
YOUR THOUGHTS?
● Which strategy would have the most impact?
● What else can businesses do to partner with arts? Other examples are
mentorships with artists, artist residencies and performances in business.
● Would you consider serving on an arts organization board?
● Do you have other ways to strengthen the connection between arts and
business?
Take the survey
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Potential Partners:
• Businesses
• Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce
• Carlsbad Village Association
• City’s Community & Economic Development Department
• Artists and arts organizations
• Local non-profits
• Innovate 78
• North County Regional Economic Development Council
Programs that worked for other communities:
Americans for the Arts is the leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts in
America. Its pARTnership Movement is an initiative to show business leaders that
partnering with the arts can build their competitive advantage. Case studies are
available online. http://www.partnershipmovement.org
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LEARN MORE
To find out more information, please visit www.carlsbadca.gov/arts.
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Preview 2
Connector Role 2: Lifelong Learning
A community's vitality, like that of each individual, depends on continued learning and
engagement with new ideas. We received many comments about the need for access to
arts education and culture activities for residents of all ages.
Here is what some of our respondents said about the question of education.
“[Create] community programs that enable and encourage mentorship
and growth of educational opportunities, so that art education and
traditions can be passed down to the next generations.”
“Have more art classes, more music venues which are affordable to all.”
“More advanced/sophisticated community classes, art studios open to
the public, woodworking workshops with all machinery open to the
public.”
“Make more 'entry-level' arts education opportunities available (such
as) community theatre productions and introductory arts classes.”
GOALS, STRATEGIES & ACTIONS
Goal: Expand Arts & Culture learning opportunities.
In this version of the Connector role, the city will bring together schools, arts
organizations and businesses to network towards a supplemental system for arts
support while our Cultural Arts Office meets with local partners to strategize new means
of providing arts education for all ages.
Strategy 1: For youth - Expand arts education provided by local school districts, the city
and third-party providers.
Action: Work with local colleges, arts educators and arts providers to develop a
Community Arts Learning Plan that promotes lifelong learning in the arts.
Strategy 2: For adults and the community at large - Increase access to arts-based
enrichment programs and opportunities.
Action: Work with local community college to identify opportunities for art and design
students to teach classes at City of Carlsbad facilities. Assist the college with locating
applied learning opportunities within the city that will bridge gaps in arts education.
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Strategy 3: Encourage innovative inter-generational arts programming, such as sharing
oral histories, which can serve as source material for performances and visuals that
foster creativity and collaboration.
Action: Leverage local business partnerships to support STEM to STEAM learning
initiatives and promote the development of innovation and creativity.
YOUR THOUGHTS?
● Which strategy resonates the most with you?
● What role would you like to see the city take in generating new educational
opportunities in the arts?
● How can the city best help ensure access to creative learning opportunities for
adults?
● Are there any other ideas you would like to share?
Take the survey
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Potential Partners:
• Businesses
• Community college
• California State University San Marcos
• Chamber of Commerce Education Committee
• Local school boards and PTAs
• Private creative businesses
• Local arts organizations
• Local non-profits
• Carlsbad Historical Society
• Parks & Recreation Department
Arts Education – Community Initiatives
Writing Lives, Missoula, MT: Missoula has a rich literary tradition, with many writers
living amidst its inspiring beauty. In its public schools, though, creative writing
instruction has tended to be piecemeal, with some schools able to afford it and others
not providing it. The Missoula Writing Collaborative set out to fill those holes,
developing a program, Writing Lives, that would place professional writers in 4th grade
classes across the city. Like the many writers in Missoula’s history, the students would
treat the local context itself—the city and its natural surroundings—as the subject of
their work.
https://www.arts.gov/exploring-our-town/writing-lives
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WANT TO LEARN MORE?
To find out more information, please visit www.carlsbadca.gov/arts.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 128 of 292
Preview 3
Leader Role 1: Capacity Building
Stereotypes of paint-splattered artists alone in cramped studios are giving way to more
realistic images of individuals engaged in local economies across a wide and expanding
array of performing and visual disciplines as well as digital work.
Far from resenting the intrusion of entrepreneurs and local businesses – other than as
patrons – artists are forming mutually beneficial partnerships with them to help their
community with awareness, education and economic development.
Cities can help by stimulating capacity building that leverages resources and assists
artists and arts organizations. Capacity building, according to the National Council of
Nonprofits, is a way for a nonprofit to more effectively deliver its mission by identifying
a communications strategy, improving volunteer recruitment, developing a leadership
succession plan, updating technology and more.
As the primary provider of arts and culture programs in our community, the City of
Carlsbad can apply capacity building to attract additional arts and culture providers
through new and diverse programming, and connect organizations with new funding
resources.
“More local artists displaying and being part of decision making (in
various citywide planning efforts) for Carlsbad.”
“Carlsbad could elevate the existing arts and culture offerings by
enhancing the efforts of local galleries, music venues and theatres, like
New Village Arts, by providing funding and increased marketing
support.”
“[Provide] more opportunities for local artists to be involved in the
planning of events, such as through round table discussions, meetings,
online groups and discussions that focus on getting more people
involved in working to implement music and arts events around the
city.”
GOALS, STRATEGIES & ACTIONS
Goal: Build capacity within the Arts & Culture sector
In this Leader role the City of Carlsbad would connect and initiate dialogue with partners
able to help explore and expand the vision of arts and culture in the area.
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The City of Carlsbad's historic support of arts and culture as a core value led to the
establishment of its Cultural Arts Office. It assists local arts and culture organizations
strengthen their reach and impact in the community. It allows the city to assume a
greater leadership role at the local and regional level, and identify and fund new
opportunities for programming, venue development and education.
Strategy 1: Foster arts and culture organizational capacity building through alternative
funding opportunities for the arts, like the city’s 2018 Capacity Building Grants.
Action: Create a grants program focused on start-ups for arts organizations to help them
get their feet on solid ground.
Strategy 2: Elevate awareness of and attention to the cultural arts as part of municipal
policy decisions.
Action: Create a City of Carlsbad Orientation program for local artists and creative
entrepreneurs to help foster artist involvement on different city boards and commissions.
Strategy 3: Foster arts leadership integration through existing organizations like North
County Arts Network (NCAN) and others.
Action: Convene a Regional Arts Roundtable to look at broad needs with specific working
groups to address topics such as programming, venues and other essential elements of
the regional arts ecosystem.
YOUR THOUGHTS?
● Which strategy has the most impact for you?
● How could the city lead efforts to create greater capacity in the arts community?
● What kind of assistance could the city offer to local arts organizations?
● Have we missed any potential partners who could help with these efforts?
Take the survey
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Potential Partners:
• North County cities
• North County Arts Network (NCAN)
• Local artists and arts organizations
• New regional grant sources
• City of Carlsbad grantees
• Carlsbad Library & Arts Foundation
• Carlsbad Friends of the Arts
• San Diego Regional Arts & Culture Coalition
• Innovate 78
• San Diego North Economic Development Council
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Partnerships that Support Capacity Building:
Arts Incubator of the Rockies: When the Fort Collins Museum moved out of the city’s
historic Carnegie Library Building in 2011, it left the City of Fort Collins with a vacant
property in one of its most impressive buildings. Reaching out to the community
through a series of public dialogues, the city asked residents how they would envision
using the building. What they heard was a strong desire to turn the space into a
community arts center – the Arts Incubator of the Rockies (AIR). Today the Arts
Institute is partnering with Berea College to provide more robust programming and
training in the arts. https://www.arts.gov/exploring-our-town/arts-incubator-rockies
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
To find out more information, please visit www.carlsbadca.gov/arts.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 131 of 292
Preview 4
Leader Role 2: Distinct Identities
Artists have unique tools and talents that can provide insights into a culture's history. In
our community, where the native past and natural beauty are too often obscured in a
fog, we look to artists and cultural institutions to recall and interpret their distinctive
narratives. By taking a leadership role in protecting natural resources and promoting
cultural legacy, the city can share these historic treasures at outdoor concerts, weekend
outings in the Village and walks along our robust trail network.
Here’s what members of the community said in our surveys during our outreach.
“We need something to connect us throughout the city, art and cultural
activities have the potential to do just that.”
“Environmental art sculpture and environmental art. More calls for
sculpture in the environment and more venues in which to exhibit.”
“I miss the Barrio Festival that used to be held. It offered a wide range
of diverse cultural art, food and entertainment close to our
downtown.”
“Look for the diversity and history of our community. Be open to
considering arts and culture that serves to tell a lifelong story of our
community.”
“I'd love to see a tour of the architecture of Carlsbad or the gardens.”
GOALS, STRATEGIES & ACTIONS
Goal: Celebrate Carlsbad’s unique history and distinct identities through Arts & Culture.
In this additional role as a LEADER, the city would help develop and promote the
diverse, creative and cultural resources that define its identity. The Cultural Arts Office
can bring together organizations that share the vision of building a dynamic arts and
culture sector that promotes the city’s identity and gives voice to its stories.
Strategy 1: Promote Carlsbad's distinctive identities by connecting the arts, the city’s
heritage and the natural and built environment.
Action: Create a match-funded collaboration between local businesses and the Parks &
Recreation Department to create a Trail Art program on paths near business parks that
encourage wellness and enhance the experience.
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Strategy 2: Enhancement of the Carlsbad Barrio neighborhood as a cultural destination.
Action: Work with the Barrio neighborhood residents, preservation advocates,
businesses and non-profits to explore how the Carlsbad Barrio can thrive as a cultural
asset and destination for residents and visitors.
Strategy 3: Promote Carlsbad as a vital cultural destination that celebrates the work of
local artists.
Action: Develop a Working with Local Artists training program to help the local business
community increase exposure for visual and performing art by local artists in hotels and
businesses. Create a directory of participating businesses.
YOUR THOUGHTS?
● Which strategy resonates the most with you?
● How would you like to see the city better encourage its cultural identity?
● What could be done to provide better access to arts and culture in the
community?
● Which historical or cultural identity would you like to see the city promote?
Take the survey
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Potential Partners
• Local artists and arts organizations
• Neighborhood associations
• City of Carlsbad
• Businesses
• Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce
• Carlsbad Village Association
• Carlsbad Historical Society
• Local preservation advocates
Connecting Art and the Environment
FLOW: Can You See the River?, Indianapolis, IN: Conceived by visual artist Mary Miss,
“FLOW: Can You See the River?” is a city-wide public art project in Indianapolis that
reveals how the ordinary activities of citizens affect the health and future of the White
River water system. As a collaboration of artists, community organizations, scientists,
and city planners, “FLOW” engaged the citizens of Indianapolis through physical
installations along the river, an exhibition and an online interactive mapping tool
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 133 of 292
(trackaraindrop.org) in order to enhance Indianapolis residents’ awareness of the
waterway and many of the river-related issues that affect their lives.
https://www.arts.gov/exploring-our-town/flow-can-you-see-river
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
To find out more information, please visit www.carlsbadca.gov/arts.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 134 of 292
Preview 5
Partner Role: Art in Daily Life
Just as our image of the artist has changed, so has our interaction with art. Whether it's
public art in corporate parks and along city trails, live performances by international
stars and local amateurs, or touring exhibitions and neighborhood art projects, Carlsbad
residents want greater access to an increasingly varied arts experience.
Making art and culture available for everyday experience will bind a community
together and foster a local identity, and the City of Carlsbad can help drive this effort
through active partnerships with businesses, artists and cultural organizations.
Here are some of the survey comments that show how important this is:
“I absolutely love all the street art in Carlsbad! From the Carlsbad Art
wall, to the painted fire hydrants! I also love finding the doodles in the
village! We live in such a great community and art keeps us all
connected!!!”
“Build a centrally located cultural arts center where many different
music, performing and visual artists and patrons can enjoy quality
experiences. Make it easy for all people to experience the arts.”
“Make random art installations throughout the city…. Not just in major
traffic areas throughout downtown, but maybe some in Holiday Park,
Calavera Hills, to Hosp Grove. It makes people get out to places that
they may not have gone before, and adds so much character to
underused areas of the city. I especially think that an art walk through
Hosp Grove would be amazing.”
GOALS, STRATEGIES & ACTIONS
Goal: Support art as a prominent component of daily life and pursue partnerships that
can expedite and sustain it.
In its role as Partner, the city's Cultural Arts Office will bring together city departments,
local arts organizations and local businesses, including the design and development
community, to promote a more diverse range of arts opportunities that will bring art
into all aspects of daily life. This consortium can then attract funding for projects that
will enhance the community's existing art and cultural spaces, and create new locations.
Strategy 1: Enhance existing venues and find additional artistic and performance venues
within the city, and pursue new funding models such as public-private partnerships.
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Action: Explore the creation of a City of Carlsbad cultural arts facility that responds to
the regional interest for a larger performance venue for professional theatre and can
provide classrooms, rehearsal spaces and production studios.
Strategy 2: Work with the development community to support the inclusion of the arts
in future projects.
Action: Identify opportunities to encourage the development of more affordable artist
housing and workspaces through partnerships with the local development community.
Strategy 3: Support the continuation and development of a festival and events culture
within the city.
Action: Include temporary artworks in the planning of community celebrations and
special events.
Strategy 4: Develop a Mobile Outreach Strategy for the Cultural Arts Office.
Action: Procure an "Art Bus" for city staff to deliver arts programming to locations
throughout the city.
Strategy 5: Ensure that access to the arts is available for all community members.
Action: Explore opportunities to advance artist relationships with the local military
community, including funding for specific project development.
YOUR THOUGHTS?
● Which strategies resonate the most with you?
● What can the city do to make the arts more accessible for residents?
● What could the city do to bring about more art and performances in the city, and
into your local neighborhood?
● Are there additional potential partners you would add to the list below?
Take the survey
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Potential Partners:
• Businesses
• Artists and arts organizations
• Parks & Recreation Department
• Carlsbad Village Association
• Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce
• Local non-profits
• North County Arts Network (NCAN)
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 136 of 292
• Neighborhood groups
• Local media outlets
• Property owners
• Developers
• Land use and planning organizations
• Public Works Department
• Community & Economic Development Department
Public-Private Partnerships to Enhance the Public Realm
Co-Sign, Covington, KY: The City of Covington partnered with the American Sign
Museum to bring CoSign, an initiative created to provide local artist-designed storefront
signage to area businesses in a neighborhood targeted for economic redevelopment and
revitalization. With a focus on education for both small business owners and artists, the
initiative provided employment and training opportunities for artists while creating new
signage for small businesses to attract visitors to an area known for commerce and
creativity. https://www.arts.gov/exploring-our-town/co-sign
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
To find out more information, please visit www.carlsbadca.gov/arts.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 137 of 292
PLAN PREVIEWS FEEDBACK
ARTS & CULTURE PLAN PREVIEW
CONNECTOR ROLE 1: THE BUSINESS SECTOR
Total respondents: 92
Q1. Which strategy to enhance the connection between arts and the business sector would have
the most impact?
Answered: 86 Skipped: 6
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 138 of 292
Q2. What else can businesses do to partner with arts? Other examples are mentorships with
artists, artist residencies and performances in business.
Answered: 70 Skipped: 22
Support/Sponsor Existing Organizations
• “Identify and utilize the community values, contributions and opportunities possible through
partnerships with New Village Arts.”
• “Continue, or better yet, expand support for cultural venues like New Village Arts.”
• “Carlsbad could elevate the existing arts and culture offerings by providing funding and
increased marketing support to enhance the efforts of local arts organizations like New Village
Arts.”
• “Become more active in North County Philanthropic Council.”
• “Having a corporate sponsorship at an establishment like New Village Arts allows for great
visibility for the business, as well as a creative way to create name recognition for the business
in a sustained way in a centralized area of Carlsbad.”
Other Sponsorships
• “Sponsor their employees to attend performances.”
• “Offer sponsorship for under privileged students to participate in programs, particularly
cooperative experiences with business, school district and city.”
• “Sponsor art installations.”
• “Take/support sponsorships for art assets publicized and listed by the City’s Art Office.”
Offer Live/Work/Performance Spaces
• “Residencies and local performance spaces offered by the business community.”
• “Support low-cost housing and studio space for artists.”
• “I think performances in businesses, or partnerships with them, might be a good way to get
more support from the business and its employees to promote and financially support the
arts.”
• “Business can provide gallery space for public to view visual arts.”
Pop Up/Temporary Exhibits
• “Organize public permanent and temporary art exhibits…”
• “Public performances. Pop-up events.”
• “Sponsor pop up exhibits and performances – especially in the Village-Dove area and the new
Rancho Santa Fe Center. Anything to make people put down their phones and enjoy art/music
etc.”
• “Pop-up events in and near the village.”
Q4. Do you have other ways to strengthen the connection between arts and business?
Answered: 58 Skipped: 34
Create opportunities for business and artist interact
• “A roundtable of artists and business representatives to coordinate art activities.”
• “Work to establish an “arts district” in Carlsbad Village, with businesses near NVA that offer
music, visual art galleries, and more local theatre, along with businesses that help to promote
a strong and lasting arts vision.”
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 139 of 292
• “Invite key business leaders to attend arts events.”
• “Some arts organizations would be happy to host business events at their locations – NVA
would certainly be a good candidate!”
• “Monthly meetings, or less for reps from businesses and the arts to meet for relationship
building, educating each other about current status, future ideas of said
organizations/individuals.”
• “Encouraging connections through City or Chamber events so both businesses and the
creative community can actually interact, brainstorm and feel inspired to make that
connection
Create more mixed-use venues
• “Include art in all forms in business buildings – make it a priority.”
• “Create venues where art and business merge.”
• “City funded private partnerships for venues for music and visual arts displays and work areas.”
• “Work with developers to create locales that are supportive of small creative businesses,
unique food venues and arts commerce – creating appealing spaces that are destinations for
creative vendors and shoppers.”
• “Live music at more venues that pays the musicians well.”
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 140 of 292
ARTS & CULTURE PLAN PREVIEW
CONNECTOR ROLE 2: LIFELONG LEARNING
Total respondents: 68
Q1. Which strategy for lifelong learning resonates most with you?
Answered: 64 Skipped: 4
Q2. What role would you like to see the city take in generating new educational opportunities in
the arts?
New/Existing facilities
• “Support thru making city owned spaces available.”
• “An arts/community center would be a helpful hub to provide educational opportunities.”
• “I would like to see Carlsbad follow in the footsteps of Irvine, which has a fine arts center that
offers affordable art classes, workshops and equipment.”
• “Develop a physical building – cultural center with creative studio rentals for ceramic studios,
printmaking, weaving, painting, sculpture.”
• “Utilize the new Community Center for art and music appreciation classes. Open high schools
for community classes.”
• Develop an art center that offers classes or provides studio space for artists who are interested
in offering classes.”
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Support structured school art programs
• “I would like to see the City of Carlsbad working with the school district and the state of CA to
encourage art classes in the schools be taught by fully credentialed Art Education teachers.”
• “Advocate for arts programs in all schools.”
• “Expand Elementary school music programs.”
• “Add art and music and writing programs to the school system.”
• “Educate our school district that the arts are not a financial burden…but a necessity for a well
educated human being.”
Support art programs for all ages
• “Senior (50+) art activities in South Carlsbad.”
• “Sponsoring shows for students and schools – especially shows dealing with history or
important issues students can relate to – will help get young people more involved in
considering attending theatre.”
• “There seems to be art available for the young and old. Teenagers, young adults and middle
adults are left out of the equation unless they want to take community college courses.”
• “Provide more programs and services directly for all ages.”
• “Have story telling at the senior center where some of our mature citizens can contribute.”
Financial support
• “Sponsor, promote and subsidize the arts around the city.”
• “Funding for existing organizations who currently have education and outreach programming
such as New Village Arts.”
• “Bankroll school programs and offer programs to the general public for a fee.”
• “Provide funding.”
Increase accessibility
• “Hire experts in the arts to provide free classes. Many seniors are on a fixed income and
although they would love to take more are classes are prevented from doing so because of
financial reasons.”
• “Quality touring shows to schools and underserved communities.”
• “Increasing access and opportunity to the arts/appreciation.”
• “Invite artists who can easily commute to offer shows, displays, concerts to showcase their art.”
Q3. How can the city best help ensure access to creative learning opportunities for adults?
Answered: 56 Skipped: 12
Increase accessibility
• “Provide affordable/free space for arts programs.”
• “Partner with local theaters, etc. and offer low/no cost classes and series. Support traveling
workshops/shows to assisted living centers and such.”
• “Having weekend or evening programming that are low cost or free would be helpful.”
• “Ensure arts education and outreach programming is accessible for free or low costs
throughout all neighborhoods in Carlsbad.”
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 142 of 292
More communication
• “Get the word out.”
• “Publicity – helping residents know about all the opportunities available to them.”
• “Publicize more. We don’t know what’s available.”
• “Communicate offerings available to Carlsbad residents. Cater to your taxpaying residents vs
tourists.”
More venues
• “Turn some of the space in the senior center and other new buildings into art studios.”
• “An active community center that serves all ages would be helpful, like the Encinitas
Community Center.”
• “Make all three libraries greater cultural arts hubs.”
• “Team with local schools and colleges. Jump on business sponsored opportunities, such as GIA
opening their doors to the public.”
Support existing organizations
• “Perhaps a comprehensive and well designed list of events, opportunities and programs could
be made available regularly at partnering businesses.”
• “By putting funds into New Village Arts.”
• “Financial support of the people/organizations providing those programs so that they can be
free or low cost to participants.
• “Creative learning opportunities can be fostered through existing arts organizations in
Carlsbad.”
Expanded programming
• “Look at some of the programs like figure drawing workshops, Shakespeare reading
workshops and more that are done at the Encinitas Library.”
• “Program classes and workshops so people can take pottery, stained glass, etc.”
• “Offer workshops that provide guidance and introduce different hands-on techniques.”
• “Art classes such as watercolor, drawing, etc. are always full at Mira Costa College.”
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 143 of 292
ARTS & CULTURE PLAN PREVIEW
LEADER ROLE 1: CAPACITY BUILDING
Total respondents: 43
Q1. Which strategy to enhance capacity building has the most impact for you?
Answered: 43 Skipped: 0
Q2. How could the city lead efforts to create greater capacity in the arts community?
Answered: 29 Skipped: 14
Support existing opportunities/organizations
• “Joining in the promotion of North County wide events could build audience.”
• “Support existing arts organizations that are already proving programming such as New
Village Arts and Carlsbad Music Festival.”
• “Carlsbad could elevate the existing arts and culture offerings by providing funding and
increased marketing support to enhance the efforts of local arts organizations like New Village
Arts.”
• “Provide more funding and opportunities for Carlsbad Village Association and other local orgs
in order to provide more music performances and artist performances.”
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Support community collaboration
• “Invite local and theater experts to convene and discuss/recommend approaches. That would
benefit the artists, educate city officials and hopefully lead to outreach about solutions and
subsequent art offerings.”
• “Hold an open-door meeting to foster and discuss.”
• “Adjacent city networking. Chamber support. Co-sharing ideation with schools, theaters,
centers.”
• “Integrate through municipal decision and use leadership integration from existing groups.”
• “Increased collaboration with regional arts organizations.”
Financial support
• “Provide affordable/free space to arts programs.”
• “Be sure that there is secure funding for arts annually.”
• “Make it more affordable to attend concerts and plays.”
• “Fund more art events, education and organizations.”
Make Carlsbad a cultural arts hub
• “Develop Carlsbad as a destination Arts Center. New Village Arts is located next to the train
stop.”
• “If possible, create a theater district around the current New Village Arts.”
• “Help organizations like New Village Arts in their expansion and promotion; clean up some
other venues.”
Q3. What kind of assistance could the city offer to local arts organizations?
Answered: 30 Skipped: 13
Promotion/Public support
• “Be advocates for art at all city council meetings. Attend shows and performances, offer to
speak at curtain up to show your support.”
• “Increase promotion of local arts events.”
• “Some of the biggest help would be in promoting the arts as a draw to the city. The more folks
in San Diego proper know about these hidden gems, the more likely they are to attend (and
then spend their money in Carlsbad).
• “Create public places to inspire, do and show art.”
Financial support
• “More of what is already established in grants opportunities and some training.”
• “The New Village Arts theatre does amazing stage productions despite being housed in a very
limited facility. I urge the city to provide generous financial support to this amazingly creative
organization.”
• “Grants so as to offer slightly lower ticket prices to encourage more people to go.”
• “Financial support, venue support.”
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Q4. Have we missed any potential partners who could help with these efforts?
Answered: 18 Skipped: 25
• New Village Arts
• Carlsbad Unified School District
• North County Philanthropy Council
• Museum of Making Music
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 146 of 292
ARTS & CULTURE PLAN PREVIEW
LEADER ROLE 2: DISTINCT IDENTITIES
Total Respondents: 34
Q1. Which strategy resonates the most with you?
Answered: 34 Skipped: 0
Q2. How would you like to see the city better encourage its cultural identity?
Answered: 23 Skipped: 11
Diversify city leadership/programs
• “More representation of various minority groups in arts and cultural offerings.”
• “Political leadership needs to demand staff for the people and rise above the banal and
conventional to make Carlsbad a shining beacon on the hill.”
• “Ensure that those who make decisions and those who receive arts support reflect the
diversity of the city.”
• “Become a multicultural center.”
• “I never see anything for your Native Americans living in Carlsbad.”
• “Perhaps more festivals or cultural events could be added, but I think it’s great as it currently
exists.”
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Encourage collaboration
• “Art is always stronger when its connection with local heritage and civic institutions is clear.”
• “Blending of surfing community, Latino community, arts community and historical elements.”
• “Embrace programs that are already thriving here in Carlsbad, like New Village Arts, the
Museum of Making Music and the Carlsbad Music Festival.”
Balance public/private needs
• “In order for a sense of pride and ‘ownership’ of the Barrio to be supported and to grow
culturally, I believe a better balance has to be struck between the city and the real estate
market to prevent the neighborhood from becoming too gentrified.”
• “Keep the charm and history of Carlsbad intact by saying no to developer who wish to build
unreasonably large projects.”
• “Sorry to say but there is no art in any of the Carlsbad obscene developments…”
Q3. What could be done to provide better access to arts and culture in the community?
Answered: 25 Skipped: 9
Increase visibility/promotion
• “Making it simpler for local businesses to showcase the arts and music performances with the
community, such as allowing performance permits in restaurants along State Street…”
• “Don’t scrub street art unless it’s offensive. Celebrate the good art appearing on our streets
with online kudos.”
• “Create the places for art in our parks and open areas.”
• “Transportation to arts facilities, maybe a ride sharing scheme that was online.”
• “Help get the word out to the community about the many arts offerings already available in
the city and help promote the new arts organizations that are being built.”
• “Be sure to include the arts in some capacity at all council meetings.”
More venues
• “Provide affordable/free space for programming.”
• “Provide a community arts space.”
• “Make an arts hub in the community as a meeting place, as venue for growth and as a
showcase of all skill.”
• “Create a venue where artists can showcase their art and residents of all ages could participate
in classes
Financial support
• “Keep ticket prices low.”
• “More funding.”
• “More financial support for arts orgs – couldn’t the annual capital improvement budget be
reviewed and some of those funds reallocated?”
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 148 of 292
Q4. Which historical or cultural identity would you like to see the city promote?
Answered: 22 Skipped: 12
Blended/Multicultural
• “I would like to encourage more unity not separation into different cultures – include all
together in perhaps a cultural exposition of the different groups that make up Carlsbad’s
diverse history.”
• “Carlsbad is a wonderfully diverse mix of identities. Closing in on one or two would limit the
cultural experience of our community.”
• “Promoting multiple historical and cultural identities would benefit the city by attracting more
tourists.”
Artistic community
• “A center for performing arts, offering visual and musical arts before and after performances,
and supporting performance with dining options and other supportive services.”
• “New Village Arts!”
• “The current, vibrant art scene we have here.”
• “Performing and visual arts. Historic legacy but outside the library’s perspective and direction.”
Latino community/Beach community
• “Latino community (around Lola’s is cool), beach community.”
• “Surfer/Skaters.”
• “Our landscape and sea/lagoon scapes are our fundamental natural and cultural identity.”
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 149 of 292
ARTS & CULTURE PLAN PREVIEW
PARTNER ROLE: ART IN DAILY LIFE
Total Respondents: 71
Q1. Which strategies to enhance art in daily life resonate the most with you?
Answered: 69 Skipped: 2
Q2. What can the city do to make the arts more accessible for residents?
Answered: 57 Skipped: 14
More venues
• “Enhance existing venues and find affordable/free additional artistic and performance venues
within the city, and pursue new funding models such as public-private partnerships.
• “Create a real venue like Belly Up in Solana Beach.”
• Utilize the empty industrial buildings off Palomar Airport Road to create artist studios and
public art making areas…”
• “Build a performing arts center that also provides space for visual artists to work and display
local artists work.”
• “Clean up common areas, install a stage.”
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 150 of 292
Increase visibility
• “Do more public displays such as murals, etc.”
• “Be more like the City of Vista and have more art up around the city.”
• “Have it everywhere! I visited Seattle, and there was a ton of art integrated into the city.”
More promotion
• “Use social media including email to suggest an arts event of the day, every day. Prepare an
education flyer about how to be involved including how to dress, how to book and generally
how to be involved. Include average prices and how many events are free.”
• “Let us know when and where events are taking place. We no longer have a newspaper to
remind us. What about people who have no computer?”
• “Better dissemination of events to residents.”
More classes and events
• “More outdoor concerts and plays.”
• “Have a festival and promote all the arts at it, or a street fair.”
• “Events and festivals are great. Maybe some workshops and events that residents can
participate in themselves would be a lot of fun.”
• “Quarterly events like the old ArtSplash and the current Music Festival.”
• “More classes, more space where people can be creative, more events.”
Q3. What could the city do to bring about more art and performances in the city, and into your
local neighborhood?
Answered: 50 Skipped: 21
New/Enhanced venues
• “Build and equip venues for large audience performances as well as small.”
• “More venues, more opportunities for local music and art displays, particularly acoustic venues
for coffee shops and wine bars where people gather in neighborhoods.”
• “Perhaps an opportunity might be to encourage restaurants and cafes to offer performances
and to encourage more village events where artists could share their work.”
• “Create an amphitheater where live performances can happen.”
• “Live music, outdoor concerts, maybe build a small venue down somewhere by the beach like
they have in Oceanside.”
Collaborate with local organizations
• “Collaborate with non profits or foundations. Maybe create a community collaborative or
utilize an existing one.”
• “By expanding New Village Arts the theatre will be able to add productions by their own actors
and guest production companies.”
• “Continue support of New Village Arts and similar theaters.”
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Financial support
• “Funding for artists.”
• “Tax incentives to encourage business to support the arts and to encourage people to donate
to the arts.”
• “More financial support of those performances.”
• “Funding of events, event at a partial level.”
• “Sponsor more art classes performances, with financial support of local businesses.”
Q4. Are there additional potential partners you would add to the list below? Businesses Artists
and arts organizations Parks & Recreation Department Carlsbad Village Association Carlsbad
Chamber of Commerce Local non-profits North County Arts Network (NCAN) Neighborhood
groups Local media outlets Property owners Developers Land use and planning organizations
Public Works Department Community & Economic Development Department
Answered: 30 Skipped: 41
• School districts, local colleges, Carlsbad Education Foundation
• NAMM
• Local artists and citizens
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118 | Arts & Culture Master Plan: Appendices
COMMUNITY FEEDBACK REPORT
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 153 of 292
Music
Theater
Arts
Education
Venues
Exhibits
Arts & Culture Plan
Input Summary Dec. 2017
Public
Art
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 154 of 292
Arts & Culture Plan
Summary of Public Input December 2017
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 155 of 292
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Summary of Public Input 1
Introduction to the Public Input Process 3
OUTREACH PROCESS SUMMARY 3
ADJUSTMENTS ALONG THE WAY 5
What We Heard 8
INITIAL FIVE THEMES 8
SUPPORTING SURVEY 10
SPANISH-SPEAKING OUTREACH 12
ADDITIONAL EMERGING IDEAS 14
Appendices 17
APPENDIX A: Interview and Focus Group Protocols 18
Stakeholder Interview and Focus Group Summary 18
Interview & Focus Group Protocols 19
APPENDIX B: Spanish-Speaking Community Outreach 21
Communication Objectives 21
Outreach Methodology 21
Awareness 21
Participation 22
What We Heard 23
APPENDIX C: Survey - Full Quantitative Results 24
Survey Methodology 24
Survey Demographics 24
Arts & Culture Plan Survey #1: Full Results 30
Plan para las Artes y la Cultura #1: Full Results 37
Arts & Culture Plan Survey #2: Full Results 44
Plan para Las Arte y la Cultura: Encuesta No. 2 - Opción 2 54
APPENDIX D: Survey – Full Qualitative Results 64
Survey One Open-Ended Question Responses 64
Survey Two Open-Ended Question Responses 76
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 156 of 292
Introduction to the Public Input Process
The planning process for the Arts & Culture Plan consists of three phases:
• Discover
• Envision
• Develop
Each phase of the process includes opportunities for the community to weigh in and
provide input. The City of Carlsbad sought input from the community on ideas,
strategies and priorities related to arts and culture from more than seven hundred
individuals in over twenty different settings in the Discover and Envision phases of the
planning process:
1) 27 Stakeholder interviews
2) Focus groups with 25 participants
3) Three online and in-person surveys (Two in English, one in Spanish) resulting in
687 responses
4) Four community workshops with a total of 54 attending
5) Three “Meeting in a Box” events with arts organizations with a total of 39
attending
6) 14 pop up events in the community, including and additional 10 with the Spanish
speaking community
The following report summarizes the input from these first two phases of the planning
process. The project team is now approaching the Develop phase of the planning
process and will use input gathered to prepare a draft Arts & Culture Plan.
It’s important to note that the input gathered through the surveys conducted should be
considered in a similar way to input received during public comment at a City Council
meeting, remarks at a public workshop or comments provided via email to city staff.
Due to the way survey participants were identified, the survey sample may not be
representative of all project stakeholders. As a result, unlike a scientific study, the
responses cannot be generalized to the larger population with a known margin of error.
OUTREACH PROCESS SUMMARY
The city sought input on the Arts & Culture Plan from March through August 2017 in the
following settings:
● Stakeholder interviews
● Focus groups
● Public workshops
● Online surveys
● In person surveys
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● Meeting in a box
● Multicultural outreach
● Updates to City Council and Arts Commission
Each outreach event resulted in important input, which shaped the plan development
process.
DISCOVER PHASE: March through June 2017
This phase of the process was an opportunity to connect with key stakeholders in the
arts and culture, business and education sectors. Input gathered in the interviews and
focus groups contributed to the framework for the emerging ideas that have guided the
planning process. Stakeholder interviews
• Interviews were conducted with 27 stakeholders from the business, education
and arts and culture community.
Focus groups
• Six focus groups were held with stakeholders in business, education and arts and
culture. A total 25 of people participated in focus groups. Workshops
• Two workshops were held on May 18, 2017 and May 20, 2017. 39 attended.
• A printed survey was distributed to individuals at each meeting for additional
feedback. Online / In-person survey
• Input was solicited from the Carlsbad community from May 18, 2017 through
June 19th, 2017. 176 total provided input through the online survey.
• The survey was distributed to those signed up to receive Arts & Culture and city-
wide enewsletters, through stakeholders and partners, a news release on the
city’s website and social media channels
Multicultural Outreach
• The city engaged a multicultural outreach specialist to assist with outreach to the
Spanish speaking community
• A total of ten pop-up events and community meetings were attended in six
separate locations such as Pine Avenue Park, Lola’s, and local schools.
• 28 surveys were filled out and approximately 40 people were reached. Public Presentations
• Updates to Arts Commission
• Updates to City Council
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• Keep city decision markers informed throughout the plan development process.
ENVISION PHASE: July and August 2017
The project team began to see common ideas come to the surface in the Discover
phase. These ideas evolved to an initial list of Five Emerging Themes that served as the
framework community discussions. In the Envision phase of the project, the team asked
for specific concerns and ideas around each of the five themes. Online survey
• Input was solicited from a larger section of the Carlsbad community July and August
2017, via an online survey. 483 completed the survey.
• The survey was distributed to those signed up to receive city email notifications,
through a list of key stakeholders and was promoted through the city website, social
media channels.
• The online surveys deepened the team’s understanding of how the broader
community in Carlsbad viewed each of the themes, and what specific ideas they
might like to see develop as part of the plan. In-person survey
• Input was also solicited from Carlsbad community members through in person
surveys at several Library & Cultural Arts special events in July and August 2017
• The surveys were distributed to individuals attending the popular TGIF Concerts in
the Parks and participating in the Family Open Studios art making activity on June
22, June 29, July 6, July 13, July 20, July 27
• The surveys were distributed to individuals visiting library locations during the
weeks of August 21 and August 28 and at the Farmers Market in Carlsbad Village.
Meeting in a Box events
• Individual arts organizations hosted three Meeting in a Box events with its arts and
culture grantees and arts organizations in the community.
• Notes from these meeting was integrated into overall data synthesis.
Multicultural Outreach
• Continued from Discover phase with on-site outreach and in-person survey
distribution (with Spanish translation).
• An additional 9 surveys were filled out
ADJUSTMENTS ALONG THE WAY
From the outreach conducted in the Discover and Envision phases of the planning
process, the project team received meaningful input to shape the development of the
Arts & Culture Plan. Additionally, information gathered at this stage was also used to
adjust approach for outreach for the planning process.
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Multicultural outreach
Early in the process, the project team learned that cultural identities were important
part of the history in Carlsbad. For this reason, the project team engaged a specialist to
assist with outreach efforts in minority communities, realizing that the city’s traditional
communication tools may not be reaching that audience. Traditional public workshops
It was clear in the Discover phase that attendance at traditional public workshops was
challenging. Attendance was low. Additionally, the feedback received early in the
process was skewing heavily in North Carlsbad and represented an older demographic.
The project team adjusted the outreach approach in the Envision phase to include
opportunities for the community to provide input outside of the traditional public
workshops, in areas in South Carlsbad and reach a younger demographic. The team set
up a pop up booth at the TGIF Concerts in the Parks events, in all library locations and at
the Farmers Market to “meet people where they are” and seek input on the plan. Timing
The team realized the challenge in gathering input during the spring and summer, which
are very busy times in the community. The timeline for the both the Discover and
Envision phases was extended to allow for maximum input on online and in person
surveys.
Original Timeline:
• March to May: Dialogues and Surveys
• June to August: Consultant Analysis and Compile Results
• September to October: Develop Draft Plan and Request Feedback from the
Community
• November to December: Present to City Council
Revised Timeline:
• March to May: Focus Groups, Interviews and Survey 1
• June to August: Survey 2 with Expanded Outreach
• September to October: Consultant Analysis and Develop Support Documents
• November to December: Staff Review of Support Documents
• January to February: Consultant to Draft Plan, Release Engagement Report and
Create Plan Preview
• Early February: Staff and Community Representatives Draft Plan Workshop
• Early March: Arts Commission Draft Plan Workshop
• March-April: Revise Draft Plan
• Early-Mid April- Release Plan Preview with Online Survey
• Early May: Release Draft Plan for Public Feedback
• April & May: Presentations to City Council
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Meeting in a Box
From the input received in the Discover and Envision phases of the planning process, the
city learned their partners and local arts organizations were interested in taking an
active leadership role in the plan development process. In response to that feedback,
the city hosted Meeting in a Box events with arts and culture organizations and city
grant recipients. These efforts showed a growth in the city’s role in the arts and culture
community from one of Leader to that of a Convener, by bringing together the
stakeholders and facilitating a discussion on the Arts & Culture Plan. Input in the
Meeting in a Box events also provided helpful insight to the Cultural Arts Office on arts
and culture grants and program format, leading to changes in approach in these two
areas to better meet needs of this audience.
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What We Heard
INITIAL FIVE THEMES
During the Discover phase of the project it became clear that some initial themes were
surfacing from all the comments that were received. These comments were crafted into
“Emerging Themes.” As the planning process progressed these themes served as a
framework for the larger planning process, and a way to organize conversations,
comment and ideas received both online and in-person through the project surveys and
discussions.
Theme One: Enhance Carlsbad’s Distinct Identities through Arts and Culture
Carlsbad has a unique history and quality of life, and that distinctiveness attracts and
keeps residents, visitors, business owners, and entrepreneurs. Many residents spoke
passionately about the city and its history, and many expressed a deep interest in seeing
this sense of identity displayed more prominently in neighborhoods, shopping areas,
and places of business. People also strongly felt that Carlsbad’s identity could be seen in
the way the community comes together for events. Residents desired to see the arts
and culture bring more people together, and support the collective civic spirit in ways
that are unique to Carlsbad.
Theme Two: Support Art as an Essential Component of Daily of Life
Although the arts have traditionally been thought of as activities that happen in addition
to the daily routine of people’s lives, a great number of people that were interviewed
desired to experience art as an integrated part of their everyday life. Many residents
talked about their own artistic practices as musicians, artists, actors, and writers, and
many desired to have more opportunities to perform and collaborate on creative
projects with their fellow residents.
Theme Three: Expand Art and Culture Learning Opportunities
An important component of any healthy community is the opportunity to create and
express – both individually and collectively. Many Carlsbad residents expressed the
desire to see more opportunities for lifelong arts education. Recognizing the essential
role arts education plays is supporting a vibrant community, residents expressed a
strong desire for increasing educational opportunities for school aged children both
within schools, and through extra-curricular activities. Recognizing the strong role that
the arts and culture play in individual lives, many of those that were interviewed also
discussed the need to create more extensive life-long creative learning opportunities.
Theme Four: Enable Art to Enhance the Physical Realm
The arts are an essential building block for creating a strong and vibrant public realm,
particularly in the Village area. Today the arts serve to engage both residents and
visitors, communicate a sense of local identity, and ensure that all have access to
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vibrant community spaces. Many residents recognized the strength of the City’s new
public artwork and desired to see more throughout the city. It was recognized also that
art in the physical realm supports the sense of pride and community that residents felt
could often be seen in the surrounding communities, but to a lesser degree in Carlsbad.
Theme Five: Support a Thriving Business Sector with the Arts
It was often recognized by representatives of the local business sector, that the goals
listed above by residents are the same goals desired by businesses. From lifelong
learning opportunities, to a vibrant physical realm, those who took part in interviews
and focus groups recognized that their ability to attract a skilled and innovative
workforce, depended in large part on being able to offer a sense of community vitality
supported by a strong arts and culture sector. There was a desire was expressed to
increase the profile of arts and culture in the community in order to strengthen the
general business environment, and support a thriving and successful business culture.
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SUPPORTING SURVEY
In parallel to the development of the Themes (through the process of interviews, focus
groups, and public meetings), two broad Surveys were also created.
Demographically, the results show a fairly broad range of respondents as well as a
(desired) diversity amongst the different survey respondents themselves.
One larger trend to note regarding the results is that those households without children,
and in a high age bracket had greater representation within the survey than young
families with children. This is not an unexpected result given the nature of the time and
attention it takes to respond to a survey, but it is a trend which should be considered
when looking at proposals for family-friendly or child-centered arts and culture
activities. It is possible that more support for those efforts could exist in the city beyond
what is seen the survey responses.
Participation in Arts & Culture Events
Looking at the survey responses, it can be broadly said that residents of the City of
Carlsbad are quite active in the arts, with a majority of respondents saying they
participate either monthly or two-five times per year in an arts and/or cultural event.
Support for Arts & Culture
Also of particular note across the surveys is the broad support for the arts and culture
sector within the city, with a great majority of residents responding that arts and culture
is either important or extremely important for quality of life within the city.
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Arts in Daily Life
Along with this general broad support, survey results also show broad support for
integrating the arts into many of the day-to-day aspects of life that we don’t
traditionally think of as closely aligned with the arts and culture sector.
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SPANISH-SPEAKING OUTREACH
Efforts to reach the city’s Spanish speaking community were also very important to
planning efforts, and special efforts were made to create occasions where their input
could be gathered in-person by a native Spanish-speaker.
To help shepherd the city’s efforts, community outreach specialist Melba Novoa was
brought on. Through Ms. Novoa’s efforts, a total of ten pop-up events and community
meetings were attended in six separate locations with approximately 40 people
reached. Within these conversations the following ideas and concerns were surfaced:
• A majority of individuals interviewed (70%) think arts and culture are a very
important or important part of the quality of life in Carlsbad.
• A significant number of survey respondents don’t use social media or have
signed up to receive emails with calendar and program information.
• There is a lack of awareness regarding existing programs in Spanish.
• Suggestions included creating a board at schools, libraries, city buildings with
calendar of arts and culture.
• The most trusted source of information about Arts and Culture is the Learning
Center.
• Schools are trusted and perceived as significant partners in providing arts and
cultural programs.
• Access due to lack of transportation is a barrier.
• There is a wish for more low-cost programs in Spanish aimed at seniors.
• More cultural programs and support for groups that promote the Hispanic
cultural heritage of Carlsbad, in particular Barrio Museum and Barrio history.
• More opportunities for Carlsbad artists to exhibit or showcase their work for low
cost or free.
• There is a desire for more paid job opportunities for local artists.
• There is a lack of free or low cost theater, music, and dance programs.
When comparing the English and the Spanish responses to the surveys, there is a strong
difference between English speaking and Spanish speaking residents in terms of which
city cultural facilities they visit. Although there was a smaller sample size in the Spanish-
speaking community, it was apparent that there was less participation and awareness in
the Spanish speaking community about existing arts programs. This difference should be
noted for further planning efforts for different facility/venue/area programs and
projects.
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Appendix B contains further information on Spanish-community outreach efforts.
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ADDITIONAL EMERGING IDEAS
As the planning process continued, the city worked with the community to get
additional input on specific ideas, priorities and measurable objectives related to the
original five themes. These further conversations showed the emergence of additional
ideas which then became integrated into the guiding plan framework. Additional ideas
were incorporated into the planning framework both as an added sixth category, and as
additional recommendations within the original set of Themes:
● Capacity Building (now a 6th Theme)
● Accessibility (integrated in Art in Daily Life)
● Regional Ties (integrated as part of the 6th Theme)
● Communications Accessibility (integrated in Art in Daily Life)
Below are listed a summary of ideas that were heard during the later Envision phase of
the project.
1. Physical Realm: There was a great deal of support for creative enhancements
of the physical realm. The comments were wide ranging but areas of focus could
be seen around the topics of
o Village/Barrio
o Natural Environment
o Murals
o Public Art
Most surprising were the comments around the desire to see art become an
integrated as part of the Carlsbad’s tremendous environmental assets, such as
along trail networks. There was also a great deal of support for the type of
community inspired, community lead arts opportunities such as the Carlsbad Art
Wall with its rotating murals, and engagement of local artists.
2. Education: Within the Education area a great deal of residents’ focus was upon
youth education opportunities, particularly at the elementary school level.
Residents acknowledge the deep cuts in funding that have occurred around
children’s art education and wish to find a way to address the issue. There was
also a good deal of support for adult and multi-generational education
experiences.
3. Business: Carlsbad residents saw a very clear benefit to fostering a stronger
relationship between local businesses and local artists and arts organizations.
The benefit was seen being reciprocal. On the one hand, businesses could
certainly provide support to local arts organizations through donations and
professional services. But residents also noted that local artists provide support
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to businesses through their ability to create appealing environments and a high
quality of life for other residents.
4. Art in Daily Life: Perhaps the broadest range of could be seen through the
many of the ways citizens responded about how they wanted to interface with
arts and culture in their life. They did not see art as something that should be
engaged solely through the traditional contexts of single performances or
exhibits. Rather, residents desired to see more ways in which to integrate arts
and culture into the rhythms of daily life through festivals, live-music downtown,
having arts integrated throughout the city, social events, pop-ups, and many
other ideas.
5. Support Identities: There was a great deal of support by residents for having
the arts help to celebrate the great number of cultures, nationalities, groups, and
identities found within the city. These areas of creative expression did not just
include a celebration of cultural identities, but also expressed a desire to use art
to celebrate the personal expression that happens through sports, and the larger
national identity we hold as U.S. citizens.
6. Capacity Building: Quite a number of comments focused on the desire to have
the city help artists and arts organizations achieve their full potential through
grant and professional development programs. A number of comments also
identified the ways in which local citizens could also help to support the arts
either on their own or with the city’s help.
As part of the capacity building theme, it was also noted that a growing
generational divide exists between those members of the creative community
who formed many of the well known and loved arts current arts events, and
younger artists and entrepreneurs who are still in the process of developing their
own work and creative endeavors. Creating mentorships between generations is
a potential route for exploration.
7. Accessibility: The ability to access arts and culture offering either physically or
financially was of a great deal of concern for many. It was recognized that the
City of Carlsbad already had many offerings that people could access for free or
reduced cost, and this type of programming is greatly supported.
8. Regional Ties: Given the geography of the area, a number of comments also
surfaced about regional offerings and the desire to connect more actively with
regionally touring exhibits or performances, and for the city to take a leadership
role in these conversations.
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9. Communications: Many comments were provided that both acknowledged the
tremendous job the city does to reach out to citizens about arts and culture
events, while at the same time acknowledging a desire to find out even more.
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Appendices
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APPENDIX A: Interview and Focus Group Protocols
Stakeholder Interview and Focus Group Summary
Methodology
The goal of the initial phase of plan outreach was to develop a larger overview of the
current arts and culture sector in Carlsbad and to begin to form a larger framework for
the plan’s creation.
92 people were identified as potential interviewees through conversations with the
consultant Lynn Osgood and Cultural Arts staff. From the initial list, interviews were
held with 27 people over the course of two site visits during the spring of 2017, along
with an additional 25 people who participated in focus groups.
In addition to the one-on-one interviews, a series of focus groups were also held that
brought together multiple individuals from similar sectors. Focus groups included:
● Local Artists
● Local Arts Educators
● Business (2 Focus Groups)
● Environment and Preservation Working jointly on outreach, Ms. Osgood from GO collaborative, and City of Carlsbad
Cultural Arts Manager Richard Schultz, initially contacted each person via email. Any
email addresses that returned an undeliverable response were researched, corrected,
and re-sent. Follow-up emails were sent about a week later to anyone who had not
originally responded.
Ms. Osgood scheduled an interview appointment with those who did agree to
participate. Most interviews lasted from 30-60 minutes, while a few lasted for two
hours. Ms. Osgood took notes in real time and asked follow-up questions to ensure that
she understood their responses. In some cases, when interviewees had questions about
goals of the Arts & Culture Plan process, Ms. Osgood provided information to the
participants.
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Interview & Focus Group Protocols
Interview Structure
Each interview and focus group was structured around an open set of questions. Each
discussion touched on the initial questions but then also explored other topic areas
further depending on the interviewee’s area of expertise (history, economic
development, arts education etc.). All interviews and focus groups were anonymous to
allow for candor on behalf of the interviewee’s responses.
Results from the Interviews were then examined to find those area of primary concern
for the stakeholders. While no specific recommendations were extracted from the
interviews in the early stage of the plan development (that process would come later in
parallel with the examination of the survey results), the discussions did yield a broad
overview of those areas that the plan needed to focus upon. These areas of focus were
then tailored into the Plan’s initial draft Themes that guided the next set of
conversations the larger city-wide community.
Semi-Structured Interview Questions
1. Confirm name, and title and organizational affiliation (if needed). Could you tell me a
little bit about the work that you do and your organization/business?
2. What are the top priorities for you/your organization/business—now and over the
next ten years? Do arts and culture have any relationship to those issues?
3. Consider yourself and your family on a personal level—what are the most important
roles that arts, culture, and creative expression play in your lives?
4. Thinking of the City of Carlsbad, overall—what are the most important roles that
arts, culture, and creative expression play?
5. Thinking about the next 10 years, what roles should arts and culture play within
Carlsbad?
6. Are there more important issues for the City to address? If so, do arts and culture
have any relationship to those issues?
7. Any other ideas of things that can happen? Things the city could do to support?
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8. Is there anyone else we should speak with whose perspective would really help us
understand how to help develop a roadmap for how to foster and support arts and
culture?
9. Are there any questions I should have asked, but didn’t? Any final comments?
Semi-Structured Focus Group Questions
Warm Up (20 minutes)
● Introductions
o Name, what you do, and…
o what is the most important thing for an outsider to understand about the
City of Carlsbad (in general)?
o Consider yourself and your family—what are the most important roles
that arts, culture, and creative expression play in your lives?
SWOT Exercise (30 minutes) – Arts and Culture in Carlsbad
● S / W / O / T: What strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats face you,
specifically as a (ARTS EDUCATOR, BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL, ETC.) in the City of
Carlsbad, now and over the next ten years?
The Role of the Arts (20 minutes)
● Consider the City of Carlsbad, overall—what are the most important roles that
arts, culture, and creative expression play? Vision Brainstorm (20 minutes)
● Thinking about the next 10 years, what roles should arts and culture play for
Carlsbad
● Devil’s Advocate:
o Are there more important issues for the City to address? If so, do arts and
culture have any relationship to those issues?
● Any other ideas of things that can happen? Things the city could do to support?
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APPENDIX B: Spanish-Speaking Community Outreach
Communication Objectives
● Clearly convey the public involvement process to stakeholders so they
understand their role in providing input for the projects
● Obtain input that represents the values and priorities of all stakeholders
● Provide opportunities for stakeholders to participate in multiple ways that are
convenient to them, encouraging maximum involvement
● Ensure that communication materials are accessible and easy to understand by
stakeholders
Staff was committed to wide and persistent marketing throughout the six week period
by doing in person presentations, mailings, e-mailings, and posting flyers across the city.
An important part of the plan was to ensure participation of the Spanish-speaking
community. Meeting this goal required understanding of communication preferences
and appropriate methods for reaching out to this community and providing the tools
and support necessary to facilitate their participation.
The Spanish-speaking community is not homogeneous, and their media use is as
fragmented as with any other ethnic or age group. To this end, the team ensured that,
1) awareness about the Arts and Culture Plan Update was raised among this population,
including the timeline and purpose of the process, and 2) tools and engagement
strategy for meaningful participation were created.
Outreach Methodology
A survey was created in Survey Monkey to capture people’s opinion. Business cards with
links to online survey in English and Spanish were distributed at all outreach events. The
survey was available in paper to accommodate people without internet access or with
limited access to computer. To receive broad participation among residents with limited
or no English proficiency, the survey was translated from English into Spanish. The
translation was also modified using everyday language. In addition, the survey was
administered at outreach events orally by Spanish-speaker outreach staff when
requested by residents with no reading or writing skills.
Although this approach required more time, it ensured that individuals from all
educational and economic backgrounds were able to share their opinion about current
programs and services and wishes for the future. The results and feedback gathered
during field work were aggregated and downloaded from Survey Monkey.
Awareness
Staff made presentations and spoke with local leaders, teachers and representatives
from the following groups:
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● Churches and other places of worship (St. Patrick’s, Christian Church)
● Schools, with dedicated outreach at Jefferson Elementary and Buena Vista
Elementary (Teachers, PTA, ELAC, Migrant Ed)
● Affordable housing complexes (CHW, MAAC)
● After-school programs including Boys & Girls Club, Kids’Care, Head Start
● Centro de Aprendizaje
● Community stores (El Torito)
● Mexican restaurants (Lola’s, El Puerto)
● Parks (Pine Park, Concerts in the Park)
The purpose of these introduction meetings was to provide information and resources
related to the Arts and Culture Plan Update. Teachers, business leaders, community
organizers, and program coordinators had the opportunity to provide feedback on
survey questions, make suggestions to increase response rate, promote the public input
effort, and introduce staff to target population.
Participation
Staff has an established network with trusted providers of information in the Spanish
speaking community: local schools, Centro de Aprendizaje, Cole Library, Boys & Girls
Club, churches, local restaurants and businesses, and Head Start. These groups will
provide the foundation for a long term engagement process that would benefit the
projects as well as other city projects in the future.
Face-to-face interaction was the preferred method to create awareness about the
process and request feedback. The following is a calendar of outreach events conducted
during the process:
May 16 – Jefferson Elementary
May 19 – Jefferson Elementary
May 20 - Pine Park
June 18 – St. Patrick’s
June 21 – Library Learning Center
July 12 – Farmers Market
August 10 – Lola’s
August14 – Lola’s
August 15 – Lola’s
August 21 – Lola’s
About 40 responses were gathered from Spanish-speaking members of the community
and added to Survey Monkey translated into English. This number includes people who
filled the survey in Spanish electronically. Data was aggregated to general input.
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What We Heard
A majority of individuals interviewed (70%) think arts and culture are a very important
or important part of the quality of life in Carlsbad.
A significant number of survey respondents don’t use social media or have signed up to
receive emails with calendar and program information.
There is a lack of awareness regarding existing programs in Spanish.
Suggestions included creating a board at schools, libraries, city buildings with calendar
of arts and culture.
The most trusted source of information about Arts and Culture is the Learning Center.
Schools are trusted and perceived as significant partners in providing arts and cultural
programs.
Access due to lack of transportation is a barrier.
There is a wish for more low-cost programs in Spanish aimed at seniors.
More cultural programs and support for groups that promote the Hispanic cultural
heritage of Carlsbad, in particular Barrio Museum and Barrio history.
More opportunities for Carlsbad artists to exhibit or showcase their work for low cost or
free.
Find paid job opportunities for local artists.
More free or low cost theater, music, and dance programs.
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APPENDIX C: Survey - Full Quantitative Results
Survey Methodology
The public outreach process for the Arts & Culture Plan included identifying topics of
particular interest to stakeholders and the community at large, then developing surveys
to gather more information about, and determine the extent of support for, those
topics. In the Spring of 2017, the consultant Lynn Osgood worked with Susanne
Bankhead, Community Relations Manager, City of Carlsbad, and Richard Schulz, Director
of the Cultural Arts Office to launch two separate surveys using the city’s Survey
Monkey community engagement web forms.
Each survey began with a general statement describing the goals of the Arts & Culture
Plan and described the ways in which the planning efforts are building upon previous
planning efforts within the City. A series of multiple---choice questions followed; in
some cases, when applicable, respondents could provide comments or were asked for
open-ended feedback.
The first survey opened in May 2017 and were available for responses through the end
of June 2017. Participation was encouraged and promoted through numerous online
and print venues including the City’s website, social media platforms, City newsletters,
and during community meeting presentations.
It was also recognized during the survey planning process that more targeted efforts
needed to be taken to reach the city’s Spanish speaking population. To do this, the city
hired an additional outreach specialist who administered Spanish-language surveys in
different areas around the city.
The second survey opened in July of 2017 and was available through mid-September
2017. It should be noted that staff from the Cultural Arts Office and the Public Relations
office did extensive outreach at Libraries, public events, and in particular at city
sponsored TGIF concerts. These efforts yielded a tremendous response helped to
ensure a broad set of residents was engaged in the process of creating the plan.
Survey Demographics
Ensuring equitable demographic representation of survey results was an important
consideration during the survey creation process. Initial results showing the lack
engagement from the Spanish speaking community prompted not only the creation of a
Spanish language survey instrument, but additional outreach efforts as well as the team
was aware that simply translating the survey itself was not enough to reach a fully
diverse audience. The following tables illustrate the range of answers to the
demographic questions that were asked in each survey. Data from the 2016 City of
Carlsbad Public Opinion Survey is also given as reference given its close statistical
alignment with current city demographics.
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Q10. How many children under 18 live
in your household?
Survey 1
Survey 1 Spanish
Survey 2
Survey 1 Spanish
Reference Demographics:
Public Opinion Survey Demographics
(2016)
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Q11: What is your zip code?
Survey 1
Survey 1 Spanish
Survey 2
Survey 2 Spanish
Reference Demographics:
Public Opinion Survey Demographics
(2016)
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Q12: Do you own or rent the unit in
which you live?
Survey 1
Survey 1 Spanish
Survey 2
Survey 2 Spanish
Reference Demographics:
Public Opinion Survey Demographics
(2016)
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Q9: How old are you?
Survey 1
Survey 1 Spanish
Survey 2
Community Survey
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The results show a fairly broad range of respondents as well as a (desired) diversity
amongst the different surveys themselves. One trend to note regarding the results is
that those households without children, and in a high age bracket were more
represented overall than young families with children. This is not an unexpected result
given the nature of the time and attention it takes to respond to a survey, but it is a
trend which should be considered when looking at proposals for family-friendly or child-
centered arts and culture activities. It is possible that more support for those efforts
could exist in the city beyond what is seen the survey responses.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 183 of 292
Arts & Culture Plan Survey #1: Full Results
Below, we include full results for the quantitative survey findings.
Q1: Where have you attended arts and culture events in the community?
(Check all that apply)
Answer Choices % #
William D. Cannon Art Gallery 64.9% 111
Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium 60.8% 104
Deedie’s House at Leo Carrillo Ranch 26.9% 46
Sculpture Garden 48.0% 82
Carlsbad Cultural Arts Office 23.4% 40
Carlsbad Community Cultural Center 18.1% 31
New Village Arts Theatre 50.9% 87
Carlsbad Historical Society 14.0% 24
Carlsbad Village Theater 33.3% 57
Museum of Making Music 53.2% 91
Carlsbad City Library 71.9% 123
City of Carlsbad parks 67.8% 116
Carlsbad Village 76.0% 130
Other (please specify) 22
*Percentages based on answers from 171 respondents (5 skipped this question)
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 184 of 292
Q2: What community events and programs do you attend or have you attended on a regular basis? (Check all that apply)
Answer Choices % #
TGIF Concerts in the Park 64.9% 109
Leo Carrillo Film Festival 10.1% 17
Holiday at Rancho 13.1% 22
Wild West Festival 8.3% 14
Three-Part-Art 6.0% 10
Family Open Studios 19.1% 32
Carlsbad Village Street Faire 67.3% 113
Art Splash 48.8% 82
This is Jazz! 11.9% 20
Opera Previews 7.7% 13
Carlsbad Music Festival 44.1% 74
Carlsbad Art Walk 45.2% 76
Library concerts 29.8% 50
Library films 25.0% 42
Carlsbad Playreaders performance 13.7% 23
Performance at community or local theater 43.5% 73
Concert at community or local venue 34.5% 58
Other (please specify) 25
*Percentages based on answers from 168 respondents
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 185 of 292
Q3: Where have you attended arts and culture events in the community? (Check all that apply)
Answer Choices % #
Weekly 9.0% 15
Monthly 37.7% 63
Two to five times a year 47.3% 79
Once a year 6.0% 10
Other (please specify) 6
*Percentages based on answers from 167 respondents
Q4: Personally, I enjoy participating in the following (including at home).
(Check all that apply)
Answer Choices % #
Visual arts 82.9% 141
Music 88.2% 150
Dance 41.8% 71
Theater 67.7% 115
Literature/writing 50.6% 86
*Percentages based on answers from 170 respondents
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 186 of 292
Q5: I would like more opportunities to participate in the following types of events and programs in Carlsbad. (Check all that apply)
Answer Choices % #
Visual arts 68.9% 113
Music 70.1% 115
Dance 38.4% 63
Theater 61.0% 100
Literature/writing 34.2% 56
None 3.7% 6
*Percentages based on answers from 164 respondents
Q6: in your opinion, how important are the following?
Answer Choices Extremely important Moderately important Slightly important Not at all important Don't Know Total
% # % # % # % # % #
Expressing Carlsbad’s unique identities through arts and culture 57.0% 94 26.1% 43 10.9% 18 5.5% 9 0.61% 1 165
Having arts and culture be part of everyday life 72.1% 119 18.2% 30 7.3% 12 2.4% 4 0.00% 0 165
Accessing opportunities for lifelong arts education 69.9% 114 16.6% 27 11.7% 19 1.8% 3 0.00% 0 163
Using art and culture to enhance the physical environment (in
neighborhoods or shopping areas)
68.5% 111 21.0% 34 6.8% 11 3.1% 5 0.62% 1 162
Fostering arts and culture in Carlsbad in order to create a
strong local business environment
56.2% 91 29.0% 47 8.0% 13 3.1% 5 3.70% 6 162
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 187 of 292
Q7: What do you think are the most effective things the City of Carlsbad can do to support arts and cultural opportunities for everyone?
Answered 133
Skipped 43
Q8: I am…
Answer Choices % #
not an artist. 54.1% 92
an amateur artist. 24.1% 41
a part-time artist. 8.8% 15
a professional artist. 12.9% 22
*Percentages based on answers from 170 respondents Q9: How old are you?
Answer Choices % #
18 to 24 years old 1.2% 2
25 to 34 years old 5.9% 10
35 to 44 years old 17.1% 29
45 to 54 years old 26.5% 45
55 to 64 years old 31.8% 54
65 years or older 17.7% 30
*Percentages based on answers from 170 respondents
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 188 of 292
Q10: How many children under 18 live in your household?
Answer Choices % #
None 62.8% 108
One 17.4% 30
Two 18.0% 31
Three or more 1.7% 3
*Percentages based on answers from 172 respondents
Q11: What is your zip code?
Answer Choices % #
92008 46.6% 72
92009 24.4% 38
92010 15.4% 24
92011 14.1% 22
Other (please specify) 17
*Percentages based on answers from 156 respondents Q12: Do you own or rent the unit in which you live?
Answer Choices % #
Rent 20.1% 34
Own 79.9% 135
*Percentages based on answers from 169 respondents
-
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 189 of 292
Q13: If you would like to stay in touch with us about the latest on the Arts & Culture Plan process, please provide your contact information. Your prior responses will remain anonymous.
Answer Choices % #
Name: 90.5% 57
Address: 82.5% 52
Postal Code: 85.7% 54
Email: 98.4% 62
*Percentages based on answers from 63 respondents
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 190 of 292
Plan para las Artes y la Cultura #1: Full Results
Below, we include full results for the quantitative survey findings.
Q1: ¿En dónde ha asistido a eventos de arte y cultura en la comunidad?
(Marque todas las respuestas aplicables)
Answer Choices % #
Galería de Arte William D. Cannon 14.3% 4
Auditorio Ruby G. Schulman 7.1% 2
La Casa de Deedie en el Rancho Leo Carrillo 14.3% 4
El Jardín de las Esculturas 10.7% 3
Oficina de Artes Culturales de Carlsbad 10.7% 3
Centro Cultural de la Comunidad de Carlsbad 17.9% 5
Teatro New Village Arts 3.6% 1
Sociedad Histórica de Carlsbad 7.1% 2
Teatro Carlsbad Village 0.0% 0
Museo de la Música (Museum of Making Music) 17.9% 5
Biblioteca de la Ciudad de Carlsbad 82.1% 23
Parques de la Ciudad de Carlsbad 92.9% 26
Carlsbad Village 75.0% 21
Otro lugar 2
*Percentages based on answers from 28 respondents.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 191 of 292
Q2: ¿A cuáles eventos y programas de la comunidad asiste usted en forma
regular? (Marque todas las respuestas aplicables)
Answer Choices % #
Conciertos TGIF en el Parque 40.0% 10
Festival de Cine Leo Carrillo 20.0% 5
Día de fiesta en el Rancho 16.0% 4
Festival del Viejo Oeste 4.0% 1
Arte de Tres Partes (Three-Part-Art) 0.0% 0
Estudios Abiertos para la Familia 8.0% 2
Feria Callejera de Carlsbad Village 68.0% 17
Art Splash 20.0% 5
¡Esto es Jazz! 4.0% 1
Presentaciones de Opera 0.0% 0
Festival de Música de Carlsbad 40.0% 10
Carlsbad Art Walk 24.0% 6
Conciertos en la Biblioteca 48.0% 12
Películas en la Biblioteca 32.0% 8
Presentaciones de Carlsbad Playreaders 8.0% 2
Presentaciones en la comunidad o teatro local 12.0% 3
Conciertos en la comunidad o sitio local 28.0% 7
Otro lugar 0
*Percentages based on answers from 25 respondents
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 192 of 292
Q3: En un año típico yo participo en eventos y programas de arte y cultura
en el área de Carlsbad:
Answer Choices % #
Semanalmente 12.0% 3
Mensualmente 16.0% 4
Dos a cinco veces al año 40.0% 10
Una vez al año 32.0% 8
Semanalmente 12.0% 3
*Percentages based on answers from 25 respondents
Q4: En lo personal disfruto participando en las siguientes actividades
dentro y fuera de casa. (Sírvase de marcar todas las respuestas aplicables)
Answer Choices % #
Artes visuales 25.9% 7
Música 59.3% 16
Baile 44.4% 12
Teatro 37.0% 10
Literatura/Escritura 22.2% 6
*Percentages based on answers from 27 respondents
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 193 of 292
Q5: Quisiera tener más oportunidades para participar en los siguientes
eventos y programas en Carlsbad: (Sírvase marcar todas las respuestas
aplicables)
Answer Choices % #
Artes visuales 44.4% 12
Música 51.9% 14
Baile 48.2% 13
Teatro 48.2% 13
Literatura/Escritura 25.9% 7
No participo 14.8% 4
*Percentages based on answers from 27 respondents
Q6 En su opinión, ¿qué tan importantes son los siguientes conceptos?
Answer Choices Extremely
important
Moderately
important
Slightly
important
Not at all
important
Don't Know Total
% # % # % # % # % #
Expresando las identidades
únicas de Carlsbad a través
de las artes y la cultura
78.3
% 18 8.70% 2 8.70% 2 0.00% 0 4.35% 1 23
Teniendo a las artes y la
cultura como parte diaria de la
vida
73.9
% 17 13.04% 3 8.70% 2 0.00% 0 4.35% 1 23
Teniendo acceso a
oportunidades para la
educación artística durante
toda la vida
88.5
% 23 7.69% 2 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 3.85% 1 26
Usando el arte y la cultura
para mejorar al entorno físico
(en vecindarios o áreas
comerciales)
86.4
% 19 9.09% 2 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 4.55% 1 22
Promoviendo las artes y la
cultura en Carlsbad para
poder crear un ambiente local
de negocios más fuerte
91.3
% 21 0.00% 0 4.35% 1 0.00% 0 4.35% 1 23
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 194 of 292
Q7: ¿Qué piensa usted que sean las cosas más efectivas que la Ciudad de
Carlsbad puede hacer para brindar apoyo a las oportunidades artísticas y
culturales para todos?
Answered 20
Skipped 8
Q8: Yo…
Answer Choices % #
no soy un artista. 73.1% 19
soy un artista principiante. 7.7% 2
soy un artista de tiempo parcial. 15.4% 4
soy un artista profesional. 3.9% 1
*Percentages based on answers from 26 respondents
Q9: ¿Qué edad tiene usted?
Answer Choices % #
18 a 24 años de edad 11.1% 3
25 a 34 años de edad 3.7% 1
35 a 44 años de edad 51.9% 14
45 a 54 años de edad 11.1% 3
55 a 64 años de edad 14.8% 4
65 años o mayor 7.4% 2
*Percentages based on answers from 27 respondents
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 195 of 292
Q10 ¿Cuántos hijos menores de 18 años de edad viven en su hogar?
Answer Choices % #
Ninguno 25.9% 7
Uno 11.1% 3
Dos 44.4% 12
Tres o más 18.5% 5
*Percentages based on answers from 27 respondents
Q11: ¿Cuál es su código postal?
Answer Choices % #
92008 77.8% 21
92009 7.4% 2
92010 7.4% 2
92011 7.4% 2
Otro 0
*Percentages based on answers from 27 respondents
Q12: ¿Renta o es dueño de la unidad en la que vive?
Answer Choices % #
Rento 85.2% 23
Soy dueño 14.8% 4
*Percentages based on answers from 27 respondents
-
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 196 of 292
Q13 Si usted quisiera mantenerse en contacto con nosotros acerca del
proceso del Plan de Artes y Cultura, sírvase proporcionarnos su
información de contacto. Sus respuestas anteriores permanecerán
anónimas
Answer Choices % #
Nombre: 100.0% 18
Domicilio: 83.3% 15
Código Postal: 94.4% 17
Correo electrónico: 72.2% 13
*Percentages based on answers from 63 respondents
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 197 of 292
Arts & Culture Plan Survey #2: Full Results
Below, we include full results for the quantitative survey findings. For specific open-
ended question results, see Appendix D which lists out responses according to major
topic area (business, education, every-day-lift, etc.)
Q1: On a scale of one to five, please rate how strongly you agree with the
following statement.
Strongly
Disagree
Disagree Neither
agree nor
disagree
Agree Strongly agree NA/Don't
know
Total Weighted
Average
% # % # % # % # % # % #
Carlsbad’s
current arts
and cultural
offerings are
accessible and
available to all.
3.2% 15 6.6% 31 15.0% 70 41.9% 196 27.8% 130 5.6% 26 468 3.89
Other (please
specify) 54
*Percentages based on answers from 468 respondents.
Q2: We’d love to hear your specific ideas about how to enhance Carlsbad’s
distinct identities through arts and culture. What other types of arts and
culture activities, events, offerings, or venues would you like to see
supported within the City of Carlsbad in order to accomplish this theme?
Answered 299
Skipped 175
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 198 of 292
Q3: Overall, how important a role do arts and cultural activities play in
improving the quality of life of Carlsbad area residents?
Answer Choices % #
Extremely important 59.7% 264
Moderately important 32.4% 143
Slightly important 5.7% 25
Not at all important 1.1% 5
Don't know 1.1% 5
Other (please specify) 37
*Percentages based on answers from 442 respondents.
Q4: Please rate the following: I’d like to see closer links between Carlsbad’
arts and cultural offerings and...
Strongly
disagree
Disagree Neither agree
nor disagree
Agree Strongly agree Tota
l
Weighted
Average
% # % # % # % # % #
Health and
wellness 3.9% 16 4.7% 19 23.7% 97 40.6% 166 27.1% 111 409 3.9%
Environmental
activities 4.4% 18 2.4% 10 18.4% 76 40.3% 167 34.5% 143 414 4.4%
Business
activities 4.3% 17 8.5% 34 37.4% 149 32.9% 131 16.8% 67 398 4.3%
Recreational
activities 3.2% 13 1.7% 7 9.2% 38 49.6% 205 36.3% 150 413 3.2%
Education
3.8% 16 1.0% 4 5.7% 24 33.3% 140 56.2% 236 420 3.8%
Civic
engagement 3.2% 13 2.7% 11 15.6% 63 43.7% 176 34.7% 140 403 3.2%
Other (please
specify) 29
*Percentages based on answers from 428 respondents.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 199 of 292
Q5: We’d love to hear your specific ideas about how to support art as an
essential component of daily life. What other types of arts and culture
activities, events, offerings, or sites would you like to see supported within
the City of Carlsbad in order to achieve this theme?
Answered 176
Skipped 298
Q6: Please rate the following: Carlsbad’s youth have adequate access to
arts and cultural education through...
Strongly
disagree
Disagree Neither agree
nor disagree
Agree Strongly agree Tota
l
Weighted
Average
% # % # % # % # % #
Public
elementary
schools 8.1% 29 25.0% 90 31.1% 112 25.0% 90 10.8% 39 360 3.1
Public high
schools 3.0% 10 20.4% 68 38.0% 127 26.4% 88 12.3% 41 334 3.3
City of Carlsbad
programs 1.1% 4 11.4% 42 31.7% 117 40.9% 151 14.9% 55 369 3.6
Other community
providers (non-
profits, churches,
private lessons,
etc.) 0.7% 2 11.7% 33 48.4% 137 28.3% 80 10.9% 31 283 3.4
Other (please
specify) 44
*Percentages based on answers from 381 respondents.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 200 of 292
Q7: Please rate the following: Carlsbad adults have adequate access to arts
and cultural education through...
Strongly
disagree
Disagree Neither agree
nor disagree
Agree Strongly agree Tota
l
Weighted
Average
% # % # % # % # % #
Area colleges 1.1% 4 15.6% 55 33.7% 119 39.7% 140 9.9% 35 353 3.4
City of Carlsbad
programs 1.6% 6 13.8% 51 30.1% 111 44.2% 163 10.3% 38 369 3.5
Other community
providers (non-
profits, churches,
private lessons,
etc.) 1.5% 5 14.6% 50 45.0% 154 29.8% 102 9.1% 31 342 3.3
Other (please
specify) 32
*Percentages based on answers from 380 respondents.
Q8: We’d love to hear your specific ideas about how to expand arts and
culture learning opportunities. What other types of arts and culture
activities, events, offerings, or sites would you like to see supported within
the City of Carlsbad in order to achieve this theme?
Answered 135
Skipped 339
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 201 of 292
Q9: Please rate the following: In the future, I would like to see art improve...
Strongly
disagree
Disagree Neither agree
nor disagree
Agree Strongly agree Tota
l
Weighted
Average
% # % # % # % # % #
Streets 3.3% 13 5.9% 23 14.2% 55 38.1% 148 38.4% 149 388 4.0
Parks 3.1% 12 2.6% 10 5.7% 22 42.0% 163 46.7% 181 388 4.3
City buildings 4.4% 17 3.9% 15 13.8% 53 40.3% 155 37.7% 145 385 4.0
City
infrastructure
(such as bridges
and railways) 3.3% 13 5.4% 21 17.5% 68 38.9% 151 34.8% 135 388 4.0
Natural areas
(such as on trails
and signage) 5.7% 22 8.0% 31 14.7% 57 36.3% 141 35.3% 137 388 3.9
*Percentages based on answers from 397 respondents.
Q10: We’d love to hear your specific ideas about how to enhance the
physical realm. What other types of arts and culture activities, events,
offerings, or sites would you like to see supported within the City of
Carlsbad in order to achieve this theme?
Answered 127
Skipped 347
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 202 of 292
Q11: Please rate the following: How important are arts and culture for
helping Carlsbad attract and keep...
Not at all
important
Slightly
important
Neither
important nor
not important
Moderately
important
Very important NA/Don't
know
Tota
l
Weighte
d
Average
% # % # % # % # % # % #
Businesse
s? 2.8% 11 4.4% 17 13.8% 54 30.2% 118 42.7% 167 6.1% 24 391 4.1
Workers?
2.6% 10 4.3% 17 21.4% 84 31.4% 123 35.0% 137 5.4% 21 392 4.0
Retirees?
0.8% 3 1.5% 6 8.4% 33 25.5% 100 59.4% 233 4.3% 17 392 4.5
Students?
1.3% 5 2.8% 11 10.4% 41 28.4% 112 50.8% 200 6.4% 25 394 4.3
Other
(please
specify) 23
*Percentages based on answers from 390 respondents.
Q12: We’d love to hear your specific ideas about how to support a thriving
business sector. What other types of arts and culture activities, events,
offerings, or sites would you like to see supported within the City of
Carlsbad in order to achieve this theme?
Answered 98
Skipped 376
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 203 of 292
Q13: Please rate the following: How important are arts and culture for
helping Carlsbad attract and keep...
Strongly
disagree
Disagree Neither agree
nor disagree
Agree Strongly agree Tota
l
Weighte
d
Average
% # % # % # % # % #
Through city
locations (libraries,
City Hall) 1.6% 6 7.9% 30 24.3% 92 44.6% 169 21.6% 82 379 3.8
In the local print
media 2.7% 10 16.0% 59 35.5% 131 32.5% 120 13.3% 49 369 3.4
Through local
broadcast news (TV
and radio) 3.9% 14 23.6% 85 41.8% 151 19.9% 72 10.8% 39 361 3.1
Through
internet/social media 2.2% 8 13.0% 48 25.4% 94 37.8% 140 21.6% 80 370 3.6
Other (please
specify) 25
*Percentages based on answers from 390 respondents.
Q14: Please share any details on how you access information about arts
and culture. For instance, what are the most important sources? Are there
particular kinds of arts offerings for which you wish you had more/better
access to information?
Answered 118
Skipped 356
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 204 of 292
Q15: I am....
Answer Choices % #
not an artist. 60.3% 237
an amateur artist. 19.6% 77
a part-time artist. 9.7% 38
a professional artist. 10.4% 41
*Percentages based on answers from 393 respondents.
Q16: How old are you?
Answer Choices % #
18 to 24 years old 2.3% 9
25 to 34 years old 5.3% 21
35 to 44 years old 20.1% 80
45 to 54 years old 16.5% 66
55 to 64 years old 25.8% 103
65 years or older 30.1% 120
*Percentages based on answers from 399 respondents.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 205 of 292
Q17: How many children under 18 live in your household?
Answer Choices % #
None 60.4% 241
One 14.3% 57
Two 18.8% 75
Three or more 6.5% 26
*Percentages based on answers from 399 respondents.
Q18: What is your zip code?
Answer Choices % #
92008 37.9% 127
92009 26.6% 89
92010 11.9% 40
92011 23.6% 79
Other (please specify) 55
*Percentages based on answers from 335 respondents.
Q19 Do you own or rent the unit in which you live?
Answer Choices % #
Rent 17.7% 69
Own 82.3% 320
*Percentages based on answers from 389 respondents
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 206 of 292
Q20: If you would like to stay in touch with us about the latest on the Arts &
Culture Plan process, please provide your contact information. Your prior
responses will remain anonymous.
Answer Choices % #
Name: 95.1% 135
Address: 66.9% 95
Postal Code: 59.9% 85
Email: 87.3% 124
Name: 95.1% 135
*Percentages based on answers from 142 respondents.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 207 of 292
Plan para Las Arte y la Cultura: Encuesta No. 2 - Opción 2
Below, we include full results for the quantitative survey findings. For specific open-
ended question results, see Appendix D which lists out responses according to major
topic area (business, education, every-day-lift, etc.)
Q1: En escala de uno a cinco, ¿qué tanto está de acuerdo con las
siguientes declaraciones?
Strongly
Disagree
Disagree Neither
agree nor
disagree
Agree Strongly
agree
NA/Don't
know
Tota
l
Weighted
Average
% # % # % # % # % # % #
Las ofertas
artísticas y
culturales de
Carlsbad son
accesibles y
están al
alcance de
todos. 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 12.5% 1 50.0% 4 12.5% 1 25.0% 2 8 4
OPORTUNIDA
D DE
COMENTAR 2
*Percentages based on answers from 8 respondents.
Q2: Nos encantaría escuchar sus ideas específicas sobre cómo mejorar las
distintas identidades de Carlsbad a través del arte y la cultura. ¿Qué otro
tipo de actividades artísticas y culturales, eventos, ofertas o lugares le
gustaría ver apoyadas dentro de la Ciudad de Carlsbad para lograr este
tema?
Answered 6
Skipped 3
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 208 of 292
Q3: En general ¿qué tan importante es el papel que juegan las actividades
artísticas y culturales en la calidad de vida de los habitantes de Carlsbad?
Answer Choices % #
Extremadamente importante 28.6% 2
Importante 42.9% 3
Algo importante 14.3% 1
Nada importante 0.0% 0
No lo sé 14.3% 1
OPORTUNIDAD DE COMENTAR 1
*Percentages based on answers from 7 respondents.
Q4: Me gustaría ver vínculos más cercanos entre las ofertas artísticas y
culturales de Carlsbad y...
Strongly
disagree
Disagree Neither agree
nor disagree
Agree Strongly agree Total Weighted
Average
% # % # % # % # % #
Salud y
bienestar 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 14.3% 1 42.9% 3 28.6% 2 14.3% 1
Actividades
ambientales 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 14.3% 1 14.3% 1 57.1% 4 14.3% 1
Actividades
deportivas 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 28.6% 2 14.3% 1 28.6% 2 28.6% 2
Desarrollo de
negocios 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 14.3% 1 42.9% 3 28.6% 2 14.3% 1
Actividades
recreativas 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 14.3% 1 42.9% 3 28.6% 2 14.3% 1
Educación 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 14.3% 1 71.4% 5 14.3% 1
Compromiso
civil 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 16.7% 1 33.3% 2 50.0% 3 0.0% 0
*Percentages based on answers from 7 respondents.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 209 of 292
Q5: Nos encantaría escuchar sus ideas específicas sobre cómo apoyar el
arte como un componente esencial de la vida cotidiana. ¿Qué otro tipo de
actividades artísticas y culturales, eventos, ofertas o lugares le gustaría
que recibieran apoyo de la Ciudad de Carlsbad para lograr esta idea?
Answered 5
Skipped 4
Q6: Los jóvenes de Carlsbad tienen acceso adecuado a la educación
artística y cultural a través de...
Strongly
disagree
Disagree Neither agree
nor disagree
Agree Strongly agree Total Weighted
Average
% # % # % # % # % #
Escuelas
primarias
públicas 0.0% 0 14.3% 1 0.0% 0 42.9% 3 0.0% 0 42.9% 3
Escuelas
secundarias
públicas 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 66.7% 4 0.0% 0 33.3% 2
Programas de la
Ciudad de
Carlsbad 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 16.7% 1 50.0% 3 0.0% 0 33.3% 2
Otros
proveedores en
la comunidad
(organizaciones
sin fines de
lucro, iglesias,
clases
particulares, etc.) 0.0% 0 16.7% 1 0.0% 0 50.0% 3 0.0% 0 33.3% 2
OPORTUNIDAD
DE COMENTAR
*Percentages based on answers from 7 respondents.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 210 of 292
Q7: Los adultos de Carlsbad tienen acceso adecuado a la educación
artística y cultural a través de...
Strongly
disagree
Disagree Neither agree
nor disagree
Agree Strongly agree Total Weighted
Average
% # % # % # % # % #
Centros
educativos de la
zona 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 33.3% 2 33.3% 2 0.0% 0 33.3% 2
Programas de la
Ciudad de
Carlsbad 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 20.0% 1 40.0% 2 0.0% 0 40.0% 2
Otros
proveedores de
la comunidad
(organizaciones
sin fines de
lucro, iglesias,
clases
particulares, etc.) 0.0% 0 14.3% 1 14.3% 1 42.9% 3 0.0% 0 28.6% 2
OPORTUNIDAD
DE COMENTAR
*Percentages based on answers from 7 respondents.
Q8: Nos encantaría escuchar sus ideas específicas acerca de cómo ampliar
las oportunidades de aprendizaje de las artes y la cultura. ¿Qué otro tipo
de actividades artísticas y culturales, eventos, ofertas o lugares le gustaría
que apoyara la Ciudad de Carlsbad para lograr este tema?
Answered 2
Skipped 7
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 211 of 292
Q9: En el futuro, me gustaría ver que el arte mejore...
Strongly
disagree
Disagree Neither agree
nor disagree
Agree Strongly agree Total Weighted
Average
% # % # % # % # % #
las calles 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 50.0% 3 50.0% 3 0.0% 0
los parques 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 50.0% 3 50.0% 3 0.0% 0
los edificios de la
ciudad 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 60.0% 3 40.0% 2 0.0% 0
la infraestructura
de la ciudad
(como puentes y
ferrocarriles) 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 20.0% 1 40.0% 2 40.0% 2 0.0% 0
las áreas
naturales (como
los caminos y
señalamientos) 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 20.0% 1 40.0% 2 40.0% 2 0.0% 0
*Percentages based on answers from 6 respondents.
Q10: Nos encantaría escuchar sus propias ideas sobre cómo mejorar el
entorno físico. ¿Qué otro tipo de actividades artísticas y culturales,
eventos, ofertas o lugares le gustaría que la Ciudad de Carlsbad apoyara
para lograr este tema?
Answered 3
Skipped 6
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 212 of 292
Q11: ¿Qué importancia tienen las artes y la cultura para ayudar a atraer y
mantener en Carlsbad...
Not at all
important
Slightly
important
Neither
important
nor not
important
Moderately
important
Very
important
NA/Don't
know
Total Weight
ed
Averag
e
% # % # % # % # % # % #
a las
empresas? 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 33.3% 2 50.0% 3 16.7% 1 6 3.6
a las
empresas? 0.00%
a los
trabajadores
? 0.0% 0 16.7% 1 33.3% 2 33.3% 2 16.7% 1 6 3.2
a los
trabajadores
? 0.00%
a los
jubilados? 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 16.7% 1 50.0% 3 33.3% 2 6 3.75
a los
jubilados? 0.00%
a los
estudiantes? 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 33.3% 2 50.0% 3 16.7% 1 6 3.6
a los
estudiantes? 0.00%
OPORTUNI
DAD DE
COMENTAR 1
OPORTUNI
DAD DE
COMENTAR
*Percentages based on answers from 6 respondents.
Q12: Nos encantaría escuchar sus propias ideas sobre cómo apoyar a un
sector empresarial próspero. ¿Qué otro tipo de actividades artísticas y
culturales, eventos, ofertas o lugares le gustaría que la Ciudad de Carlsbad
apoyara para lograr este tema??
Answered 4
Skipped 5
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 213 of 292
Q13: Puedo enterarme sobre las ofertas artísticas y culturales en la Ciudad
de Carlsbad...
Strongly
disagree
Disagree Neither agree
nor disagree
Agree Strongly agree Tot
al
Weighted
Average
% # % # % # % # % #
a través de
ubicaciones de
la ciudad
(bibliotecas,
Ayuntamiento) 0.0% 0 14.3% 1 14.3% 1 57.1% 4 14.3% 1 7
a través de
ubicaciones de
la ciudad
(bibliotecas,
Ayuntamiento)
en los medios
impresos
locales 14.3% 1 14.3% 1 14.3% 1 42.9% 3 14.3% 1 7
en los medios
impresos
locales
a través de
transmisiones
de noticias
locales
(televisión y
radio) 28.6% 2 14.3% 1 28.6% 2 14.3% 1 14.3% 1 7
a través de
transmisiones
de noticias
locales
(televisión y
radio)
a través de
internet/redes
sociales 0.0% 0 0.00% 0 42.9% 3 42.9% 3 14.3% 1 7
a través de
internet/redes
sociales
OPORTUNIDA
D DE
COMENTAR 1
OPORTUNIDA
D DE
COMENTAR
*Percentages based on answers from 7 respondents.
Q14: ¿Cómo recibe o busca información sobre eventos artísticos y
culturales? Por ejemplo, ¿cuáles son sus fuentes de información más
importantes? ¿Hay ciertos tipos de ofertas artísticas para los que le
gustaría tener más/mejor acceso a la información?
Answered 5
Skipped 4
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 214 of 292
Q15: Yo…
Answer Choices % #
no soy un/a artista. 50.0% 3
soy un/a artista principiante. 16.7% 1
soy un/a artista de tiempo parcial. 0.0% 0
soy un/a artista profesional. 33.3% 2
no soy un/a artista. 50.0% 3
soy un/a artista principiante. 16.7% 1
*Percentages based on answers from 6 respondents.
Q16: ¿Qué edad tiene usted?
Answer Choices % #
18 a 24 años de edad 28.6% 2
25 a 34 años de edad 14.3% 1
35 a 44 años de edad 14.3% 1
45 a 54 años de edad 0.0% 0
55 a 64 años de edad 14.3% 1
65 años o mayor 28.6% 2
*Percentages based on answers from 7 respondents.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 215 of 292
Q17: ¿Cuántos hijos menores de 18 años de edad viven en su hogar?
Answer Choices % #
Ninguno 42.9% 3
Uno 28.6% 2
Dos 28.6% 2
Tres o más 0.0% 0
*Percentages based on answers from 7 respondents.
Q18: ¿Cuál es su código postal?
Answer Choices % #
92008 85.7% 6
92009 14.3% 1
92010 0.0% 0
92011 0.0% 0
Otro 0
*Percentages based on answers from 7 respondents.
Q19 ¿Renta o es dueño/a de la unidad en la que vive?
Answer Choices % #
Rento 50.0% 3
Soy dueño 50.0% 3
*Percentages based on answers from 6 respondents.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 216 of 292
Q20: Si gusta mantenerse enterado del proceso del Plan de Artes y Cultura,
sírvase darnos su información. Sus respuestas anteriores permanecerán
anónimas.
Answer Choices % #
Nombre: 100.0% 2
Domicilio: 100.0% 2
Código Postal: 100.0% 2
Correo electrónico: 100.0% 2
Nombre: 100.0% 2
*Percentages based on answers from 2 respondents.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 217 of 292
APPENDIX D: Survey – Full Qualitative Results
In each survey both quantitative and qualitative responses were asked. The following
appendix lists all the responses gathered in each survey. Survey One had one open
ended question for general feedback. Survey Two had open-ended questions for each
theme (arts and business, arts and education, etc.). Each set of responses is listed by
theme.
Survey One Open-Ended Question Responses
• Assist in marketing, bringing public awareness, to the arts opportunities in
Carlsbad 2) Continue funding arts experiences for youth
• A strong public arts program that requires that all building projects have some
public art element, like the city of Philadelphia requires. A community program
that enables mentorship and growth of educational opportunities, so that art
education and traditions can be passed down generations. Hi
• Advertise more. Bring more awareness.
• Allow art to be displayed painted on business walls.
• Allowing for more performance opportunities and local talent showcasing-poetry
and literature readings, plays, art exhibits, etc.
• Arts and culture enhance and improve the quality of a city. Improved quality of
life couples into better economic environment because top companies want to
work and live in a cultural enhanced environment
• Better promotion in more places.
• bring back art ed into the elementary schools
• Bring back Art Splash & keep Carlsbad Art Wall it's amazing to see featured
artists create a masterpiece, my kids are in awe
• Bring back the village square where we can have a meaningful gathering space
and regular arts programming accessible to all. Use local artists. Bring back beach
fest. Have wider variety of residents on arts council.
• Build a centrally located cultural arts center where many different music,
performing and visual artists and patrons can enjoy quality experiences. Make it
easy for all people to experience the arts. The arts and culture are so important
to our humanity - they touch our souls.
• Build a performing arts center!!!
• Build facilities
• By providing the much needed locations and working studio space for artists of
all mediums to work and show at a lower rental/lease cost than retail spaces.
The arts add an added dimension to the average destinations such as food, drink,
and the beach.
• Carosbad art wall
• Come up with many more smaller-budget site-specific opportunities for public
art and limit the proposal/ selection process to the enthusiasm of SD area visual
artists (open it up to those who have do not yet have a portfolio of public art).
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 218 of 292
For example, City of Pasadena invests in artists and art through their revolving
art program (3 year play-out - $12,000 honorarium) - excellent opportunity for
some artists and makes small dead spaces alive. The Carlsbad Public Art call-for-
artists that I have seen are all in the bigger bucks category requiring a proven
record.
• Concentrate the arts in one area of Carlsbad. The obvious place is the Village.
Make the Village an area that art/theater/music/dance/film enthusiasts gravitate
to. Encourage the use of properties in the Village (and walkable surrounding
areas) as artist studios, galleries and performance spaces. Set aside at least one
or two evenings a month for a mini-street fair: farmers market of artisan foods,
artists' open studios, hand-made crafts & jewelry, live music in the streets,
theater/music/dance/art film venue. And, encourage the existing Village shops
to remain open at night.
• Continue and expand support of City departments and community groups that
provide arts and cultural programs.
• Continue and increase funding for the arts. Relax and allow more artistic
expression in public areas, especially in the Village. Make visual art a part of
every new project that is approved. Stop the high rise, high density, aesthetically
dead condo construction. Create a web page like the one Encinitas has for the
arts. Include all arts activities for the week, not just City-sponsored events. This
will bring attention to the area and attract more tourism as people will become
aware that there is more to Carlsbad than beaches and Legoland. Create a small
Village space for concerts, art exhibits, and outdoor plays. The Choice location at
State and CVD is an example, only add a raised stage. Perhaps the parking lot by
the fountain would be perfect for that, since it looks like the Choice spot will be
swallowed up. Create a "Spotlight on the Arts" program that focuses on different
Carlsbad arts groups every month.
• Continue implementation of ongoing programs as well as broadening the
education program in more school programs elementary through college level.
Link schools with all types of art programs.
• Continue offering free admission to Cannon gallery
• Continue support of the Carlsbad Art Wall curated by Bryan Snyder and other
homegrown art projects.
• Continue the carlsbad art wall by Snyder art!!!
• Continue to provide a variety of activities at different locations.
• Continue to provide funding for the amazing arts events and installations that we
do.
• Continue to provide the rich variety of arts and cultural opportunities for all
ages.
• Continue to support and nurture the Carlsbad Art Wall developed by Snyder Art.
This is such a great draw leading up to, then during the painting process, and
even after each new painting goes up as we get to enjoy new art every other
month.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 219 of 292
• Continue to support art festivals, art walks, local art associations
• Continue to support local artists and art projects like the mural on Grubbys or
other murals throughout the Village.
• Continue to support the Carlsbad Art Wall by Snyder Art
• Create additional spaces for additional programs (performances, exhibitions,
etc.) in more areas of town.
• Diversity of programs and spread out during the year.
• Encourage foot traffic through the neighborhoods and offer a chance to
dialogue. Encourage multiple voices to participate. Street theater, graffiti
included.
• Encourage the citizenry to start organizations, clubs, etc. and provide support
and guidance to all those entities to motivate them to provide arts and cultural
opportunities. This will be the most effective use of taxpayers dollars and it will
also be the very best way to actually provide to the citizenry what the citizenry
wants. It will be a thousands times better that relying on the personalities of city
employees, which are a socially introverted breed unto themselves, and/or
paying an outside consulting firms excessive amounts of taxpayer money to do
something which they really can't do with any accuracy and that is tells Carlsbad
what its citizens want. This is a tried and true methodology that lead Vail, CO, to
the successful arts and culture organizational foundation that they laid out in the
decade of the 70s. Carlsbad is a provincial, and in some ways a backward,
behind city that is under the convoluted notion that it is actually thinking outside
of the box and time and time again comes up with expensive lack luster ideas
that are lucky to solve fifty percent of the objective level and more often than
not have paid a one hundred percent price for it. This city has potential that it
seems that it is almost deliberately and intentionally not executing to a
maximum level. SIDE NOTE: Question #6 was engineered by an idiot in that if
keeps people from being able to express their truth thoughts or opinions. It
appears to be another deliberate manipulation to drive a program in the
direction of the city staff which is abjectly wrong.
• Encourage the development of a foreign-film theatre so that Carlsbad residents
don't have to travel to Carmel Mountain or Hillcrest to view a current foreign
film Establish a studio for painter. More music instruction and parks centers
and senior center Opportunities for musical groups to play together (ukulele,
guitar, keyboard, etc.)
• Encourage, and continue to support, the Carlsbad Art Wall project. My child was
lucky enough, to have the incredible opportunity, to participate. Thanks to the
Boys & Girls Club & Bryan Snyder. She still talks about it. It was an unforgettable
connection, to the Arts in the Village.
• Engage the involvement of seniors in the community. They are a wealth of
knowledge and experience.
• Feature more local artists as well as national and some international
• Feature our local artists over those from other locations
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 220 of 292
• Fiesta del Barrio, posadas. We need to make more emphasis in the Hispanic
culture. There are no venues or opportunities for collectively express ourselves.
We would like more promotion in Spanish, identify people who could take over
in organizing and promoting Barrio events, provide venues and support for
emerging artists.
• Find better ways to promote them. Maybe at the Learning Center there could be
handouts or a poster in Spanish every month so we have time to plan on
attending.
• Focus on Carlsbad's cultural heritage, Spanish, Mexican, Luiseño and support the
Carlsbad Art Wall developed by Snyder Art (the building on Carlsbad Village Drive
@ Grubby's).
• Free opportunities/workshops at the com rec centers.
• Freedom of expression is important so the art shows the voice of the community
• Get our Carlsbad public schools supportive of music and art at the elementary
level (currently our district does not fund any music or art education). Arts
advocates know it is vital for kids...all kids (not just affluent) to have the
exposure and opportunity to be an artist/musician. Currently, our district board
is not putting any funds toward this...depending on pta's and foundations. Out of
our 9 elementary schools only two have credentialed music teachers that are
hourly employees. The other schools either have a teacher that is called a music
teacher or no music teacher at all. The visual arts are in the same shape. It is
appalling and our children deserve better. The arts are so important!
• Get the word out in more and better and useful ways. Many events go by and
having them listed on the webpage is one tiny place. Should be in the schools, at
grocery stores, malls, all sorts of places that the community frequents. unlimited
opportunities exist...
• Good promotion of events and opportunities, already very good
• Grant Money for the Arts There is a lot of grant money going to non-profits from
the California Arts Council. But I have noticed that almost all the grants are for
Non-profits, and these non-profits are not required to hire "artists" to teach the
art, but only to provide an "art event" or class and can be taught by a non-artist,
So now we have teachers and aides and whoever receiving art grant money to
do an event but they are not required to have an artist teach at the event.
Artists getting pushed out of their careers by non-profits.. As an artist who has
always earned a living through art, I would like to see exposure for artists
through various means,, pay artists for their work, (not freebee art) - not entries
to see who wins an art contest and still not pay for the work (there should
always be a monetary compensation). Architects, engineers, designers aren't
exhibiting their work to the public for free. Whoever came up with the notion
that artists should always get too little or nothing for their work. Besides, you
always get what you pay for and this promotes bad art. The pendulum has
swung to the far side, from no art in schools to schools receiving the bulk of art
money, and the focus seems to be on children activities for arts events and no
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 221 of 292
requirement that the non-profit hire any artists to teach . There is this notion
and people say it all the time "we are all artists". While I agree we are all
creative in our own way, all of us are not artists. This is like saying we are all
psychologists. Suggestion So my point is, that support for the arts in Carlsbad,
always include the involvement of a professional artist(s). I would like to see that
a percentage of arts support go to Carlsbad artists, so that the artists here are
able to receive exposure and assistance. Then prioritize percentages to the
region around Carlsbad, then San Diego as a whole, then CA as a whole, and then
national as a whole., Environmental Art Sculpture and environmental art.
More calls for sculpture in the environment and more venues in which to exhibit.
A Professional Art Community. Bring in art galleries (all genres), build a small
theatre for plays, and, mostly, bring in creative businesses. Carlsbad could be a
hot art town, But quality art needs venues and money so professional artists
have ways to get their work out there and earn a living. The City benefits from
businesses (always) while keeping Carlsbad unique and artsy. Summary If the
City would combine funds to assist artists through calls and grants and includes
professional art galleries and art businesses, then there is attraction, support for
a large range of artistic expression and supports monetarily struggling artists as
well as professional artists to get their work accomplished and shared. Keep it a
unique art community - not a walmart art community and Carlsbad arts will
thrive.
• Grants.
• Have a meeting place or another word would be gathering place that would
encourage and support all the arts-something outdoors and inside.
• Have a wide variety of offerings and outreach to inform community of activities
• Have an open dialogue with your residents. Allow your residents to be active in
planning and implementation of project; don't outsource out of our community.
• Have frequent events with adequate parking and ease of attendance. Publicize
events well in advance. Hold events on a continuing basis to build a following,
such as first wednesday, etc. Offer diverse programs for all interests and ages.
• Have more art classes, more music venues which are affordable to all. Love TGIF
in the park!
• Have opportunities that are accessible to all , free or of minimal charge. Have
art/social events. Senior art classes at Dove. Senior yoga class at Dove.
Designated Senior room(s) at Dove.
• Have plenty of free events! public art is great ( like the mural project in
downtown carlsbad). Offer movies and events for all ages ( my husband and I
love the foreign films at the library and we as a family enjoy the open art family
days at the library). Keep it up!
• Having art and cultural events throughout the City for free is key to allowing as
many community members involvement.
• Having more communication/promotion channels and quantity and variety of
events.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 222 of 292
• Hold visual art making classes for all age groups in a variety of locations around
Carlsbad, for example why can't that arts office hold landscape painting classes
at the lagoon - I've seen kids painting there at a camp. Also I wish that Carlsbad
did a better job with its public art. Many pieces that claim to be part of our
public art just look like a fancy wall or gate. I think Carlsbad could have a better
identity for attracting visitors to resturants and the beach area if there was more
interesting and exciting public art.
• Host art programs
• I absolutely love all the streeet art in Carlsbad! From the Carlsbad Art wall, to the
painted fire hydrants! I also love finding the doodles in the village! We live in
such a great community and art keeps us all connected!!!
• I have been involved with Bryan Snyder art community for about 10 years. All of
the art Bryan has been doing throughout the community of Carlsbad has taught
the entire community of Carlsbad about art. I also really love the fact that he is
teaching the youth about art and a fun way to be engaged in our small
community well keeping out of trouble.
• I like the idea of the libraries being the central area for the arts and enhancing
what they have to offer with classes, gallery showings, ect. Obviously events
need to and should occur in a variety of locations but I like the existence of a
central hub.
• I love all the amazing programs Carlsbad offers. Need more movie in the Park
nights
• I love the art wall and other at around the Village (like the tigers on Witch
Creek). It gives the Village a unique flair and can be easily enjoyed by all.
• I love the grubbys art wall and all the doodles around town
• I love the variety. I am overwhelmed by City e-mails and physical mailings 3 a
year based on school year. Maybe as simple as website/sticker on monthly City
of Carlsbad bill to have us check the website?
• I think Carlsbad does a great job at this! Continue reaching out to the schools
and having family events.
• I think having community involvement in local art programs. It is so important
for locals and visitors to have a chance to get involved and it really helps local
businesss's increase sales and thrive.
• I think it would be great to choose a month for each culture to learn new things
about them and try new foods from that culture.
• I think the city already does a great job with access to music through the
concerts in the park program. I would like to see more adult education in the
visual arts through the parks.
• I think you could have TGIF continue through September. Years and years ago we
had a beautiful orchestra concert once a year. That was wonderful.
• I think you need to get a big name band in Alga Norte Park. My vote goes for
George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic. They'll play the best FUNK that
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 223 of 292
everyone loves to dance to. And if asked they can make it a family show leaving
out any cussing. Everyone would come to a free show with them in the park. Do
this and make Carlsbad funky and proud. If you can't get them then do another
good true FUNK band. The world needs more FUNK. It makes people smile and
dance and make the FUNK face. ?? Thank you for considering this. I know the
band so if you need any help I'll be glad to get the info for you to get in touch
with their management.
• I would like the Carlsbad Art Wall by Snyder Art to continue. Also, bring back
the Art Splash!
• I'd like more events and programs to be closer to where I live and with teachers
that speak Spanish. Many times I don't learn about city events.
• In lieu of spending 5 million on parks improvements that aren't needed why
don't we have a nice outdoor theater for performing arts?
• Introduce more civic art into the village area. Provide incentives to private
developers to incorporate art into new village & barrio projects. Hold festivals
(e.g. Fiesta del Barrio) that can also be used to engage the public to provide
input on public art projects - these could be art competitions. Add more murals
in the village/barrio and create a mural art walk for tourists. Have outdoor
sculpture exhibits in the summer along the sidewalk and sea wall. Support Art
Splash - this is a great event! Build a new city hall that can be used to support
the arts - for example: * Changing art exhibitions * Allow patrons of the theater,
music fest, etc. to use the city hall parking lot (or new parking structure) after
hours and provide a shuttle to the event. * Outdoor concerts on roof-top deck
of city hall (with view of ocean)
• It starts with exposing children to all types of art and culture. The City does a
great job with their programs.
• Keep Bryan Snyder funded. He knows Carlsbad and its residents and continues
to keep us engaged in art on a daily basis.
• Keep the art wall at Grubbies and add more. Also permanent murals. More
music venues.
• Keep the Art Wall in the Village. I ove to see the various forms of visual art on it
and the changes each time it's redone. The previous pieces would make an
amazing calendar!!
• Keep the housing density low. Now every time we try to participate in some art
or cultural activity, it is too crowded. So, we stopped going. Lived here more
than 20 years and it is very bad and getting worse.
• Leverage existing non-City cultural activities and incorporate them in the "overall
offerings" of the city....limited additional cost to the city but significantly
broadens the services available to the community....
• listen to your community members, value your lower income working class
citizens and active community members under 50 and who make less than
$200,000 annually, especially those who make less than $39,000 annually.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 224 of 292
• Look for the diversity and history of our community. Be open to considering arts
and culture that serves to tell a life long story of our community. As well
continuing the wonderful film and music series we already have.
• Make it very easy for private enterprise and non-profits to provide what the city
needs via free building permits, lower or subsidized taxes and other means.
When private enterprise is involved the solutions will be what more of the
citizenry wants as opposed to the selections being made you high fee outside
consultants who really don't care or by city employees for are biased to do as
they see things should be. City government does not need to be spending
taxpayer money or be involved with anything arts and cultural. Allow for the
business market to provide these needs, but make it very easy and fair for them
to come forward and do so.
• Make them available to the whole community
• Marketing and promotion. Bring back Posadas, Fiesta del Barrio. We don't have
opportunities to share our cultural heritage with our families.
• Marketing/promotion of family events through schools.
• Más clases de arte y canto o música
• Mas publicidad obre el trabajo aristico sbre todo de los artistas residentes.
Publicidad, Para el artista es importante la publicidad para asi poder vender .
• More advanced/sophisticated community classes, art studios open to the public,
woodworking workshops with all machinery open to the public. Please trash the
stupid flame on 101 coming into Carlsbad from Oceanside: it is a poor shameful
copy of the one by Neil Dawson in Christchurch, New Zealand. Do not put more
wanna be art around town, paying it thousand of dollars. Walmart plastic chairs
are better art expressions...
• More art events in south Carlsbad. Promote Carlsbad artists in city literature,
mailings, website etc. profile an artist each month in visual arts, music, dance,
writing etc. when u have concerts in the park, have art in the park. offer paint
plein air at beach , flower fields, and lagoon
• More artistic but fun and healthy programs such as zumba for older adults,
painting, maybe in Spanish.
• More classes.
• more concerts at Stagecoach Park, more art visible from streets, cultural food
festivals in South Carlsbad (bring people of different cultures together).
• More events targeting kids and youth in public parks.
• More events that are relevant to my community, like Golden Age Mexican or
Latin-American Film Festival.
• More murals and mural tours. Let's be a destination for arts and culture.
• More murals! Increasing arts education programs for young children, families,
and couples, including movies in the park.
• More of what is offered. Love the revolving art wall in the village! Do a scavenger
hunt for art instillations etc could be fun!
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 225 of 292
• More opportunities for local artists to be involved in the planning of events, such
as round table discussions, meetings, online groups and discussions that focus on
getting more people involved in working to implement music and arts events
around the city.
• More programs accessible for kids and adults. More diversity in cultural events
and presentations.
• More programs at the Learning Center.
• More promotion at schools.
• More public art (murals) and low cost classes and events for citizens.
• More venues, at a cheaper cost, for local visual and performance artists to
display and perform their craft. Utilize the existing spaces much more
frequently. Better signage in public spaces, especially the libraries, to promote
events in venues.
• Offer more concerts with top name performers that attract all ages.
• Offer more diverse activities for all ages and lower some fees.
• Offer more opportunities downtown.
• One of my favorite places to check out is the wall on the side of Senor Grubby's. I
get my hair done at Hans Hakenon salon close by and I always check to see what
the new mural is! I take lots of photos and selfies there, people love my photos
of our lovely wall. I also love the Tigers mural on the side of coffee and winery,
all the murals are great! More programs for children to do crafts would be
awesome too , maybe they could learn from a muralist and paint one
themselves?
• One of the most effective ways to advance art in our community is to create
opportunities for adults and children to be creative in the visual arts on a regular
basis.
• Open access and constant exposure
• Partner with arts organizations/presenters/educators. Support arts/performance
venues. Celebrate the city's cultural heritage & history.
• Partner with the schools with grants -- esp. for instrumental music.
• Please keep funding the arts in Carlsbad, you are a HUGH influence for the arts in
other surrounding cities. I love the work of Brian Snyder and beg you to keep his
mural project funded. He has started movements in your sister cities to beautify
their public spaces with Mural Art.
• Promote quality events
• Promote the arts happening in the City...not just the ones that the City funds,
but ones happening all over the City. "Arts Happening in Your Community" for
example...Show the richness of what Carlsbad offers in terms of the arts.
Compile the various offerings and show how vibrant Carlsbad really is. In your
publications: highlight Carlsbad citizens that are artists--on a consistent and
ongoing basis.
• Promote what is available in all means possible
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 226 of 292
• Provide a variety of events.
• Provide a wide variety of events targeting type of art/culture, age groups.
• Provide after school, summer, and winter programs for the youth who don't
have access to the arts.
• Provide free or low cost cultural and art events for all to enjoy.
• Provide more. Move arts out of the auspices of the Library. They have limited
vision and support
• Provide music and art series regularly through both libraries addressed to all
ages.
• Provide opportunities in non-traditional settings that are close to people. Lower
the costs and bureaucracy for independent artists. Foster new artistic expression
within the city. Sponsor art programs at schools, including teaching and
performance.
• Providing a higher level of operational support for the local arts organizations.
Perhaps also make more 'entry-level' arts education opportunities available
(community theatre productions -- intro arts classes).
• Public art and music. I like the variety offered. Art for kids could be improved
• Public Art, Art galleries, opportunities for local artists to exhibit, musicians to
play, etc."pop-up" dance, readings, poetry, musical, theater events (maybe @
city parks or downtown). Start up an art museum with classes.Multi-arts mini-
festivals. Provide parking and shuttles. More programs like Opera Preview and
Opera Caravan to open up access to area events. A club to discuss and share
cultural events and experiences.
• Public funding, outreach to children
• Publicize them well in advance. People want to attend these events, but often
only find out about them after it's too late to make plans. F/E: Use the city
website as an event information distribution platform via Twitter, RSS, etc..
• Random art instillation throughout the city. San Francisco does it really well, and
other big and European cities do it. Not just in major traffic areas throughout
downtown, but maybe some in holiday park, calaveras, to hosp forest. It makes
people get out to places that they may not have gone before, and adds so much
character to underused areas of the city. I especially think that an art walk
through hosp grove would be amazing.
• Recognize that the arts generate tourism and brings in money and jobs into a
community.
• Requiring public art in civic projects is a good start and I LOVE Art Splash!. I
personally enjoy the changing art exhibitions at the Cannon Art Gallery and
would like to see more public art in the village/barrio area as both permanent
and temporary displays. As an example, Senior Grubbys east (exterior) wall
features a mural by a different artist every couple of months. Can the city
encourage local businesses to support the arts through incentives or grants as a
way to draw more people to our local businesses? Another idea is for a
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 227 of 292
temporary exhibit along the seawall that would draw visitors to the area (like the
'urban trees' exhibit along San Diego Embarcadero). I think that temporary art
displays encourage more participation from the community and visitors since the
exhibits can only be viewed for a specific time period. Could the city partner with
seasonal festivities such as the flower fields?
• Right now the problem is that we don't know about these events. Also, we know
a place by the location but not by the name.
• Sculptures, murals, music, etc. in public places
• Send out notices before the date of review. Not the day of. Can't support your
program with a day of notice.
• slow down growth; promote the environment and support art projects
• Sponsor programs for all ages and through schools.
• Support Bryan Snyder art projects but also inform people better of how they
could get involved in community murals or how local artists can get featured
etc. Id like so see a little more funky/quirky art styles
• Support local artists! Please! There is wonderful talent right here! Bryan
Snyder..and many more. Stop outsourcing art! We live here because we love
Carlsbad and what it represents. We identify with local artists
• Support the art wall project by Brian Snyder. More temporary art in public
spaces. More galleries down town.More art festivals, music, dance. Support
more art in district schools. Use Magee Park fort events besides the music
festival. Art contests. Use artists for advertising. Put art in green spaces and
parks. Educate your council members on art in public spaces and the need for art
education. Poetry contests and writing workshops. Design Carlsbad t-shirts using
artists! Art at the beach drawing and painting.
• support the arts via city budget
• Support the groups and organizations (non profits) that are providing this to our
community. Ask the groups doing it now what more can be done.
• Support young Artist such as Matt McBane and Bryan Synder.
• test survey - Lynn
• TGIF , LEO CARILLO, PUBLIC ART LIKE IN DOWNTOWN VISTA, FAMILY OPEN
STUDIO
• The city could host more programming, especially in dance and music. the art
forms that are underrepresented in the city.
• The City needs to do a better job advertising certain events. TGIF have a great
attendance every year, however, I attended some excellent concerts that were
poorly attended. Occasionally there are events that I learn about too late to be a
part of.
• The free (or inexpensive) musical performances and theater performances, such
as Carlsbad Playreaders. The afternoon concerts and activities are wonderful for
me because I am retired and I don't like to go out and drive after dark....but, I do,
for such events through the Library. The Dove Library is almost the only one I go
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 228 of 292
to, except the Encinitas Library, which also has a rich cultural program. Art
shows in the library's galleries are also very much enjoyed and appreciated, and I
like that they are open at such times and dates that it is easy to see the shows.
• Use Dove Library to host as many arts and cultural events as possible.
• Utilize local talent as a rule before outsourcing.
• When advertising, use different languages to get the point of the event across.
Create different events that celebrate diversity and showcase different cultures.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 229 of 292
Survey Two Open-Ended Question Responses
Accessibility
• 4 was a great event to come to for visitors to see a great community and art
• Accessible and available does not necessarily translate into "interesting" or
"relevant" to all. Not a good survey question because it's meaningless.
• Add more artists around the music scene, so they can sell art paintings
• always at jazz in the park
• But not advertised well in advance
• Carlsbad has unique cultural Mexican Farmers and Indian and water history
culture but it's no where to be found other than Circle K Mural. The rest is
random art that says nothing about Carlsbad's culture or history.
• Don't have the statistic to make this decision
• email notifications
• Enjoy the free live music .... We love kid craft opportunity
• Festivals and art experiences that extend through the evening on Saturday or on
Sunday. Our kids play sports, so we miss anything that happens during the day
on Saturday! Also, we live near Cole library and it sometimes feels like more
things are at Dove.
• Friday concerts are too big and too crowded
• Have never hear about it and have been a resident for 3 years
• Have never heard about it and I have been living here for 3 years
• I am not familiar with art programs in carlsbad aside from Jazz in the park. It is
our favorite family date
• I didn't know this existed. I know about TFIF, which is fantastic, but otherwise
unaware.
• I don't even know about any cultural offerings. I do get information weekly on
Encinitas.
• I enjoy many of the arts and cultural offerings the City of Carlsbad supports.
However, I wish our city had a musical & theatre venue similar to the City of
Vista's Moonlight Amphitheatre.
• I feel that more can be done to make the arts accessible, particularly by having
more places for live music for local musicians
• I get frequent communications, and accessibility to the Dove library and TGIF
concerts is great!
• I see most of events advertised through the library. Would like to get more
frequent notifications of events.
• I think they are available to all but the vast majority don't know they are
available
• I wish to become more informed. I lost time being ill and look forward to the
upcoming growth. This is my start.
• I would like to see more art/music offerings in barrio - Pine Park and Holiday Park
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 230 of 292
• I would like to see sign language interpreters at events
• Include more free or low cost music/Art classes and presentation at the senior
citizens centers
• Is it possible to limit the offerings to Carlsbad residents only?
• Jazz in the park is our favorite summer event
• just moved from SD
• just moved here
• limited wheelchair access
• love concerts in the park and community art/ gallery exhibits
• marketing to carlsbad residents
• more money to fund the Carlsbad-Oceanside gallery stay open longer
• More public transportation available so 1) residents dont have parking issues/
easier on environment and 2) allows more access for older people or for people
who dont drive
• muchas actividades se piesa que son para pesonas adultas hay que promover
mas para que los jovnes se interesen en las galarias y conoscan nustros artistas
locales
• Necesario mas publicidad, radio, prensa, tv,
• new to carlsbad
• not anyone has a car, it would be good to have shuttles
• Not aware of all the current programs
• Not for Elementary children. Our school district NEEDS to support the arts at this
age. IT IS VITAL!
• Not sure how to access what is available
• Offerings are neither accessible nor available is we don't know about them.
• only aware of TGIF concert events
• Parking and transportation is an issue. There is very little parking downtown or
around the parks and not enough bus service on main roads
• prices are limiting factor
• Recently I was told about an art fair for Grand Ave & State st sponsored by
businesses I think but the cost to be juried in was quite high. I felt it should be
more open & less costly to enter. The COAL Gallery is very acessible to the public
but would be helpful to have more public awareness of where it is & what we
offer to the public. Certain businesses within that same area by the fountain stay
constantly busy but unless you walk back to the parking area parallel to Grand
people don't know it is there/
• Some are very costly - camping $25?
• Sometimes Schulman auditorium fills up and people are turned away
• Sometimes they're available to too many people outside of Carlsbad and I
wonder who is primarily footing the bill for this. I'm tired of my quality of life
being expensed for non-residents' enjoyment at no expense to them.
• TGIF concerts all year
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 231 of 292
• The City of Carlsbad and Chamber of Commerce should do more to encourage
plein air painters to paint the Village, the Barrio , and other historic landmarks or
ranch lands before the beauty of those places is lost to future development.
• the latest choice of art in the Village Bario had no imput from the residents
• The outdoor concerts are so popular that they are overcrowded.
• They could be promoted better so that, even though they are accessible, there is
awareness as well.
• Those with hearing impairments do not have visual aids|captioning or CART nor
ASL at Cultural Events. The hearing assistive devices are not available for all nor
is there braille for the blind. ADA Communication Disorders Requirement
• Wasn't aware of it
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 232 of 292
Offerings
• City support of smaller public art projects open to local artists who can then
enter the field and move on to larger national commissions. Current trend
seems to be Carlsbad limits public art commissions to artists with a proven
record of large commissions.
• "Make it" events at local libraries and public parks
• 1-sidewalk chalk painting day with artists assisting residents to make a square of
art. 2-classical music month in a "winter month"-with classical musicians and or
classical music playing throughout the evening on state between grand and
carlsbad village drive. 3-close state street between grand and carlsbad village
drive for dancing in the street evening! have different stations where all can be
instructed and participate to various types of music..
• A citywide garage sale or toss out day whereby people can pick through your
treasures before recycle service picks up. It is great fun.
• A major concert venue in which Carlsbad residents get priority first over non-
Carlsbad residents. For example, opportunity to buy tickets 3-7 days before the
general public.
• a place for people to do street art and paintings
• A public performing arts theater. Public art sculptures throughout town.
• A venue for locale artists to exhibit & exchange ideas as in a forum
• A viable are movies, readings, plays, marathons, music in the park, how about
promoting a science fair among the schools?
• Add artist painters,and more art teachers
• Add to the Visual Arts offerings & venues. Offer reduced rent & tax
incentives/breaks to the Arts.
• additional music or theater performances
• Additional Senior Citizen Centers & events Additional community gardens with
art sculptures funded by grants to local artsist
• Additional street fair for artists
• After school programs
• All are awesome
• An annual Plein Air Event where artists are invited to "Paint Carlsbad".
Encourage,invite,and welcome plein air artists to paint during the Art Walk,
during the Farmers Market, or in the Village any time they wish.
• Anything for children, they are truly the future and as much value in the arts that
can be offered should be. the city employee and family art show should be
brought back, it brings so many people together.
• Anything that might make the history of carlsbad more well known by the
citizens
• AR-15 rebuild & Cultural Dance
• art chalk for children art events available for various parks
• art festival
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 233 of 292
• Art murals on the walls of city
• Art shows at venues near the beach would be very nice additions to the current
art shows held in the village.
• arts education for all kids at the elementary level....during the school day.
• Arts event for artists (watercolor, mixed media,acrylics, photography) narrow
small scale set-up (10x3) along the boardwalk. Also Cannon park would be a
good venue location for small number of juried in local artists.
• At least that I am aware if there isn't much dance perform as nces available to
the general public. More at community stages for local kids to dance at would be
a great option
• Baile Folclorico
• Ballet is currently missing from our arts and culture scene, but of course,
Carlsbad doesn't have the venue for it.
• Ballet is currently missing from our arts and culture scene, but of course,
Carlsbad doesn't have the venue for it.
• Ballet is missing but of course, Carlsbad doesn't have the venue for it.
• Beach art like the current mural at Senor Grubby's
• Bring in 1 hour performances of the SD Opera and lectures from the Old Globe.
The only theatre group is Village Arts at present. We need to embrace a higher
level in the arts. Perhaps Quarterlycollaboration with SD Art Museum.
• Bring the art to different areas of the city, similar to pocket libraries. Set-up
project based activities, using same materials and where participants can obtain
submit the end product for an exhibition. Bringing the people together, yet
showing uniqueness of their project. Have an art supply drive.... promoting
people to donate what they have in their homes and allow others to come pick
up items for free - an Art Fest - exchange coop? Have artist who are showing
exhibit provide short artist video clips for use on a tablet that can be shown
when promoting arts or even use in the gallery during the exhibits, bringing
relatability to the artists. Have the artist share how they got started in their craft
or what inspires them.
• Build a Performing Arts Ctr (similar to Escondido) so we can bring live
performances of all types to Carlsbad & not have to go to SD or Escondido.
• Building a world class performing arts center
• By supporting Music and Arts education in the schools. By making it STEAM
education that ensures arts for all.
• Carlsbad center for the arts- all ages. Access to art creation M-F
• Carlsbad could elevate the existing arts and culture offerings by enhancing the
efforts of local galleries, music venues and theatres, like New Village Arts, with
funding and increased marketing support.
• Carlsbad has a unique cultural heritage and an opportunity to enhance the Visual
Arts through more hands in the Fine Arts to bring people together.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 234 of 292
• Carlsbad has many everts, but needs to better promote events to make them
truly available. It seems not all residents are being reached with information.
• Carlsbad has much potential to bring world class performing arts to the forefront
but, those who have held the keys for decades are threatened. They do not
welcome newcomers to their arts scene and, consequently, eventually loose
those newcomers to the Globe and the Playhouse.
• Carlsbad is a very unique community in the types of arts and culture event it
currently supports. I cannot think of anything lacking in this arena.
• Carlsbad should have a small (500 seat?) outdoor amphitheater in a park for
concerts and theatre performances. The site of the power plant would be ideal
for a park and amphitheater. Also, a small raised stage at the north end of the
"green" at Frazee Beach would be nice.
• children focused art theater
• children free art
• children involved
• Children's photography and Art classes
• classical music to be included in TGIF outdoor concerts
• Combination music/artists faire along the main w/ artists, musicians set up in all
the shopping center courtyards & promoted way ahead w/ minimal entry fees to
participate so more people would be able to be involved & thus invite their
family & friends down to enjoy also. Maybe a central shuttle bus area for visitors
to get down to ex. Carlsbad Village/ 101 area because parking is such an issue. In
cooler months maybe a renaissance faire w/ poets/artists, costumes?
• Community theater that puts together classic plays and original ones.
• Community theater- watching performances and also workshops for kids more
performing arts opportunities, especially for kids to interact.
• concert in the park is very cool. especially kids!!
• Concerts in the park at more parks at the same time. Smaller crowds would be
better.
• concerts keep kids out of trouble; concerts
• Continue to support COAL Gallery, with there great programs for students.
• Csbd needs a free multi level parking garage so people can attend activities.
Right now it is so conjested people avoid going down town and making the
parking spaces smaller isnt the answer with the big SUV's many people with
children have.
• cultural art projects/ events
• Culture specific art festivals! Pakistani, Indian, African, Asian .. etc. Celebrate our
great diversity
• Currently there are concerts in city parks but there really isn't and real,
structured building/amphitheater for concerts or plays. We need to have one.
There isn't one in North SD County.
• Dance
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 235 of 292
• dance ;plays
• Danza, Musica, y teatro, mas clases de arte en las escuelas. Artes tradicionales
con el fin de recordad ancestros y artes antiguas.
• difficult without car
• Direct City sponsored events seem to get promotion, but venues such as the
Carlsbad HS performing arts or other independent organisations (Carlsmad
Music Festival, The Village arts etc) could be tied into the city art promotion
budget and promoted more.
• DIY crafting nights Word rock project class
• Downtown art, chalk artists
• en las tres libreias es muy importante anunciar los eventos para todas las
edades.
• encourage more Art venues in the Village, pursue more Art Gallery's. This is a
prime community for something such as this. More concerts at the beach and
local music events.
• Establish a fine arts center in the village area and promote a regular evening of
the month for an "art and beer/wine/farmersmarket walk". Include street
musicians. Let artists set up canopies to sell their art and jewelry. Or, encourage
village retailers to hang art of local artists on that evening. Start an annual open
studios weekend event.
• Events displaying local artist' works and performances with local groups on a
regular basis. More free and open places to gather together for cultural
experiences.
• Events offered at different Carlsbad locations for example when library hosts kid
events thru the city
• Events such as the Art Walk. Murals around town. Artwork similar to the
Carlsbad sign that establishes city pride. Artwork similar to the round about on
State Street.
• Events that introduce outdoor/ artisitic activities to kids
• Expand on what is in place. Also expand the scope of the offerings (more diverse
offering of the visual/fine arts) Separate facility for photography
• Free dance lessons in park
• get rid of jack in the box and donut shops, and put in some other places...art
galleries with local artists, original musicians at. venues...
• give arts money to schools to help them have performing arts, perhaps invite
alumni of the local schools who have gone on and made it big time in their
performing arts field. People would love to see the locals after they have made it
in their field. singing, dancing, theater, band, or whatever. One band member
from 84 is a drummer in Las Vegas in one of the biggest shows. one girl who was
in les miz at high school was on soap operas on TV. Several singers have made
CD's and are doing shows all over. Some have been on Broadway in theatrical
shows. Some are teachers, some have teaching studios. One student from
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 236 of 292
singing and theater is in the Disney program setting up the new Disneylands
oversees. One student was a choreographer in the olympics .
• have free concerts in parks around city
• Have more Jazz performances. At least once a month.
• Home grown community gardens More jazz History of Carlsbad Visual and
participatory art
• Home school classes
• Home school classes
• Home-grown community gardens History of Carlsbad More Jazz Visual and
participatory art
• How far are you willing to take this 'theme'? For a "distinct" cultural identity
Carlsbad first needs a base, a civic Center. Carlsbad encompasses a very large
area. If you build a theater here do an art installation there you are dividing the
community. You need a place, a central place, where residents and visitors can
gather to see art and theater and hear music. Not to mention how badly a new
council chamber is needed. If you want residents and visitors to identify with
Carlsbad then you need a hub. Carlsbad built a golf course (which very small
percentage of the citizens use) we should be able to build a Civic Center with a
theater, a museum, a park, and a council chamber with attached offices.
• I already love the activities happening in Carlsbad! We have only lived here 6
months and love the sense of community
• I believe it is time to include the Pine Park in the TGIF Concerts rotation to make
access more inclusive to under served residents.
• I have nothing against art but I am not sure why Carlsbad needs to promote it?
• I hope the foreign films are expanded and are not show on the same day Mira
Costa shows. More play readers, game days for adults, discussions about current
events.
• I like the mural in the barrio. Nice to have artwork that celebrates the city's
history, and/or work by local artists.
• I love it
• I love the foreign films at the Dove library and would like to see Carlsbad support
bringing more of them, as well as the lesser known films that are never shown in
our local theaters.
• I probably haven't taken as much advantage of all of the speakers and programs
at the library that are currently offered, so unfortunately don't have any
additional input to provide on this question.....
• I see lots of pop and folk and jazz events, but a lot less classical music
opportunities. Encinitas has free concerts that I would love to see Carlsbad
emulate.
• I think Carlsbad is clearly the leader in Norh County when it comes to arts and
cultural events.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 237 of 292
• I think the City should celebrate more of the history and diversity within our
community through art, music and food.
• I would highlight that Carlsbad has unique asset which presents its opportunity
to join several cities with a similar unique asset. I am talking about use of the
land overlooking the Lagoon with the Strasberg field A outdoor performing arts
amphitheater located overlooking the Lagoon would rival cities like Boston in
attracting performing talent to the area. Carlsbad could become an outstanding
performing center with summer art evinings.
• I would like to see a combination floral and art area/exhibit either rotating or
permanent that would draw people to the area. The San Diego Botanical Garden
has been very successful in this effort. I would also like to see an art graphic
that would be displayed throughout the city that would unify and tie the city
together; perhaps with a path from north to south and east to west. Ot, the
unifying graphic could be displayed in front of businesses with a map for visitors
to follow. I would like to see a visitor's map that would list all of the public art
for people to visit.
• I would like to see Carlsbad present local Carlsbad musicians (there are many
fine ones) in more informal and all ages performance venues such as a "coffee
house" atmosphere or a "jazz club" atmosphere.
• I would like to see more high quality art exhibits at the Dove Library art gallery.
• I would like to see more of a link with the first people's of Carlsbad. Work with
the Luiseno Native Americans for cultural representations around town or at
parks, similar to the asthetic at Sunset Park in San Marcos. Basket designs,
pictograph designs, shells.
• I would like to see regular concerts at the Schulman auditorium.
• I would like to see some sort of community out reach to encourage people of
color to take part in these areas.
• I would love to see Carlsbad participate in activities that bring many groups
together; holiday such as Christmas or 4th of July parades that include scouting
groups marching, Service organizations, dance groups and marching band.
• I would love to see historic fiestas come back to barrio with ballet folklorico,
mariachis and traditional food. Also, Baltimore and other cities have supported
30 days of art as a 'new years resolution'. Painters, poets, musicians and all
lovers of art commit to 'doing art' everyday for a month (January). Then in
February, it is the time for viewing and celebrating. Pop ups and temporary
galleries are created to celebrate the artist of the city. I love the concerts in the
park and 'music in the village' ... more please.
• i would love to see smaller music venues
• I would really like to see street artists transform the ugly and bland walls of the
Carlsbad Desalination plant into a vibrant art project ! The community could be
involved also.
• I would really love to see some support for the LGBT community, as well as
different cultures and races being represented.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 238 of 292
• I'd like the Sunday art walk to be supported by the city and for it to have more
artists.
• I'd like to see the cultural identity of The Village influence the other parts of
Carlsbad so there's a sense of a shared tradition and knowledge. We need
something to connect us throughout the city, art and cultural activities have the
potential to do just that.
• I'd love to see more events held at or near the beach or more use of the parks. I
love that the strawberry fields caters to seasonal events. I think the city needs
more music and possibly travelling art shows at various parks and landmarks
around the city (given the lack of parking)
• I'd love to see more recurring plans (such as the Jazz in the park and leo carrillo
movies). Those are wonderful events which happen regularly for a period of
time. This is nice because sometimes the weekend events which crop up just
once or twice a year are when I've already planned something but if there was
something ongoing (even if only for 1 month) then chances are I could make 1-2
of those dates work)
• If a new city hall gets built it should have a new art museum to showcase local
talent or host visiting shows. I would like to see dance productions, live comedy
(That isnt raunchy) perhaps the city could work on a joint use agreement with
Sage Creek HIGH school to use their performing arts center which will be
complete this winter.
• If you want to highlight Carlsbad's distinct identities, stop promoting the
homogenization of the town through Barrio elimination and the continued mass
housing with no parking complexes that stifle downtown music and arts.
• In Carlsbad Village, provide incentives for artists to establish galleries. A music
hall for musicians to perform (the Museum of Music is all we have!). Improve
public transportation so everyone can have access to what we already have,
without having to own a vehicle.
• Include a sculpture walk along the coast and incorporate into the coastal
corridor improvements. Something like the 'trees' along SD harbor - but it should
be a theme that's meaningful for Carlsbad - maybe a surfboard theme.
• Increased support of local non profit arts groups. Waiver of fes and charges for
groups to hold events and use City facility for free or low cost events.
• Involving the youth in our community. When youth connect through art in their
own community they naturally take more pride in their community
• Is it possible to turn the old Power Plant into something amazing .....WITHOUT
taking it down ? Amazing canvas .....State of the art OCEANFRONT SkakePark
....with killer old style ramps ,etc . Oceanfront Park of Art !!!!!!!Zipline Here ?✌
• It would be great if local artists were given the opportunity to show their work in
the gallery by Dove library. I'm an artist and expressed interest in this. I put my
name in a binder that had a lot of people's names who were also interested in
exhibiting in this space and never heard back about this.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 239 of 292
• Keep concerts going- love them
• Latin music and food events. Latin jazz
• library has some great events could we add yoga or something like that! Love
jazz and foreign films
• Limit amount of craft shows in lieu of Fine Art shows.
• Live theater and music; murals, fewer bars.
• Local art shows, more music events
• Local singing competition/ surf art community event kids concert in park/ more
art on buildings
• local speakers on local issues, enivironment/climate
• longer day options 9-12 thru traffic is too difficult
• Love easy art projects, love jazz in the park, music of any sort
• Love free concerts
• Love he library and city programs; more music
• love library program as well as outdoor musical events
• Love summer concerts Add some ethnic music: LATINO! SALSA! painting and
exhibits water color oil exhibits and classes
• love the concerts in the park for families! Perhaps have some family games for
kids.. relay races or something with activities that add art. run and parts colored
sand in a glass???
• love the crafts at concert park. would show up other places just to do art
activities
• Make city venues less expensive for arts organizations to use.
• Make concerts Saturday 4-8. Bands of different genre to attract more people
with variety of music in each festival
• Make culturally diverse programs to include music and food
• making sure public art and events encourage physical interaction with our
natural surroundings get people in the water, create dog beaches in the lagoon,
never place art in front of ocean views. Community mural and mosaic events.
Highlight local artists and employ them to teach/share their style in community
projects.
• March 3rd is International Hearing Day. Have Presentations by local artist for
this day with all accessibility, lectures, and to increase Awareness About Keeping
One's Hearing and Remove Social Stigma
• Más énfasis en la historia del Barrio con eventos culturales a nivel de toda la
ciudad. Con puestos de comida, artesanos, música etc.
• maybe a cultural arts festival or hosting some of the specific cultural arts
festivals that go on around us....diversity in the arts
• Maybe integration of art or performance of our public schools into the
community.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 240 of 292
• maybe once in awhile some chamber music to mix things up, maybe more of the
interactive art thing where a pro is doing sculpture or painting and we can watch
or participate as well, maybe a 3d printer take on creating art?
• Maybe ore widespread and accessible events, Carlsbad is a big city and not
everyone can get to the events.
• Mid-sized music venue for top talent
• More activities that blend the arts with the outdoors
• More art activities for young More music events
• More art classes by known artist in Carlsbad, i.e. paint with Michael Sommers,
something similar to "Catnap" mural.
• More art installations around town and worked into public utilities such as
electrical boxes and hydrants along with murals and mosaics at overpasses.
• More art shows, more art classes and more murals painted around the city
• More art shows, possibilities for artist to show their work
• More arts experiences for all ages. Not all experiences are family friendly
because of drinking, etc. Maybe some interactive experiences. Open drum
circles, ukulele play a longs, sing a longs, family create art nights, etc.
• More classes at the parks to learn new art projects~~~
• More communication to the public... emphasizing visitors.
• More community music events of jazz, classics or independent artists of various
cultures. More art variety. Too much focus on ultra modern art.
• More concerts in small venues
• More cultural/International music
• More downtown music and art events, possibly combined, with a few streets
blocked off for artists and musicians to set up camp. Introduce different themes,
e.g. renaissance, the sixties, surf culture, magic. Try to make it interesting to all
ages.
• More emphasis on art galleries , art walks featuring local art.
• More encouragement for 2-dimensional artists to display their art for sale at city
events.
• More exposure to local businesses and more frequent events to bring sense of
awareness
• More family movie nights at the park
• more festivals
• more festivals and fairs around specific themes, such as the impact of the
railroad in the early days, the influence of Hollywood actors coming here to play
in the 1930's and 1940's, etc.
• More foreign movies and classical music performances
• More foreign films. More frequent changes in the sculpture garden More art
events for adults
• More free and low lost events geared toward families, especially with younger
children.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 241 of 292
• More free music
• More free music
• More free or reduced price activities for children and families in museums,
concerts and libraries.
• More fun, hands-on, inexpensive art making events for all ages. Organized to get
people of all ages together creating and enjoying!
• More instruction of youth at dances, fencing matches, one-act play recitals, we
need the whole spectrum. Show youth TV from schools on city television.
• more jazz
• More jazz concerts
• More live theater and musical theater offerings at the Village theater downtown
or in an outdoor amphitheater setting.
• More local artist displaying and being part of the decision making for Carlsbad
• more local businesses that can host live music during weekend nights
• More low cost/free classes for older adults.
• More mural and street art - free public events in the village. See article in
Carlsbad Magazine about Snyder art and the art hunts around town.
• more music
• More music festivals at Stagecoach Park or anywhere in Carlsbad
• More music in Village
• More music or movies in the parks besides the summer concerts.
• more music venues
• more music venues
• More music venues- perhaps an all ages venue for younger musicians and
audiences
• More music/ performing arts programs
• More musical theater and dramatic performances.
• More outreach, coordination, and collaboration between the city, local
businesses, and grassroots musicians and artists of all stripes
• More park events like concerts not just in summer
• More park events like concerts not just in the summer
• more parking
• More permanent public art
• More projects to residents and topics not so trendy but relevant to life in
Carlsbad. Ex. Families, working life, senior topics
• More public art from local artists
• More public art- Murals, sculpture Music- Paid festivals with better quality
music- we will pay for music
• more public art, more classes.
• More public art. Art in the medians, or along the ocean front. A sculpture garden
along El Canino Real, between Tamarack & Carlsbad Village Rd.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 242 of 292
• More support for performing arts (music, band, choir, theater) in the schools
with opportunities to perform in multiple venues in Carlsbad.
• More talks/seminars about diversity of cultures and specific cultures in the
region.
• more theater or local musicians
• more varied music at concerts in the park. Artwalks are great / maybe food
trucks of all ethics event
• More weekday evening offerings for those that work during the day.
• Movies Concerts (Jazz) Cafes
• Multi-cultural music, dances, art demostrations
• Multicultural activities for families
• Museum in the barrio honoring Carlsbad's roots while they're still there.
• Music and "Taste of Carlsbad" evening in Downtown (similar to one in Encinitas)
• Music and art from the communtiy
• music and talent performences for children and adults
• Music concerts, art shows
• Music education in school needs support to have educated citizens who can
appreciate music.
• Music Festivals. Interactive art gallery.
• Music support at the elementary level in the schools.
• Music venue tend to only be about LOUD NOISE. Why?
• My husband and I have enjoyed the various programs offered at the library this
year.
• Need better advertising to identify what is available. A section on the City
Website would be great.
• Neighbors inviting neighbors in smaller venues. The crowds are getting too
large. Rotating themes every few months in the city, for pole flags, traveling art
etc.
• New to this city, so I'm not that familiar yet with what has happened in the past.
• No idea.
• None @ this time
• Not sure how to access what is available
• Offer more access and parking to concerts
• Offer more to Carlsbad students through schools, especially elementary school.
I'd love to see a series of cultural arts assemblies (offered free to Carlsbad Public
schools) to bring different experiences to our students - drama, art workshop,
musical performances, etc.
• On a recent visit to Ashland, OR, we experience the "Green Stage" in the middle
of the quad where all the theaters from the world renown Shakespeare Fest
face. The Green Stage offers high quality musical and performing arts acts free
nightly and at noon. Similary to concerts in the park, this is a more intimate
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 243 of 292
venue, and during the summer, its nice to have some variety featuring dancers,
singers, bands, gymnasts and other types of performances.
• On weekends,during the summer months, having small various types of
instrumental groups( soft jazz, blues, classical,etc.) playing music around the
fountain area on State St. . This could be on Saturday and/ or Sunday afternoons
from 1:00 to 4:00 or similar hours. This could be done at the grass triangle on
Carlsbad This type of venue could be done during the Xmas holidays ,also.
• Open air painting at Magee Park, like we have had in the past.
• Open air theater
• Outdoors performing arts theatre.
• Performing arts & more sculpture and painting
• Performing arts & more sculpture and paintings
• Performing arts center more publicity about theater at middle school and high
school
• Perhaps focus some events for families, others for Seniors, some for younger
adults, others all inclusive
• Perhaps sponsor venues for writers to read/perform their work in appropriate
city owned venues
• Permanent stage/amphitheater for concerts, plays, dance performances that
would seat a good size audience
• Photography club again at senior center but open to everyone
• Playgrounds en las playas ??
• Plays, more new artists presented
• Plays; More new artists presented
• Possibly a music education program since that is not longer available in the
elementary schools.
• Preserve the Barrio. It is a very unique part of Carlsbad. Pass laws that prohibit
Mansionizing the homes there.
• Promote live music, minimize any existing restrictions as to times and locations.
• provide different mediums of art
• Public art honoring the history of Carlsbad to include the native people, the
Hispanic culture and ranchos, and the early white settlers. Again, this open-
ended question is overly broad - is there a budget in mind or is the sky the limit?
The Art Splash for instance seems like a lot of effort for no real art gain. Seems
like a street faire; nothing much to do. Need more hands-on activities.
• Re-instate and properly fund Art Splash
• Regularly scheduled events throughout Carlsbad. Concerts, movies, featured
speakers, art showings.
• Relationship and support of Carlsbad school music programs.
• Residents need a place to find out what all the opportunities are (not just the
City programs). So many residents are still not aware of programs currently
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 244 of 292
available, like the Museum of Making Music and New Village Arts. We could also
use venues for live music, dance and film.
• Science and Magic shows for kids A space for adults to have a night out. Theater,
concerts, dance floors
• Sculpture and painting programs and presentations for adults and youth
• Sculpture throughout city
• Signs/light posts or mosaic Latin tiles on sidewalk to follow from tourist info
center to view historical building in Barrio like Lola's museum and Day of the
Dead alter Mural by Circle K, Farmers house. Also old 1930's English villiage
looking signs to have people follow the Carlsbad water statue and Speakeasy
historic building. Since you want to encourage tourist to walk the village and
barrio. Also a Day of Dead Festival in the Barrio, Pine Park.
• Since Carlsbad is such a large City, I think would be helpful to link the different
areas of town, La Costa, Bressie Ranch, Robertson Ranch, Olde Carlsbad,
Carlsbad Village, the Barrio, Coastal Carlsbad by focusing on a "downtown" plan
that reaches out and connects to the many neighborhoods of Carlsbad. We need
to bring Carlsbad residents out of their neighborhoods and into Carlsbad as a
whole.
• Small outdoor concerts
• Spanish-related art like dance or music in the barrio maybe at holiday park
• Special day for hosting a fine arts showing of San Diego Artists. ie. wall paintings
of watercolor, mixed media, oil, pencil.
• STEM events and family park/beach events are great
• Story walks Carlsbad public singing event, like the one at Balboa park
• Storytelling events and more musical offerings during the year
• Street Dancing
• Support local artists more. Use examples from coastal cities such as Laguna
Beach, Carmel, and others on integrating arts & culture, the coast and the locals.
• Support music making and creative activities for all ages.
• Support the Arts (Dance, music, theater, etc.) in our schools. Cultivate and grow
a love of the Arts through our schools. A great pathway to demonstrate our
dedication of Arts and Community.
• Take architectural and landscape design more seriously. Lift that standard. If the
infrastructure is the base, better art and culture will follow. Where there are
stucco boxes, support murals and installations. Ease restrictions on live music at
breweries and smaller venues. Consider the concept of a theater district on State
Street near NVA.
• TGIF Jazz in park
• TGIF jazz in the park is fabulous, we should have a couple of symphonies in the
park.we could even feature our high schools orchestras. I heard CHS xylophone
group play and they were terrific
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 245 of 292
• The Demos at the Audubon Center at the Lagoon have been very good. Joe
Oakes just did a great one recently.
• The Pine Park would make a great venue to host a TGIF Concert and bring
cultural diversity to the event. A great opportunity that has yet to be embraced.
• Theater
• theater space
• Theater! Community theater. Do you sponsor this? If so, it isn't very noticable
• There are a lot of activities offered but parking is a big problem.
• there are cultural identities not recognized or celebrated
• There is no designated arts area in C'bad
• There is not a large venue for music groups to showcase their talents
• There needs to be more art and art related field trips in the schools to develop
the appreciation for art early.
• umix gardening, cooking and art such as paint
• Unique stone work along the Carlsbad BlVD/101similar to Laguna Beach and
Solana Beach, extending the walkway.. and sculpture with landscaping..
• Use parks closer to village not just poinsettia, stagecoach and calavera for
events. Use our beaches - sandcastle contest, beach theme events
• Various types of music concerts
• very much enjoyed the smaller art in the village walk last Sunday morning
• Visual art needs to be displayed throughout the community.
• We are new, so we don't yet know what's available
• We attend LVX in Encinitas and would LOVE to see something similar in Carlsbad.
• We could use a lot less kitsch like the roundabout sculpture on the Oceanside
Carlsbad border and more money spent with giving schools and other
community members access to the therapeutic experience of creating art
through classes and demonstrations of painting, sculpture etc.
• We enjoy and would enjoy more family friendly events!
• We love the concerts in the park and the arts and crafts
• We should honor different ethnicities' cultures by organizing informational,
interactive, and fun events dedicated to those of specific cultural heritage such
as Asian/Pacific Islanders.
• We would love to have a Landmark type theatre, something where you can see
foreign films in foreign languages and other non-mainstream films. The other
thing what would be great to have and would help the inhabitants to get to
know each other, is to have public dance balls. Perhaps three times per year
(spring, summer, fall) in a nice decorated ball room, with a Big Band that plays
music for Ball Room Dancing (walz, rhumba, samba, cha cha cha, etc.), with
formal dress code, perhaps also with dinner, and affordable.
• Weblike the family events that everyone in the family can enjoy together
• what ever happened to putting out a piano near the train station?
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 246 of 292
• With the likely loss of the Village Theatre, Carlsbad will be the least friendly city
for musical theatre performances. It would be nice to not have to drive to San
Diego, Vista, Oceanside, or Fallbrook to enjoy a venue larger than New Village
Arts performances. I also like the idea of an area dedicated to art, similar to that
of the Hayes Valley area in San Francisco. That neighborhood started slowly and
on a small scale and has since developed into one of the hottest areas in SF.
• Woodworking/craft/artist lab where you can pay an hourly fee to work on your
projects
• Would enjoy more int'l themed arts, music and dance festivals- cultural
immersion . How about an Argentinian inspired festival -music, wines, art and
dance! I have a local Argentinian contact who can make this happen! Would be
a fantastic interactive event! Contact her : Shari Geffen 310 480-3402. She has
the contacts and concept.
• Would like to see acting lessons for all
• Would like to see Carlsbad more integrated with the county at large, even the
state with collaborations.
• Would like to see continued support for arts in the schools through the City of
Carlsbad grants to arts education
• Would like to see different cultures represented through various art media, craft
and music. Can different ethnic cultures be explored to educate the coomunity?
• Would like to see more fine art galleries.
• Would love more children art/ music programs
• Would love to see more in the way of supporting music via open mic nights, and
also making it possible for places in the village to host music. There are so many
places such as coffee shops, wine bars, etc where acoustic music acts could play,
but strict cabaret licensing makes it very difficult for local musicians to play in
these places
• You need to market Carlsbad as an art destination and really support once a
month evening art walks
• Youth theater
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 247 of 292
Quality of Life
• All
• already more than gearded to business 1st & only!
• An Adaption of the Hearing Symbol for those with Mild to Severe Hearing Loss
that is wearable, user friendly, and stigma removal
• Art can be found in all of aspects of the above.
• Business should help fund art & culture not the other way around.
• Carlsbad offers little in the way of elementary music education, which is a shame
because musical interest starts so young, and budding musicians are not
developed to feed into middle school musical programs. Not everyone in
Carlsbad is able to provide their children private music instruction.
• Carlsbad Unified is not funding elementary music. Why??? It's a win-win for
diversity, ethnicity, community, public relations.
• Check out communities like Laguna and Carmel, and Sun Valley,Idaho. They all
somehow make it happen!
• city branding and describing who we are through art
• everything is and can be intertwined....music can get kids up and moving and
away from their damned electronic devices; (as evidenced by how much fun they
seem to have on friday nights in the summer)....but that can also continue
through the school year....kids programs could be taken to senior centers; senior
programs could be taken to the school system and to businesses, etc etc etc...
• Health an wellness: Square dance and folk dance lessons and activities in parks
or at street fairs or at libraries.
• History - people have lived around Agua Hedionda lagoon for 10,000 years They
are largely forgotten here..
• I would prefer a narrow relationship between gov't and promotion of arts.
• Interesting and fun ways of learning about different cultures
• It all depends on how it's defined and what citizens will lose in order to support
any future plan. Will we have to trade neighborhood parks to meet the cultural
needs of the community? Before I can answer these questions, I'd need to know
what I have to give up in order to improve the city's arts and cultural offerings. If
someone believes in the importance of arts and culture, then all of the links
should be to agree. They're all interchangeable in a well run city.
• It's important to be civic minded and teach there children we need to give back
to enhance our life as a community. But i do think parents need to nurture their
children in schooling and care. Less focus on their dogs and cats!
• limit constructions sounds and leaf blowers to five hours a day so that citizens
can hear natural sounds of environment like birds and waves.
• Local artists
• Other.cultures
• our Carlsbad Elementary schools are lacking an arts education supported by the
school district, this is very sad for our youth.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 248 of 292
• Our latino heritage, and native heritage.
• Para que la humanidad entienda que el arte es una forma de encontrar
harmonia y entendimiento entre las razas, y el planeta en fin EL MUNDO
ENTERO.
• Performing Arts of all types
• Please less street fairs that bring too many folks from far away communities.
Intimate small gatherings are a more powerful way to inspire the community.
• RE: Environmental activities - Focus on maintaining current and delegating new
green spaces in Carlsbad. Highlight the need for preserving those spaces and not
developing them. Let's not have any more Agua Hedionda Lagoon debacles. We
have a unique gift of greenbelts within Carlsbad that contributes to the culture
of our community.
• Resist corporate marketing at all cost
• Seems to be a good link now, except that culture is being ruined by large
buildings in the Village.
• Support equally all Carlsbad and San Marcos school programs for schools that
reside in the city of Carlsbad
• Transportation; Train Stations
• Yoga should be offered at the Dove for free, like in Ecinitas.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 249 of 292
Daily Life
• $$$
• 1- encourage more art galleries-in the village-stop already with the liquor -we
have ENOUGH BARS!! 2-Have small weekly art festivals on the coast and on
state street. or add to the small few that are on 101 on the weekends. 3-
encourage more artists to the village on weekends. one week end have
landscape artist, another weekend ocean artists, one weekend oil, another
watercolor..... at least 2 times a month offer some exposure for the artists!! one
week end paintings another things that are made.
• A diversity of offerings produced and promoted consistently would be great.
TGIF is a great example of consistent free music during the summer. What about
dance, visual art, theatre, etc.?
• A museum, bigger theater, art center
• A music/theater venue.
• A Performing Arts Center, with gallery in a separate area. I do NOT think we
should spend money on statues.
• Active Arts
• Again, I think it's about people knowing what is available.
• Allow residents to participate freely!
• Already mentioned plein air events. Check out Plein Air Magazine or Southwest
Art magazine to see what's happening in an important niche of the visual art
world. Also, have a city or chamber supported art gallery right in the village( like
in the old train depot) for nationally recognized artists to exhibit.
• An arts center where courses could be offered, etc
• an offering of arts classes for all at an affordable rate for all or even free
• Annual recurring Festivals at set times of the year
• are there any traveling art exhibits that can be placed in banks or popular spots
like coffee shops?
• Art & cutural events should be hosted at various sites; such as in parks and trails,
at lagoons, outdoor venues spread throughout the City. Combine education,
nature, arts and culture whenever posssible.
• art at the lagoon,
• Art classes geared for different age groups, from toddlers to octagenarians. Do
more on the various holidays keeping within the dedicated day, e.g. Vets, MLK,
Labor, Columbus, allowing some education on why we celebrate these days.
Fireworks on July 4th would be nice!
• art displayed in streets
• Art education in schools
• Art history lectures/films
• Art in public places
• Art opportunities at safety centers, seasonal themes contests for kids
• Art shows/Exhibits, more art @ farmers markets, sidewalk exhibits, street fairs
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 250 of 292
• Art walks, Barrio fiestas, poetry readings, plays in the park, concerts in the park,
historic/info about avo farmers (bring back avo days)
• beach clean ups
• Build an amphitheater for outdoor shows
• Bus trips to museums, exhibits, plays out of our area. Cultural exchange trips to
other countries. The chamber of com did trip to china i believe that was very
popular. Naturalist led hikes to enhance appreciation of plants and animals.
Artist loft zone in village or other areas.
• Businesses could partner with arts groups to support exhibits, performances,
with City grant assistance - for Civic engagement, education and environment
awareness
• By having a school bond to raise funds to foster and nourish art and culture in
our Carlsbad Schools. We need full time ART, PE, and MUSIC teachers.
• Children's theater that isn't so expensive to be part of - $250??? And families
have to pay for tickets and costumes. Becomes $500 for kids to be involved.
• Childrens' Choir, build character from youth. commitment, team production but
besides just sports
• City could partner with the schools because the school budget for art and the
access to art for school kids is very limited and varies from year to year
depending on having motivated staff at the schools. Incorporate art into the
community gardens; have contests for local artists. Use the green area at the
Frazee beach as a summer music location on Sunday afternoons with different
types of music (jazz, string quartet, etc)
• COAL Gallery
• Collaboration with the many arts in school; drama , music, visual and
performance. Perhaps a festival along the lines of the music festival held in
August.
• Concerts in the park during the summer are nice. How about some music during
the rest of the year in doors?
• Continue to support arts education activities for young people in Carlsbad so
they can experience the arts as a part of their daily life
• Dance , food, music
• Demos of various media in art. Showing unusual techniques.
• Depends on the term "support" because cost of items/activities is a big part.
Hard to pay big $$ for a community activity when SD county is so active in world
events.
• Described in question 1, and focus on bringing generations together. Even
having seasoned artists in their field mentor young. Also show examples of
simple projects to elaborate demonstrating the scale of projects. Show
successful people in other careers who continue exploring the arts as part of
their regular lives, showing a balance and enriched lifestyles. Focus on the value
of art, nature, and other medias to mental health.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 251 of 292
• Different locations where artists can display their work.
• Elementary schools need full-time music teachers K-5. Band, orchestra,
choral....Jefferson and Hope are funded by parents. Other 7 school have none of
those. Why??
• Eliminate useless metal sculptures at library on CBD. They do not enhance the
artistic environment.
• Encinitas puts out a weekly blast of what is happening with the arts and what is
available to the community. I've gone to some great arts experiences there
because I got the information and most are minimal cost or are free.
• environmental activities in lagoons, natural habitats, environmental education
and arts/crafts for children
• Environmental awareness and social justice. Volunteer opportunities enhanced.
• environmental fairs/ family participation free
• Events that bring
• Expanding on the TGIF would be a great start.. It can be done at lower cost with
local players
• Exposure to arts and culture from SD Art Museum, the Old Globe, SD Opera
(other than lectures ), UCSD, San Diego State Fine Arts Program. Free or modest
cost classical concerts similar to those offered by Encinitas Library. Enjoyed once
in a while performances such as Richard Lederer at Cole Library this year.
• Exposure to different cultures, their music, their art and how they contribute to
enrich the community's life in general.
• family fun events (family art night)
• Farmer markets more in the bressi ranch area.
• Feature artwork from local artists in city buildings. Have more unique weekend
family events - we love ArtSplash! Partner with flowerfields, strawberry fields,
etc. for art & cultural activities. Have an art competition. How about doing
something with food as art?
• Fine art.
• First class fun. Interactive sculptures throughout town and trails
• Free art events for kids and seniors
• Free events at parks all year
• Friday music on State Street could be at the Fountain or behind Geocollettis
music store so passers by could sit and enjoy the performance.
• gatherings that are more inviting to 25-40 year olds
• get support from businesses in exchange for promotion
• Good food
• Grants to support artists who create artwork for specific organizations within
Carlsbad.
• Have an Art Fair similar to the Wednesday Street Fair in the Village. Have an day
long Art fair/festival in the Village to include local works of Art, dance and music
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 252 of 292
performances, comedic or dramatic Plays, Spoken word or live music
performances, etc.
• historic markers, maps of public art
• How much are you working with the school district, the senior center, and
athletic events?
• I have been part of the art wall with the kids from the Boys & Girls Club. I love
the lessons we teach about the difference between urban art and litter -
meaning tagging etc. they have learned they can have an artistic outlet without
having to break the law. Once they were part of that wall it gave them
something to be a part of in the community that is ongoing. It has been really fun
to watch.
• I have trouble with the word "theme". Are you using it as a noun or a verb. If art
and culture are an everyday component of life then it is a "cornerstone" or a
"root". Carlsbad already has art institutions and programs and events they just
need to be supported and grown and to have the people and a place to do it.
• I miss the Barrio Festival that used to be held. It offered a wide range of diverse
cultural art, food and entertainment close to our downtown.
• I see activities for all types of people; kids, adults, older people. Maybe we could
offer something for students? Maybe the city could interact more with middle
schools and high school. Maybe offer some after school art activities or help the
school clubs!
• I was just in Coronado and they had a cool project where pianos were in the city.
Anyone could sit and play.
• I would appreciate for the city to support the "Carlsbad Art Wall developed by
Snyder Art"; If you go to Global Street Art and other similar FB pages showing
what is being done all over the world, you could see this type of support
transforming communities everywhere.
• I would like to see arts events at venues such as shopping centers or other
venues that the citizens frequent on a daily basis.
• I would love to see more paid opportunities for local musicians and artists in
Carlsbad and more outreach and coordination towards that goal.
• I would love to see the City of Carlsbad support an Arts Lounge with facilities for
local fine artists to work or display their work, and local musicians to present
their music.
• I'd like to see more environmental activities
• I'd like to see more theater, more music ( the TGIF concerts are just too big and
hard to get to) in smaller venues, more painting demonstrations and gallery
exhibitions.
• I'd like to start at the elementary school level. Finally the students have art in
their weekly curriculum, but there was no association between the art and
culture of the community. They didn't take field trips to places where art is
displayed throughout the community. The curriculum doesn't reference
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 253 of 292
Carlsbad's cultural heritage and how it's represented in the art throughout the
city. There's little connection to The Village for students who grow up in other
areas of Carlsbad.
• I'd love to see more cultivation of live music in the bars and restaurants in town.
We used to have a more vibrant music scene and there seem to be fewer and
fewer places to enjoy music in Carlsbad. I'm aware of the Carlsbad Music
Festival, but I barely recognize the names of the performers. We have a world
class blues musician in town, Nathan James, who tours the world and isn't
performing at the festival. We have musicians who have been playing in Carlsbad
for the last two decades who are never considered. The summer park concerts
seem to be the cheesiest old folks bands possible...and I'm 56.
• I'd love to see some cookoffs maybe held at the farmers market. Possibly an
event related to Carlsbad's history. Maybe some environmental education
geared toward kids to be held at the beach or parks. I'd love to see a tour of
the architecture of Carlsbad or the gardens. I'd love to see us use the airport for
events since we have the parking there. Possibly an educational event for kids
there or even tie in something with our local military that we are proud of.
• I'd love to see the City and CUSD work together to promote the arts by
celebrating what the students do in the schools (art shows, concerts....) and
bring them into the city.
• If you have art walks, include Latin art vendors. Keep State street looking like
1930's speakeasy village look and the Barrio more like an old town Latin feel.
• Improvement to access and physical attributes of existing venues (inside and
out) such as New Village Arts in Carlsbad Village. The art and education that
they offer is first class but people stay in their neighborhoods and it seems like
we don't see all of Carlsbad having access or being aware of what they offer in
terms of theatre, visual arts, education, diversity and community outreach.
• In appropriate places...a mural (which artists could enter contest w/ replica of
what the mural would look like. Also, maybe more "music/art in the park or
square" in diff. areas free to public.
• In art achievements a child or adult can boost ones self esteem-an outlet for
creative exression they didnt know they had. For seniors the arts can conteract
depression, loneliness and isolation by being around like minded people. Its
therapy. They can become active participants in the art community. Enlarged
arts programs-classes, crafts. Many office buildings are empty these days, but
artists don't require fancy surroundings. In the past Girl and Boy Scouts provided
many of these activities.
• Incorporate sporting events--Carlsbad 5000, Carlsbad Marathon, etc.--with music
and art. Sort of like Encinitas Bro-Am
• increase opportunities for local artists to build audiences in music; paintin
murals; producing plays; instruct different styles of dance...
• Integrate art into all aspects of the community
• interactive programs, please remember that not everyone has children
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 254 of 292
• It would be good to have facilities to accommodate music and lectures. The city
will have 200K people before long. Where will such activities take place.
• Jazz in the park, to be extended
• Let the residents contribute to an Art Wall, similar to the Wyland's Whaling Wall.
• Let's tie art programs to the importance of our ocean and ocean conservation.
• Many small art galleries throughout the Carlsbad area would increase the
visibility of our fine artists. I have a problem with so many jewelry artists
competing for space among the fine artists' exhibits.
• Más énfasis en el Barrio de Carlsbad, su historia, cultura, música, gastronomía
etc. Participación de los concejales de la ciudad en los eventos.
• Mas espacios para exposiciones, mas oportunidades para vender. Porque hay
artistas que vivimos totalmente de ARTE, estamos trabajando solo en eso. Y no
hay mucho espacios para exponer donde el artista encuentre un poco de
oportunidades para vender.
• Meet and greets with City Council Inform people on how to run for office in
Carlsbad
• Meet and greets with council members Teach people how to run for office in
Carlsbad
• More "open gallery" type events for kids where they can create art - even if it's
temporary. Talk to Synder he's great at this!
• More art classes available
• More art classes for kids
• More art classes for kids
• More art classes or groups like for example oil painting. More singing
groups/choirs of different varieties, like gospel, jazz or different cultures,
international.
• More arts activities through your Senior Center on weekends and evenings.
• More arts/culture events in the Village, much more public art embedded in new
projects, add mosaic art to the sea walls, continue and increase support for the
Music Festival and New Village Arts Theatre, allow businesses in the Village more
leeway for artistic design. There definitely needs to be a City-sponsored
gathering place in the Village. Choice has been a small-scale model for that, but
it is being replaced by a non Village friendly project!
• More biking/hiking trails specific to ONLY that-and to incorporate local
art/sculpture on those trails
• More children's art activities.
• More classes for seniors, specifically sculpture jewelry making.
• more community classes geared at art/theater
• More emphasis on keeping beaches clean. Keeping the city clean. It's good now
but maybe trying to ban straws even. It sounds dumb but I've heard of business
doing this in a polite way.
• More events to promote personal expression.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 255 of 292
• More family art classes, not just at Dove but closer to us at Cole, and not just
from 10-2 on Saturday when we have kids soccer games!
• more free art sculpture classes
• more free music
• More free, outdoor, live music in downtown would be a tremendous asset. Also,
the encouragement and support for additional art murals on buildings is an
attractive element.
• More frequent events throughout the City.
• More grants offered to artist to produce community art
• More grass and open space in the village with gathering places for small cultural
events.
• more hands on art for local school children
• More live music
• More mixed mediums Art, Film & Food. Make sure to keep it organic, healthy &
interactive. At the recent Art event 8/13 there was too much low end retail and
no child art opportunity. In the upcoming such events please consider having
little art stations where everyone could participate, in painting, sculpting etc.....
Also, ballot public art giving Carlsbad residents the right on voting for art placed
in public view. Give local artists the opportunity to offer the art considered for
public arts placement.
• More murals around the city, not just downtown.
• More music venues in various areas around the city More variety in the types
of arts and music offered More theatre venues More offerings in the
Schulman Auditorium
• More park for kids
• More public art. It can be small and numerous. As long as it isn't overly
manufactured. Also less large scale ultra modern where u can't deciffer what it is
at all without a huge explanation from the artist. More classic narrative art.
• more street fairs with art & music
• More street sculpture like in downtown vista
• Movies in the park
• Mud run races; carnivals
• Music at decentralized venues throughout the city. Local art demonstrations by
residents
• Music Workshops
• No idea.
• Not sure at this time
• Not sure at this time.
• Obras de teatro, musicales, presentaciones especiales para niños y adultos,
conciertos, etc
• Offer City sponsored art shows & competitions.
• Offer more workshops for adults and children.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 256 of 292
• Partner with oceanside Museum of Art. Get in touch with summergrass blue
• partnering local art talent with local businesses
• Please see previous page.
• Plenty of opportunity for single artists to exhibit more than just one or two of
their works at a time - to give viewers more opportunity to see the scope of
one's work.
• Private/ public collaboration to bring more art to retail buildings
• Professional level work. New Village is as close as the city comes to it and it is still
a far cry. High caliber artists would come to north county if the city were
welcoming.
• Promote art classes to the locals inns and hotels for tourists
• Provide more visual art exhibitions and opportunities. Continue to support the
Carlsbad music festival. Consider a dance festival. Support the New Village arts
theater.
• Public art installations. Utilize all of our parks for musical performances, summer
plays, art exhibits. Parking can be a real problem in Carlsbad Village, establishing
a shuttle service for access to Carlsbad Village could help.
• Public art, sculptures. Involve museums and theatre for weekend events in
public places.
• Public theatre. Classical music
• Rentable public workshops where you can make your own projects. Areas
where people can display their art work for a short period for free. This way we
give equal access to all tastes and we do not pay 1000's of dollars to "artists" just
to be stuck forever with the type of horrible junk that has been imposed on us.
• Rock concerts
• same as #1. events more frequent and 'noticed' at libraries during the day &
early evenings. more publicity.
• Saturday art in the park
• sculpture in public areas mosaics in pavements artistic and unique signage on
streetsigns
• See my earlier answer. We go to Miracosta College to see plays and listen to
music. It would great if Carlsbad could support similar offerings, even though the
city doesn't have comparable facilities.
• see other comment
• Senior activities
• Serenade public with Classical musicians playing at sunset on the green near the
Offshore Surf Shop. (near Carlsbad Village Drive end of beach with Carlsbad
walkway) Taps would be good too, one night. Bagpipes would be soul full also.
• Show of local artists.
• Showcase local artists more frequently. Celebrate diversity through art and
music (Laguna Arts Festival, Sawdust Festival type venues).
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 257 of 292
Incorporate/showcase the art of students within the local school system in a
more public setting.
• Sponsored regular event where everyone can bring their guitar or ukulele, etc.
and play and sing together.
• Spotlight local artist of theme artwalks
• Stop wasting our money on these ugly public art exhibits
• Support and relationship with Carlsbad school music programs.
• Support multi-ethnic celebration events. Celebration of Carlsbad's diverse
demographics.
• Support the galleries. Bring in more galleries. Advertise the art.
• Support the local artists.
• The Carlsbad school district needs to step up and commit to ensuring that the
arts are an integral part of education. This means committing to giving teachers
in the arts the same contracts and benefits as all other teachers, as well as
elevating visual arts, music, and drama to the same academic importance as all
other subjects
• the city employee art show
• The Language of Speaking to a Hearing Impaired Person for inclusion, adoption
of the Deaf Culture and creation of the Hear-rific Culture with adoptive art forms
and an event in March to raise the awareness for Hearing Health.
• The power plant needs to be painted like a light house and a sea mural on the
rest of the ugly building to make it blend in with the ocean and businesses~~~~
• The schools should be offering more music and art classes . Designated classes at
least once a week with teachers certified in this area.
• Theater, outdoor or indoor with plays
• There needs to be activities around dance.
• Transportation hubs- Bus station, train X-ings, train stations, and beach access
points.
• Turn the stack into Art it's part of Carlsbad
• Utilize Nashville, TN as your templete
• weekend activities with civic engagement
• Would like Carlsbad to underwrite an Arts Center
• Would love to see Carlsbad convening all the arts and culture city leaders in the
county and see the political leaders of the community openly attending and
supporting arts events
• Would love to see more art done by our local artist. Also more on our City's
History and families.
• youth art involved with senior members of community
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 258 of 292
Youth Education
• Access to art and culture is limited in the public educational system.
• As a parent of 2 teen that have come up through the Encinitas Union and then
San Dieguito district I have seen first hand that there is NO public arts education
in elementary school unless parents provide it, and arts education is severly
underfunded in middle and high schools. Parents of students who participate
are expected to bear the financial burden.
• As a San Diego Opera volunteer, I think the city could do more to support the
opera within our area.
• Carlsbad does not equally support elementary schools that are in the City but
part of the San Marcos School district and should not just support elementary
schools that are part of the Carlsbad School District
• Carlsbad Oceanside Art Gallery has programs for both elementary and high
school students.
• Churches??? they offer brainwashing ... not culture or art!
• DNK
• Don't have statistic to qualify this answer
• Don't know
• Don't know enough to really say
• En las pocas eswcuelas que conozco he visto muy poco interes en mas horas de
arte para sus alumnos. Debe haber mas tiempo para que los alumnos expresen
sus sentimientos por medio de ARTE, musica, danza, pintura , escultura, Tejido
etc.
• For expression art is great but not for educational goal.
• Have lost contact with what visual arts opportunities exist for students in our
schools. I do know in Laguna all 4th grade students get the opportunity to take a
field trip out on location and paint with professional LAPAPA artists.
• Hearing Loss Association of America
• I am not privy to this information to answer ti.
• I do not believe that Carlsbad does enough to encourage and promote equal
opportunities for all children to be involved in the arts
• I do not know specifically, but I did not see the schools provide outstanding
things.
• I don't have kids at CUSD so I can comment. Pilgrim church partners with artists
to put on amazing concerts. I have seen pop up corner concerts in the village,
more please.
• I have a 13 and a 15 year old. Hope elementary had to pay for a music teacher
out of the PTA money. Art is barely a subject, and studies have always proven
that music and art education helps improve math and other core subjects. We
need to bring back more arts education in the Carlsbad public schools.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 259 of 292
• I wish the classes and camps were offered to Carlsbad residents first. At a larger
discount. Then empty spaces could be offered for outside communities at a
higher price.
• I'm extremely dissapointed in the lack of art education within the elementary
schools.
• I'm just not that well-versed on what is out there, even though I get the usual
literature mailed to residents.
• If you can afford all of the opportunities then I would agree. But to even play in
the high school band or sing in the choir the financial responsibility is very
expensive. No one should be turned away from participating in the arts and
CUSD turns kids off and away.
• In today's educational climate of placing the most importance on test scores, the
arts (which are not tested) have been de-valued as a component of a well-
rounded education. FREE arts access is vital to allow young people to create and
express themselves.
• Keep offering early music education ......Music makes the World go round ??
• Most elementary schools do not have art & music teachers.
• most elementary schools do not have art or music teachers. the arts are very
important to develop the whole child.
• My neutral votes are because I am not aware of those programs.
• Need more information. Just would like to see growth.
• No current knowledge to provide meaningful answers.
• no insight; no kids
• Not sure
• not sure of all of the offerings and therefore cannot comment
• open up art studios!! oil painting classes, watercolor, jewelry making,
printing...etc... get the colleges or such to have outdoor classes! or use one of
the open store fronts on state street or done at state and laguna or in the village
faire and use it as a community art gathering place!
• Our public schools are doing a injustice to our children by not providing arts
opportunities by qualified teachers. Sure our middle and high school programs
are really good but mostly because these are kids from families that can afford
private instruction. There is talent and interest from most children but
unfortunately many don't get the chance or exposure that the need and deserve.
• Since schools have reduced ARTS in general, communities need to step up to
provide alternative creative sites for our youth.
• So much of the answers to these questions depend on where you live in
Carlsbad. Perhaps it's available through a church, but unless I attend that
church, how do I know? There isn't a "no opinion" or "not sure" option.
• St. Patricks Church offered Godspell musical last summer, which was well
received. St. Elizabeth Seton offers Mainly Mozart and other concerts through
the year. CHS does well with dance and music. Valley has a great art teacher and
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 260 of 292
vocal ensemble. Elementary schools like Kelly used PTA donations to fund arts
and basic music programs when my kids attended but could have used better
vocal instruction in the mid-1990's to early 2000's. Independent school (Pacific
Ridge) is offering exceptional arts programs to it's community.
• The city should subsidize arts and culture for residents and visiyors of all ages to
have individual art n culture and group activities.
• The issue is threats of cuts every year.
• Too much emphasis on sports and high performance activities.
• We need more Art programs in different kinds of art~~~
• We need to see an increase in the access to arts and cultural education in all
these areas.
• You can never have too many opportunities to create.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 261 of 292
Adult Education
• "Adequate Access"? Not really. Certainly not at a daily level.
• again not sure of all of the offerings
• Arts classes are available if you have the money to pay for them.
• Community colleges have dismantled their arts offerings for adults participating
in their choirs, orchestras, theater activities.
• ditto above, no statistics
• I don't know enough to answer this question
• I feel like more options are provided for the younger and older sets and leave
out the in-betweeners (30 - 55 year olds)
• It seems art programs are targeted for young children or seniors. Most adult art
offerings are at the senior center, which may not appeal to other groups.
Libraries are a neutral setting for everyone and can be utilized more often.
• It seems Encinitas & County Lib does much more
• Keep pushing what you offer, and adding to it. I'd like to see more offerings held
at the Pine Center.
• make the village an art center! leave the wine and booze to the gaslamp district.
• Mas oportunidades para adulto mayor, mas dedicacion y centros educativos,
• Mira Costa classes allow some to sign up again and again excluding many who
wish to learn.
• need some affordable opportunities for education
• Not up-to-date on these, however I'm sure there are needs overall to enhance &
expand these outlets.
• Same as above.
• Same as above. Like I mentioned now learning.
• Same response as above.
• Some of the classes at the senior center are quite expensive!!
• Somewhat.....there is a lot going on but it is all in such factions that many do not
know what is going on .
• The COAL Gallery has programs worthy of attention.
• The Libraries definitely provides a lot.
• The library is doing a good job and should continue to be fully supported.
• There are adequate education opportunities for adults in the broader area, but
not a ton in Carlsbad.
• there are infrequent publications that come in the mail (I think....?)
• There are quite a few opportunities avaliable but they are repetitive. I wish
there was more diversity in the selection.
• There should be more activities at the Dove for Seniors.
• We could have free city or resident staffed events at all our rec centers, where
oeoole.of all ages are welcome to participate.
• We need more access to things like pottery and glass blowing~~~
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 262 of 292
• We need more access.
• We need more Latin art and culture in Barrio Carlsbad.
• Would like to see more Visual Art opportunities within the Community.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 263 of 292
Learning Opportunities - General
• ??
• A really lively music education program for children and adults - with scheduled
performances.
• additional foreign language courses (Italian, Spanish, etc.) and cooking courses
(vegetarian, healthy cooking, etc.)
• Adult seminars Adult education Adult art activities
• ALL young people in Carlsbad should be exposed to visual art, music, theater and
dance in order to give them a chance to become lifelong arts creators and those
who experience the art of others.
• Already answered.
• An art center.. or create a collaboration with the Oceanside Museum of Art... it
seems Carlsbad doesn't have it's own museum... Make it available for all people
of any income.
• Art appreciation/hands on art classes for adults and children
• Art camps outside, art museums, science museums, bands in the day on
weekends to bring community spirit together -> 70's, 80's, 90's, and 00's rock,
disco, top 40 music recently
• Art classes in school weekly, art contests
• Arts education should start at day one of a child's educational experience. The
arts should be just as important as math, reading and science, etc. Our local
public school district is not providing this for our children. They depend on
foundations and other organizations to fund the arts while not putting a penny
towards arts education in the elementary schools where it all starts. I would love
to see the City demand more from our public school district and maybe educate
our administrators and school board on the importance of Arts for all from the
beginning of a child's education. SO IMPORTANT!
• As a patron of the arts in Carlsbad, I appreciate that our City provides grants to
bring creative and cultural events to the area. I wish our City Council would grow
the amount they spent on this because it has successfully fostered a feeling of
creativity and vibrance in the city that I really appreciate. I'm referring to the
Community Arts grant.
• Bring artists to the schools; bring students to the artists and their studios.
• Bring back Artsplash, perhaps by paying a full-time head for it and not relying on
a volunteer.
• Bring existing programs through arts organizations and non-profits out of the
neighborhoods and across all of Carlsbad.
• Bring people in from diverse culture to embrace art & dance
• Build on some of the things that are already going on, team up with NAMM (who
has tons going on), join together with other arts groups and put out a joint eblast
weekly, marketing is key. Find out why our schools aren't supporting the arts in
the Elementary schools and promote the arts with the local school leaders.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 264 of 292
Feature articles on arts things that are already existing but only the people
participating know about them. Does arts office have social media, etc.? Im
pretty involved and I'm not aware of any. More free or low cost kids
opportunities.
• By hosting special days for specific art workshops
• Carlsbad visitors center more info & exposure to arts in the Area
• City art gallery and maybe some competitions for the youth of the city.
• city of library
• classical and jazz music
• Community Arts Center
• community theater for adults
• Continue as is.
• Continue to expand and fill in the gap in public education for increasing arts and
culture in the curriculum and after school programs.
• Continue to offer art at parts like Leo Corrilla at all Carlsbad Community parks
and Farmers Markets
• cooking competition
• Coordinate with GIA museum oppotunities
• Culture learning.... bring back, encourage and support the Barrio Festival....
please!
• Cuts are always made to the arts programs when tightening the budget. Less
money spend on number of maintenance personnel-constant attention to
grooming and amount of workers needed to do this. And many other depts too!
• Encouragement and funding opportunities to existing art organizations (such as
COAL, etc.).
• Engaging seniors at Dove.
• Enrich city schools and parks with arts and music programs
• Evening art classes for working adults. I'd love to take a pottery class again -
could potters wheels be provided? Could you partner with the high school?
• Expand school choices
• Expand the already awesome library events and activities.
• Fine art workshops. COAL Gallery provides an excellent workshop such as this
once a month that is free to the public.
• Fine arts classes that are offered above the beginner level. Perhaps workshops
that offer a specific skill and are held over the weekend. More, perhaps daily in
the summer, outdoor concerts featuring local musicians playing in smaller
venues, like the bandstand in Carlsbad Village. I would also like to see
scholarships/support established for high school age musicians who have
excelled to the point where they are accepted into honor bands like the
California All State Orchestra, Band or Jazz Band. Carlsbad youth have been
accepted into these honor groups and 100% of the financial burden of traveling
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 265 of 292
and participation is on the parents. These amazing young musicians would most
likely be more than happy to perform for the community...
• Free events for kids. Market what you've got.
• free field trips to the Museum of Making Music
• free or low cost art instruction for all ages
• Fundraiser- arts, crafts, bake sales, music
• garden art. Went on C'Bad sponsored city hike & coerced to go thru A
TIMESHARE SALES kiosk TENT!!! W R O N G! True, it happened 2016
• Glasswork, sculpture, fabric and fiber, optics, just for example
• Grants and funding through the public school
• Have a Fun Ear Plug Day to Raise to Awareness of Hearing. Have Programs for
Adults to Learn Communication Skills with Hearing Loss Have Programs for
Youth to Learn the Value of Hearing with Audiology Participation
• Have a supervised mural event where all interested residents can add a touch to
a city mural, feel a little ownership in the end result.
• Hold art competitions and do trainings at Art events, then show competition
results at mixed medium events ie. little johnny won 2nd place then he and his
family come to the event.
• Homeschool
• Host programs with hands-on art Yoga Mexican dancing and history in Carlsbad
• How about a how to grow fruits and vegetables in containers, hydroponics, a
flower festival or other earth type seminar throughout the year rather than at
strawberry picking or flower fields blooming time. Or possibly a planned
nature walk/hike where people get together as a group to enjoy a walk together
through our trails. Even a things to do event for disabled. Even if it's a flyer
highlighting handicap access to the city's events and landmarks. I'd like to see a
taste of Carlsbad done where the Farmers Market is. Let us sample all the
variety we have in our city. Maybe another at the airport for the restaurants in
that area. I think it would be fun and still trendy to have a food truck festival.
PS - I love all the art murals that we have introduced to the city.
• I don't hear anything about classes, ever. Offerings in the evening so 9 to 5
workers can participate would be great!
• I have to say as an artist and long time resident of Carlsbad that the city has
come a long way as far as opportunities for public participation in cultural
activities. The weak link continues to be the lack of an ongoing art/cultural
education in grade school through high school. This has more to do with the
State of California than the city but by continuing to support and grow basic art
and music programs in the schools that is a contribution the city can commit to.
• I love the art scavenger hunts Brain Snyder does. He does not do as many as he
used to. The Christmas deecoration one he did was my favorite. Getting together
and making ornaments with the community members was really fun. At the time
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 266 of 292
out family was somewhat new to the area and it immediately connected us to
neighbors and friends that we have now had for years.
• I think that much of it is already here but perhaps a PR campaign might make
what's here more widely known. Again a citywide logo/identity incorporating
the unique floral heritage, ocean setting and abundant arts could be useful
• I think we need to focus on arts and social justice.
• I would like more outdoor classical events. Concerts like Jazz in the Park are fine,
but why not sponsor smaller events focused on classical music. The objective
being to bring this type of music to an audience that would not attend an indoor
concert. Sponsoring groups, perhaps youth, to play at existing art and other
events happening around the city might work. Popular music is everywhere,
classical not so much.
• I would like to see a centralized arts calendar where all events can be added, not
just City-sponsored events.
• I would like to see public spaces dedicated to ongoing visual arts exploration.
• I would love to have an arts center in Old Carlsbad, a place where you can go to
take classes, and where you can see projects in progress to get an idea of what
you want to try. Also, offer evening one-time workshops in art forms so people
can try new things. It would be great to have a world culture every month and
have several opportunities to try their art forms, not just at Dove but at other
locations. And not just on Saturday when kids are all in soccer!
• I'd like to see a larger connection between business and education. There are so
many kids, I think opportunities are limited.
• I've already mentioned several.
• In the shopping districts or beach areas, hold art classes for the public that would
enhance our beachy community. Teach recycle activities, gardening in small
spaces, and promoting goid health with small clinic days to remind people about
prevention and excercise in our touristy community.
• Int'l themed events with exposure to new art, food, dance- products -cultures!
• Invite more small business artists to open up
• It.might be fun and educational.to habe a series of programs where people bring
food from one country, like italy, share a cultutal.slideshow or movie and are
able to practice.basic phrases in that language. This could be followed by a trip.
Mexico is close at hand and inexpensive to travel.to.
• Just spend some money and create programs and publicize what we have.
• love the arts and crafts for the kids
• love the drop-in events hat dont require long commitments
• Lower prices on art projects like Beginning to Draw.
• make a bandshell area near the fountain and have frequent activities there. i
would focus on the village area.
• Make Barrio like "vintage Latin Old Town" smaller business/art/culture locations
follow theme. Make Village 1930's feel with smaller business that follow theme.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 267 of 292
There is no culture or theme to Carlsbad other than tourist trap and nothing for
locals that show history or theme/culture of Carlsbad.
• Make it easier for restaurants and bars to get their live music permits. In fact,
encourage it on a local level rather than making it harder and expensive for
potential venues to get their license.
• Make it easy for residents to organize
• Make sure that all programs are promoted centrally with one place to do to see
what is on offer.
• Más clases a bajo costo para personas mayores. Clases como escultura, baile
regional, conferencias en español, artesanías etc.
• Mas interes por ARTES TRADICIONALES.
• Monthly art days - especially in the summer when the kids are out of school.
Mural walks and mural creation can be almost free if supplies are donated and
time is volunteered.
• More art programs for children at school Music for children and families
• More bathrooms at the beaches. Paint art on them.
• More city collaboration with local corporations, businesses, and non-profits
• More classes offered through parks and recreation.
• More concerts in park
• more free community service opportunities for families
• more free music
• More grant money to arts organizations to offer specific programs for youth and
senior citizens. Or specific grants to those organizations for seniors and youth.
• More music in the village, like the Friday night live type. More foreign and
independent films Have some venues for the La Costa Film Festival in the village.
• More organic and eco friendly classes of events revolving around nature
• More partnering with other organizations
• More speakers and hands-on activities at the libraries. Walk-in summer
programs for kids with arts and crafts.
• More support of environmental organizations linked to arts organizations.
• music and art are important to all children
• Music education is lacking in the elementary schools
• music learning activities/education for kids
• Music lessons available in school/ after school
• n/a
• Night classes or weekend classes for art, cooking, City history, gardening.
• No idea.
• Not sure at this time
• Organize multicultural day with workshops, activities, arts craft music and dance.
• Osher classes are great. Please more art, music and history classes offered at
Senior center and Learning center. Send out flyer in water bills so a residents are
informed.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 268 of 292
• Osher or Life events at the senior center. Support for current and increasing
learning opportunities through the New Village Arts Theatre and Art Studios and
the Music Festival. Support for the Carlsbad Art Wall at Grubby's and its teen
workshops.
• Performing Arts Center to bring live theatre, music performances, arts such as
Cirque de Soleil, etc., possibly with art gallery attached.
• Please help Carlsbad elementary school students have greater access to arts and
culture
• Properly fund and re-instate Art Splash
• Refer to my comments on the previous page.
• rides to events from parking when lots are full
• Same as above in previous answer.
• Schools don't have time or money for arts. The city arts are run mainly through
park and rec programs that charge a fee. Providing visiting orchestra
performances at the cultural arts center for free, dance performances, ballet etc
is important to the community and to our children.
• See comments aforementioned.
• senior art projects
• Serious art learning for children of all ages. Also serious classes for adults.
• Set up a schedule of events and communicate in advance, such as the first
Thursday or second Tuesday etc. Combine art, culture, nature and education.
Maybe events that are linked for 2-4 sessions, or explore the same topic from
different perspectives such as art, culture, nature, education. Featured
speakers, current topical offerings such as foreign films, authors, different
municipal presentations such as the HMP. Spread the locations throughout the
City so it is convenient for all.
• Sports and athetics
• support of the flower fields, arts program
• Thankyou for asking for imput
• The city of Carlsbad does not do enough to build itself as a community that
reaches out to all of its members. The arts need to be accessible for all, just just
those people in higher incomes brackets.
• The city should engage more with the high school - programs after school, city as
part of curriculum (a more sophisticated version of what they get in 3rd grade -
it's barely remembered by high school!)
• The City's newsletter is good at this. Maybe a specific FB page? I don't have kids
and am finished with college so can't speak to that.
• The educational experiences available to youth are nothing more than creative
babysitting. They don't actually offer the student preprofessional opportunities.
There should be someplace for the serious student....who can handle discipline
and goal-setting
• The programs are offered but they are too expensive for many residents.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 269 of 292
• The senor center has several arts and cultural activities. Now that I'm a senior
that's great, but I never felt like I could go to them when I was younger.
• THEATER
• There are many artists who would like to be more involved w/ for example teens
at risk or autistic kids, to provide art as therapy & enhancement for them,
• This may take a bit of thought. Oceanside seems to have taken a good approach
• Use the coast and the Village to expand arts offerings with the residents and
visitors.
• water color group painting on beach. sponsor pop-up art exhibit in apartment
complex where several artists live.
• We go into San Diego and Vista to experience quality musical theater
productions. I would love to see quality productions here.
• We need the whole spectrum of arts from dance to theater to painting, sculpture
and music. I'd love to see the city undertake a comprehensive program that
would bring a higher quality of tourism than just the beach scene.
• We need to support CUSD by encouraging them to impliment elementary music
in the schools (full time teachers)
• We should have activities around dance
• We should of course paint the power plant and other buildings, We should have
a side walk chalk day at carlsbad ocean grassy knoll for grown ups and kids~~~
• weekly art offerings to learn how to create art
• Wish schools went to field trips on museum or other exhibits
• Year Round (versus summer focus)
• You would need to have a committee trusted to organize and manage activities
in a wide variety of cultural areas. The city needs to mature past the "beach
community" level.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 270 of 292
Physical Realm
• facilities, 2) programs in a variety of areas e.g., musical diversity - classical, jazz,
pop, etc. 3) traditional fine arts-sculpture, painting, et al
• A regular evening set aside in the Village for an Art Walk in conjunction with
Farmers Market and music.
• A story walk, where the pages of a storybook are posted along a trail, so kids get
outside in nature and read a story as they go. We could make it kind of a
scavenger hunt, by hiding the signs a little so they can find them.
• Again, I hesitate to say I agree because I don't want it to come at the expense of
already existing areas where art is present, or at the expense of already existing
parks and their parking lots. Too often a desire for one thing in the city is met
with losing something else in the city. It seems like either/or, not both. More
space needs to be public space for art, not existing space.
• Already mentioned several.
• an annual fiesta type event
• Apoyar a los artistas para dar clases en Escuelas, Bibliotecas, y Centros
culturales, recibiendo un pago el cual sera de gran ayuda para contnuar
trabajando con sus disciplinas artisticas.
• Art is everywhere colors everywhere~~~
• Art "improvement" is needed everywhere. We have a wonderful city, but our
world environment needs help...and the Arts can assist in making each individual
"happier", thus creating a "happier" overall environment.
• Art along the main arteries of the city and the freeways would help to brand the
city and be inviting for people to come and to stay in Carlsbad
• Art exhibits
• art in schools can be part of this activity.
• art infused thru nature instruction
• art related to the local history our trail system
• Artistic events that showcase newly graduated local students to give them
exposure.
• as before....maybe in banks.....????
• As long as there is a committee that can judge good aesthetics. I have seen some
awful overpowering tacky art in places. Not Carlsbad specifically.
• As.long as art is sustainably done, ie: its not pladtic bannets. No.more signage or
art is needed on our natural.lands. the planet exhibit does not belong at calavrra
lake, for instance.
• beaches?
• Before we "decorate with art" lets encourage our population to be artists,
musicians, dancers, etc. Then lets focus on the visual aspect of art. It too is vital
but participating and being exposes in my eyes is more important than admiring
another artists work.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 271 of 292
• bring the piece of scrap metal and pile of fake? rocks at the Carlsbad roundabout
on 101 to the junk yard and at least recover the cost of metal.
• Carlsbad does a pretty good job with landscaping, but very little with the actual
creativity of the visual landscape of the city. Nothing really interesting. Take
some chances. Lead the way.
• Clean up the Agua Hedionda Lagoon.
• contests for street art design and sponsor winner
• Continue adding art on buildings and streets. Bryan Snyder has likely done more
than any other individual to create and expand art in these areas. Continue
supporting and working with local artists such as him.
• Culture celebration through art, music and food.
• Day of the Dead Festival at Pine Park with Local Latin Vendors, food trucks, face
painting, cultural dances and music. Taste of Carlsbad/art walk with all
restaurants.
• Dedicate one week/month to one of the culture's representative of the origin of
people in our community.
• Do not allow builders to develop without an Architect!
• Don't just "add" arts/culture to events. Create events that are Art/Culture
centered...festivals, shows, marketplace, etc. at schools, libraries, parks, the
Village, etc.
• Don't scrub good street art on public spaces and know the difference between
street art and graffiti. Open up more space like Grubbies Art Wall. Relocate the
sculpture garden to a more accessible public space.
• Embrace the unique quaint cottages... create a historical society to keep the
individual homes in place.. No more tearing down to build trashatecture...
• Engage local artisit to create new signage around town, murals on buildings, and
in natural areas
• everything in italy is beautiful. even trashcans and graffiti
• Featured resident artists with sculptures and murals around town.
• Fix the crumbling concrete and rebar on the poinsettia Ave Bridge going over the
train tracks
• Flower Power !Plant more native Wild Flower seeds
• Free Shakespeare in the park, flash mob/dance events, find-the-art scavanger
hunts, etc.
• Get children and adults involved in signage for parks and trails. Have contests to
come up with images and scenes and ideas. Have a separate one for children
form adults
• Get rid of homeless at Pine park and Holiday. It is out of control. Give our police
support to get these people out of our public parks.
• HearC Logo for Safety for Those with Hearing Impairements
• Hire local artisans to maintain Carlsbad's inherent natural beauty.
• How about art shows at the Coaster station?
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 272 of 292
• How about some adults only offerings, not limited to senior citizens? We pay
taxes for education yet we don't have kids; we like kids but in limited amounts.
So much focuses on kids and families w/ kids in Carlsbad. Kids are high energy
and often loud.
• I believe Carlsbad is very inviting to visitors and is lacking very little in this arena
• I don't like the idea of interfering with natural areas. I think trails and like should
be left alone.
• I enjoy viewing public murals on buildings and would like to see efforts
continued in Carlsbad.
• I heard Encinitas had a "design a banner" for the main sts. Don't know details
but, artists contest would be to design a theme for Carlsbad...
• I honestly believe we should put art anywhere we can, in order to enrich the
lives of the people who live in and visit Carlsbad.
• I like nature left as simple as possible
• I like the idea of more art in the community but feel that there are many things
that take attention away from driving on streets and don't want more things
distracting drivers or pedestrians.
• I love the building murals in Carlsbad! More of that would be fun. It adds so
much character.
• I prefer to see natural areas stay natural.
• I see a lot of tourists lost looking for Legoland. Really there are not that many
signs which is good for locals but tourists can be a little reckless on the freeway
because of this. Maybe a tasteful sign?
• I think art is very personal and although I am an artist, I often like to see nature
solely as a natural environment without "art." I especially do not like art on
buildings, or used as decoration on city electrical boxes, for instance. But I would
like to see a coherent design that helps all the elements of a cityscape work
together. Perhaps there can be a designated outdoor art district that can have
changing art, but I think having it show up all over the city is not what Carlsbad
needs.
• I think that there are a lot of activities that are offered and the marketing is
lacking. I would love a weekly arts happening email so I could pick and choose
what activities I would like to experience. Again work in tandem with the public
school focusing on the Elementary level because they are discouraging
thousands of students not to appreciate and participate in the arts by not
providing the opportunity by qualified specialized educators.
• I think the City should encourage and even cultivate an arts-focused
neighborhood and/or area within Carlsbad. It would be a draw for more local
retail and for tourists to visit. Art, music and culture are very important to my
family and me. It would be in the top 3 reasons for staying here in Carlsbad.
• I would like to keep the downtown area free of high-rise buildings. They detract
from the beach community feel and artistic design of Carlsbad.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 273 of 292
• I would like to see more art in roundabouts and other street areas as well as
other public buildings.
• I would like to see The Village become "The Village of Flowers", connecting to
the Flower Fields and growers in the area, with lots of artistic plant and floral
design everywhere. Place identification tags on the interesting trees and plants,
like the floss silk trees by the fountain.
• I would prefer more open space. I enjoy the painted power boxes.
• I would rather see the investment in providing art education and encouraging
people to make and appreciate the arts
• I'd like to be more helpful, but I fear my words will be twisted or used to force
something that is used against one part of the community to benefit the other. I
also fear that the survey and my words or suggestions will be taken to justify
something that is detrimental to the city or as a way to satisfy a personal agenda.
• In Parks, and infrastructure places, art elements can be added during
construction and sometimes later to enhance. Suggestion: Let City employees
submit designs for decorative details when feasible.
• Increase murals by local artists like Brian Snyder
• Int'l cultural interactive events
• Interactive art you can play on, eat your lunch on have a pic nic on!
• Involve specific demographic groups or school or educational groups in any
project the City of Carlsbad undertakes
• Just because we're a beach community, it doesn't mean all designs have to be a
dolphin or wave. Would like to see a broad range of offerings.
• Keep trails NATURAL! Art can enhance but never detract. Overdevelopment or
gearing toward glitzy tourist attractions is not a net cost benefit or quality of life
improvement.
• Kid's art displayed in neighborhoods. Stop signs and slow signs designed and
created by kids then fabricated into a metal street sign. City of Sebastipol has
whimsical metal sculptures (up-cycled for junk) displayed in an historic
neighborhood. More local art! I love the painted hydrants and electrical boxes.
• Let residents do what they like. Where they like.
• Local art by local artist, please
• Looking at art is good. Participating in art is even better.
• Love the idea of sculpture garden, kids can enjoy Art on city buildings is always
special
• Love the solar system walk in Calavera!
• Love what's being done, please do more. Thank you.
• More art and activities incorporated into trails and open spaces. An ocean
themed playground (like Santa Barbara's Chase Palm Park) would be amazing
near our beaches - like at Cannon park!
• more art installations throughout major roads and intersections
• More art on coastal rail trail and other bike trails
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 274 of 292
• More art sculptures in parks/love hydrants and electrical boxes painted with
great art
• More Carlsbad artists hired as paid consultants for boards, planning commissions
etc. (source of endless creative ideas)
• More free music
• More grant opportunities
• More local music offered. pubs and restaurants (new artists)
• More murals - love em.
• More parks, roller skating areas with music, skate parks, music in parks, bands in
restaurants
• More sculpture. Creative lighting over freeways.
• More signage and social media attention to pedestrian trails
• More water features. Jumping waters would be great for the kids. Downtown
Denver has a great one.
• Mosaic tiles, painted murals, woodwork, etc
• Mosiacs depicting oceans themes with incorporation of native plants in gardens.
• Murales donde haya paredes. Exposiciones al aire libre exelente,
• Murals and structural art would be nice. Shuttle but beautiful forks too. Try not
to get caught into trends in art and look at eclectic longevity.
• murals on buildings; craft shows
• murals on public buildings, additional sculptures or art around the city,
fountains, etc.
• Murals, art "happenings"
• murals, music
• Murals/sculptures
• n/a
• Natural areas can stay mostly natural, may be a great place for local Native
American cultural representation.
• Never ever, ever, ever in nature settings Nature is above art!
• No idea.
• No sure
• Not able at this time.
• not sure
• Not sure at this time
• Opera en los parques y lugares públicos. Oportunidades de escultura, pintura,
baile, música. Conferencias en español.
• painting at the dog park, something in collaboration with art display at dove
library, bring back the revolving art display at dove (maybe it is there and i don't
know where it is now)
• Paintings on downtown carlsbad buildings new structures keep downtown
music on street at night
• Pay for public art, murals etc.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 275 of 292
• Pay more artists to paint art around the city
• Perserve and encourage art and murals in the village, encourage landscaping ad
parks with interactive art experiences
• Pine park specifically has been overtaken by drug dealers. I would like to feel
safe letting my kids go to the park.
• place more sculptures through out the village area. and have a sculpture garden
by both libraries. Have the Dove library outside space used frequently for the
music guests, artists.
• Please do not waste money on more junk. Nothing It is better than poor choices.
• Please stop going overboard with proposals to put art near the beach. It is
beautiful as it is.
• Preserve Carlsbad's natural beauty!
• Professional murals
• Public Art enhances any public space. For example the power plant put a mural
on it!
• Public art installations for specific time periods with an attending docent. Also
do something with the "Flintstone wall" on El Camino Real below Salk Ave. It
would be a perfect place to install art, and a great improvement to the extremely
unattractive big hulking wall. An opportunity that could be easily exploited.
Maybe consider historical designation plaques throughout the City and provide a
self guided tour map. Spread the Farmers Market around alternate locations
between North Carlsbad and South Carlsbad locations and include art exhibits by
local artists and musicians. Also consider more murals on public buildings.
• Public art such as murals and sculptures enhance our visual environment and has
the potential to increase tourism (dollars).
• Public art.
• Public sculpture in the parks
• Publish articles on history of the southern section of Carlsbad. Offer and or
schedule senior events in the southern part of the city.
• Rail Road traffic Crossings in village
• Safety Program Community Outreach thru October Event City Run Event for
Health & Wellness Program
• sculpture in public places
• Sculptures
• Sculptures downtown and at freeway off ramps
• See above re developing a comprehensive arts cultural program to bring a better
mix of tourists and locals into community events.
• See previous comments re Performing Arts Center
• Serious art classes where people can learn a new skill. Before they just mess
around with paint, they need to learn the skills needed to do a good job.
• Small 1920's Village feel in all downtown and Latin Feel in Barrio from Latin
artist.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 276 of 292
• Social events in which the participants create the art or beautification for the
above
• Some of the local art needs to be touched up. The rotating wall is a unique idea
and should be utilized in other areas of town, allowing more artist to showcase
their art and it also adds to the freshness of the town, making it vibrant and new.
• stated above
• Statues
• Streets are for driving and driving needs to be safe. Art on streets would
probably detract from focusing on driving.
• Support art walks.
• Take classes and art and music into group Senior dwellings.
• The major gateway to our downtown is an unappealing eyesore. Any thoughts
about making the I-5 exits at CV Drive more appealing and attractive to reflect
the quality of life in our community?
• The more art, the better - it inspires thought and communion!
• The power plant is ugly and could be painted to enhance the beautiful coast .
Paint the stack like a light house Boo Yea~~~My vision for along time~~
• The power.plant should have had a Eyland mural decades ago. Artistic paintings
on large blank walls, bridges.and buildings are great. Art in the park, outdoors at
each park for kids would be great, but without generating a bunch of waste. Art
needa to.be done sustainably.
• The sea wall areas.
• The street art in the village is awesome. Would love to see more
• Theater venues for all the arts to perform in, big enough for the many many
people, to attend, perhaps 1000-3000 people.
• There are so many areas that would be enhanced by added visual art.
• This may take a bit of thought..
• This survey is too long
• Trailheads could incorporate artist-designed entryways. I-5 corridor
improvements should integrate art that is uniquely 'Carlsbad'.
• Trails to remain natural looking. Decorated buildings are nice
• Use dove Library Courtyard coffee house
• village, beach areas, where people go and get an impression of a
community...See Encinitas, Laguna Beach
• Walking paths. Less buildings.
• we could work a little harder on Veterans Park
• We don't want art that might distract drivers
• We have a "vibrant community atmosphere " but my concern is with visual
overload with murals all over buildings, many of which thanks to the architects
who designed them are works of art themselves.
• We live in a very peaceful way of life here in Carlsbad. Utilizing our resources to
enhance its unique beauty and safety is very important.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 277 of 292
• Wellness in the park
• When does Art become visual clutter? Murals, Painted hydrants etc can be
interesting but what is too much?
• When I was new to Carlsbad I had trouble finding outdoors meet ups
• When you change the order of the answer options in a quiz you won't get
accurate results. Please fix this survey immediately
• Why not a weekend ARTS Fair in the Village area for artists to display several of
their pieces?
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 278 of 292
Business
• Advertise and market our town as interested in art. Support the local galleries.
Promote art walks.
• Aforementioned.
• Allow businesses to fund programs that are temporary.
• An Arts District is a proven way to attract all sort of business to an area of town.
Carlsbad is large enough to have a number of these. Connecting them together
with some sort of transport system would help to keep traffic low and people
moving
• area like gaslamp in san diego would let us have a local place to go rather than
driving 30 mi
• Art contests and fairs
• Art events in the Business Park areas to cater to the business and local workers.
• Art is in everything and everyone~~~
• Art makes people happy
• Arts and cultire enhance all walks of life, whether they understand it or not. A lot
of people wouldn't put it very high on their list, but they don't even realize the
day to day elevation of their lives it gives them.
• Arts and culture help enhance and bind a community and attract people who
tend to be civic minded. So the direct effect on business is probably not great,
but the indirect effect in bringing in more people who make the city a good
experience to be in and thus more in a more to spend money is probably quite
strong
• Arts/Culture will lure younger entrepreneurs
• Be liaisons between businesses and good local artists. Demand architectural and
landscape creativity, not "it's good enough.'
• Begin regular "artists clusters" around tourist areas - 2-4 artists displaying their
art.
• Business that show artworks by fine artists on the walls of their
offices/restaurants are a nice attraction.
• Business that support a culture of giving back to the community and sponsoring
events to bring awareness of our great potential in Carlsbad for a cleaner energy
city, with a beautiful way of making our community first in investing in our future
• Businesses ALSO need to support a thriving arts and culture plan
• businesses are not going to come to carlsbad for the arts/culture...they will come
for the infrastructure (accessibility by customers/taxes/economic factors)
• Businesses could be encouraged to support the arts via public/private
partnerships, sponsoring events or allowing exhibits to be shown on their
premises.
• Businesses partnering with young artists and musicians. Sponsorship and support
is necessary for a thriving local art culture.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 279 of 292
• businesses sponsoring artwork and artists through exhibits and artist in
residence programs music venues on site
• Businesses supporting and perhaps sponsoring events as to make them part of
the family/ community
• Businesses that support quality art. Fine arts, not just show.
• But also depends on MANY other factors incorporated into it, "cost of living",
housing, stress free ability to commute to other areas of SD county
• change out different sculptures on the sidewalks...bring in different sculpture
shows a year for the village streets-state mainly .
• Concerts & art displays in the parks.
• Conferencias de una amplia variedad de temas.
• Continue adding art on buildings and streets especially in the Village/Barrios
area.
• Continued focus on the city trail system that pass throughout many of our
business park areas. Workers consider options for exercise at work to be
important. A lunchtime walk or after-work group trail run can be significant
contributor in achieving a positive company culture.
• Coordinate art themed community events that work with businesses that
otherwise wouldn't include art themed events in their schedule.
• Easier access for youths & retirees
• Ejemplo, Tienda de venta de Fibras , Yard etc , exhibiendo o publicitando con la
imagen de un tapiz o una pintura relacionada con....
• Encourage business developments to provide some public space for open/art
space in their developments.
• Encourage businesses to support the arts
• enhance arts within and around businesses
• Enhance the public realm with art. Tourists like to visit unique areas and tourism
supports our business economy. It's like to see an urban park in the Village with
artist-inspired seating and picnic areas. Reclaim and transform Rotary Park!
• Festivals to bring cultural tourists out of summer season.
• Find jobs and facilitate creative spaces for artistic people, create jobs around
artistic events.
• Free music events after work.
• Have a business contest for employees to come up with wining drawings or
signage. There are very talented artists and designers in our business
community.
• Have a tiered system for supporting art within the application and licensing
processes for businesses. A small business or a start up non-profit should be
supplemented for art by the city using a small art tax of perhaps $12 per
household per year.
• Hearing friendly bussinesses
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 280 of 292
• help create partnerships between organizations- supplying materials and venues
and contests
• Hire Carlsbad art team to create a temporary block long walking experience.
• I do know of a once-a-month art walk; havent been able to take part in thta yet,
but maybe try to expand that?
• I enjoy farmers Markets- music
• I like the Art Walk evenings and street corner music. How about closing State
street between Carlsbad Village Drive and Grand to vehicle traffic and
encouraging restaurants and cafes to offer sidewalk seating. Also music
performance in the middle area would be nice.
• I love the idea of the music festival, but it was very difficult to sit and enjoy the
performances.
• I love the murals. Would love to see cook offs and Taste of Carlsbad
events.Would love for area businesses to provide gifts/prizes at these events to
promote themselves and their offerings. I'd love to hear sponsored music events
especially if it involves the talent in the city and that of the students here.
• I think there are many businesses that could support the local community and
educate employees and families on the significance of Carlsbad as a unique
blend of old and young, rich and poor, locals and transplants, employed and
unemployed, protectors of history and learners of history.
• I want to see businesses include local artists in their offerings and have local
musicians play at their events. Perhaps the city could facilitate this.
• I want to support a thriving art culture. Partner businesses with artists, authors,
musicians and poets to support the arts. Create mentorships with young artists.
More opportunity for artists.
• I would like to see a bridge or two over the 5 freeway have some type of
decorative railings and/ or lighting.
• I would like to see local businesses support the Arts through their resources,
financial and physical space.
• In schools, offering programs after classes so it is safe.
• Incentive programs for businesses to purchase and show local art on location.
Children need to keep that part of the brain alive in a time when the arts are
loosing footing in schools. Creativity is essential for human progress.
• incorporates art at restaurants and beaches
• It helps to create a commnity which attracts all of the above
• It would be good to attract businesses by publishing glowing reports about what
IS AVAILABLE for their employees; and getting new Carlsbad companies to
involve themselves in Carlsbad's culture. How about looking for people on the
staff who would be good at encouraging that cooperation. Should the City
publish an attractive monthly list of local cultural activities distributed to
companies with many employees.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 281 of 292
• It's all about money for businesses and workers. Sorry, sometimes the brutal
truth is necessary.
• Job fairs and ted talks for graduates
• Like Fallbrook's wine and a Bite
• Make it easy and inexpensive for them to establish and make money.
• Make sure the businesses know about the art opportunities available to their
employees (and how to support them through sponsorships). Maybe a guide
created and shared with all local businesses with the art opportunities available
in Carlsbad.
• maybe bring back parades, they were in Carlsbad in the 1960's and 70's- the
fairs and the food sales on Wed are good. also the races are good.
• Maybe each business could provide a small event based on what they market.
• Maybe more businesses * new ones could involve artists' work for their walls or
promote, sponsor art events
• Mom and pop stores!
• more art/ cultural resource for kids
• More effort to integrate businesses into the cultural fabric of their specific
neighborhood and across the entire city through sponsorships, grants, more
public art in business complexes, etc.
• More grant money to local music and art studios... collaborate more with public
schools
• More sponsorship of events by local businesses
• Muchos artistas tambien aportamos ideas muchas veces para todos respecto a
oficios ocupacionales e ideas para mejorar empresas, ofreciendo sus creaciones
para publicidad .
• music festivals, cultural festivals, etc.
• n/a
• New venues dedicated to larger groups being able to perform here, e.g.,
Moonlight Amphitheatre
• No idea.
• Not sure
• Not sure
• Not sure. Ask large businesses if they use the performing and visual arts as a way
to attract potential employees. I think while important, the natural beauty of our
coastline and beaches are the reasons people would want to work here.
• Offer "team building" art classes
• offer businesses a tax incentive on their business uscences renewal fee to add
art in their spaces
• Open mic opportunities
• outdoor concerts
• overstated premise re some businesses.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 282 of 292
• People travel between home, work and shopping, art and culture need to be
accessible in these locations.
• People want to live and dwell in an accessible city...Finish the rail trail!
• Performance spaces within Carlsbad can be increased, creating gathering places
where people can also purchase food, souvenirs, etc...
• Plein aire painting lessons, events and sales. Lessons, demonstrations, public
participation
• Public art, fountains, gardens and music can help business centers enrich the
workers and attract tenants.
• publlic exhibits and cultural centers
• Reach out to business to partner with helping support the arts and activities in
the community.
• regular musical recitals; plays;
• Resource center for musicians and artist to connect with businesses.
• Same as I've said before. Actually go out and encourage businesses to be in the
arts...live music, creative visuals for their businesses. Don't make it harder and
more expensive on them.
• see above
• See previous comments re Performing Arts Center. Tell Sacramento to stop
increasing taxes, pushing business to other states.
• Seeing & doing art is very important for all ages.
• Shopping malls and centers should incorporate art into their sites and designs.
Events can be held at business locations, such as evening concerts and art
displays in the business parks.
• Small business art studios in a warehouse or festival like saw dust
• STEM Fairs connecting businesses and education for displaying new creative
ideas developed by students at each grade level.
• Studies have shown that public art contributes to harmony in human conclaves.
• Support contests for the businesses like the one around halloween.
• Support cooperation between businesses and current arts organizations for
mutual marketing. Create artistic signage pointing the way to businesses,
galleries, and performing arts areas.Have a very visible, staffed information
booth near the Village fountain to help people locate parking, businesses and
arts.
• The activities/events/etc. I've mentioned previous would support a thriving
business sector. Our city can become an Arts/culture event itself. People would
say..."Let's go to Carlsbad and see their Arts Festival...and while we are there
we'll hit up the beach, legoland, some craft beer, some golf, some shopping...and
maybe stay a while. It's like..."If you build it, they will come".
• The arts are referred to as the humanities for a reason, we desperately need
them!
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 283 of 292
• the business sector sometimes doesn't look at the big picture......work with them
to see the big picture of how arts activities will increase their business ventures
instead of the local business complaining how activities hurt their business
because of parking, etc.
• The existing businesses should support the ideas I've mentioned as they will only
enhance the desire for people to live,visit, work and bring new businesses to
Carlsbad.
• The Hearing Friendly Business Concept would be represented by the HearC Logo
to attract the 3.2 Trillion Dollar Market in to their businesses
• The power house on the 101 needs to be painted to look like a light house been
my dream for years. Ocean theme mural on the rest of the building to blend with
the surrounding beauty~~~
• The root of art is architecture. If you don't have a city that is aesthetically
pleasing then people can find other places to go. We already have the ocean and
other naturally beautiful things going for us. The trick is not to overwhelm what
nature has already done. Businesses will come and stay if roads are easily
traveled, for hotels, restaurants, access to the airport and location to other
businesses. Students/parents will come for the arts if is being taught. Retirees
will stay if things are easily accessible and their windows don't look out onto a
storage facility.
• Varied serious art classes for children as well as adults.
• visitors
• We love to visit family owned ethnic restaurants. Losing the Armanian restaurant
at the beach was a big loss to our community! We need more family owned
ethnic restaurants in Carlsbad.
• We need more bike lanes and more trails. Make them artistic.
• We need to attract artists with affordable loft living. Single residency occupancy
building should be a part of.our hosuing element. Hostels too.
• We need to get out of the business of "real estate" and build "green industry".
That will attract an educated populace with an appreciated for all the arts.
• We shouldn't be focused on using art to support businesses.
• Web design
• When people come to the city to view art shows etc, they spend money in the
city eating and buying, thereby supporting the retail business
• Wine tastings, art in the park, free art for troubled youth, meetups for young
professionals at art/music venues, make art and culture the norm, more public
art, eliminate the threat of cutting music programs in the schools.
• Would like to see more chalk art on the road
• year-round to avoid competing with traditional summer season
• YEs yes yes! More culture! Downtown SD has so much more than North County.
Would love science and art museums
• Young families want access to the arts too!
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 284 of 292
Communications
• A city webpage just for the arts
• A comprehensive arts calendar online, that is marketed and advertised within
the city, would be very helpful.
• Access is limited and hard to get to. City website needs an overhaul! Very
cumbersome to use
• Advertise events before they happen, rather than report on it after the fact.
Promote events in Carlsbad Magazine.
• Advertise in the Tribune. Really advertise. Advertise in the small local news
letters. Spend some money.
• all
• All platforms must be covered so nobody misses an opportunity.
• any with passion.
• Art tends to get hidden in the branding of city advertising. It needs to pop to be
noticed. And advertised early and not at inconvenient times. Keep in mind adults
tend to work until 5pm and there's traffic.
• At the library, sometimes magazines
• Better placement of offerings on the city page
• broader distribution and coordination with other area publications through
inserts and other materials
• Carlsbad brochure of classes
• carlsbad city homepage
• Carlsbad emails
• Carlsbad magazine
• Carlsbad magazine 08/10 magazine, newspaper
• Celebrating TGIF concerts in the park is my favorite time of the year! All of the
entertainers were great, especially Spazmatics & The Mighty Untouchables.
Thank you for your wonderful choices of local entertainers!!
• City emails Better email management, interests based with more specific areas
to choose from, so we can select what type of announcements/update to receive
• City locations should make arts postings more prominent and accessible to
schools, etc...
• City of Carlsbad and internet search. Interested in theatre, concerts, classical and
contemporary art, architecture. Also receive info fro Museum of Making Music
and City of Encinitas, the Old Globe.
• City of Carlsbad website
• City website / calendar needs to be easy to access and have all events
searchable. The events / classes offered at the senior.center i dont think are
searchable online. City needs.to get away frok the idea of these activities being
revenue neutral and absorb costs.
• City website should list all the museums in town.
• COAL Gallery,
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 285 of 292
• Consider offering residents access to an email delivery service of current/future
events.
• Create a board at the libraries/city buildings specifically for art happenings same
with city website.
• definitely need better marketing strategies to inform public
• Dissemination of information. I think the residents don't always know about the
programs available or the visitors.
• don't think I've seen/heard of anything on tv or radio; certainly no video of the
fun we have on friday nights....
• Dove Library
• Email is good. I get on the email lists I need to use.
• Facebook!
• FB, friends, banners posted, websites, I would look at a monthly flyer if it came in
my water bill of whats coming up next month...
• flyers in mail library info
• Flyers would be nice. Posters in conspicuous places. EMAILS>>
• Handouts. I am not on Facebook. I don't know where to look for information
about events before they happen.
• Have all the information in one place perhaps multiple locations.
• Have not tried so can't rate.
• I
• I don't ever look for the arts in Carlsbad. They don't exist
• I don't find Carlsbad that exciting as far as Arts and Culture.
• I don't see promotion about future events or programs.
• I feel what the city offers is communicated pretty well.
• I get an email, but only because I signed up for it. Push the information out via
Facebook promotions.
• I get most of my info about arts events via the Carlsbad Village assoc emails and
FB posts. Other than that, I do not see much in the way of info regarding the arts
in Carlsbad. In addition, I feel that the current selection process for the Arts and
Culture Commission Board is unfair and does not allow for a diverse and broad
group of board members. The process seems to be very skewed towards hand-
picked members, rather than a careful and unbiased selection from people who
apply.
• I get the printed flyers in the mail, see some postings on the internet, notice
articles in the UT and Carlsbad magazine.
• I had a positive experience getting info from Chamber of Commerce :)
• I have to really dig for information or be on a specific mailing list to get arts info,
like the music festivals, etc.
• i like the sign notices regarding road closures in the village. That is THE only way
I know something is happening.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 286 of 292
• I lived here for over 6 years before I figured out how to access what Carlsbad
offers. Carlsbad connect is still a secret to many residents. WE have many seniors
who don't know how to access the activities or sign up on line.
• I log on to Carlsbad City website to find out what classes are offered at the
Senior Center. That is where I take my art lessons. I read the local paper that lists
art exhibits and I attend some of them.
• I look everything up from the city website.
• I love the Encinitas weekly newsletter that comes to me via email. It has a bunch
of info and I can plan ahead for arts experiences. Internet is key, but I also like
the posted signs at busy intersections.
• I need to visit calsbad community theater and library
• I often use the Encinitas weekly emails to attend arts events there. It would be
helpful to have that for Carlsbad, including all arts, not just for City-sponsored
events. A bigger social media presence. A more user friendly City website
interface.
• I pick up flyers at Library. Maybe these could be posted in local markets.
• I saw the 8/13 art event on the signs in the parks
• I tend to use the city websites when I need info. But, many times I find out
about events and new to the city things via the NextDoor app. The facebook
page for the city has been helpful too. The community magazine is awesome. It
might be nice to have a community paper even if its just taken home by the
tourists. The library is an awesome source for information with its information
board at the entrance way at Cole. It might be nice to have either a digital or
visual map of the city at or near the Carlsbad sign.
• I think Facebook could be used more than it is
• I think it's hard to find information outside of city programs. An online and print
guide to all art opportunities in the City would be amazing.
• I think not letting the schools leave flyers in city buildings if they charge is a
mistake, as the schools do not have a budget and need the ads or flyers put any
where there are people who might attend. Masybe the libraries and other
buildings who have people come through should have an section for school
events.
• I think the City of Carlsbad could really make use of social media to promote
Carlsbad arts and cultural events. I am not aware of any City of Carlsbad social
media efforts, but I get most of my information in person.
• I use city web site, but it's not well-organized.
• I use the City website. As long as it is kept up to date, it is the best and most
immediate source of information.
• I use the internet.
• I use the printed guides mostly. Occasionally I get an email with some events. I
wish I could go to more family art sessions and that they were offered at other
times of the week and closer to our home in Old Carlsbad.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 287 of 292
• I usually find it at the library.
• I usually get my event info from the city's website or their social media portals.
• I wish all events and classes were brought together on one easily searchable
website.
• I wish there were more parking and public transit to access arts and education.
• I would like a central calendar that shows all arts events that is easily-accessible
by the citizens.
• I'm a pretty conncected person and I don't know of many local print media or
Carlsbad specific web or social media outlets for the arts. If you wanted to fund a
web/social media strategy for this, I'd be happy to head it up. I am a local graphic
designer (Tony Hawk, Inc.) and long time local musician with experience in social
media and website building. We could make this happen pretty easily.
• I'm missing the information and I'm sure that others are also.......Many adults
don't visit the libraries, get print newspaper or even watch the TV.
• If something is fun and exciting - people tell each other.
• If those channels are already in place, I am unaware of them
• In this information age, it can be difficult to let the public know about all the
offerings that exist. I suggest doing some research on how arts goers are getting
their information and trying more unique channels in the meantime - banners,
email, social media, print, radio, etc.
• Information is readily available to those who are interested through the internet.
• Internet
• Internet Local advertising
• Internet - access is limited in Cbad because facilities are limited.
• Internet and social media is good but there's so much of it that our heads swim.
What about a bi-weekly video of somebody actually talking/narrating with visual
aids about upcoming ongoing events? The video can continuously loop of be
played at the City's website.
• Internet don't watch TV nor visit libraries or city hall anymore. Maybe more
social media?
• Internet is probably the most used media today. I personally don't watch TV or
listen to radio at the anymore
• Internet, e informacion en las Bibliotecas
• internet, phone aps, have a theme for Carlsbad
• Internet; City of Carlsbad Website
• Internet/social media is the most important. I often see postings too late to
make plans though. So keeping a qualified staff on top of posting to websites and
social media is very important!
• is there a facebook page??
• It would be nice to find somewhere a complete city calendar about all that is
provided in the cultural sector.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 288 of 292
• Ive found it difficult to look.up arts events, such as foreign film nights on
thencities website.
• Just keep promoting events before they occur in the Coast News and Carlsbad
magazine so both locals and tourists can know what's happening without having
to search on social media and the internet.
• Libraries provide good info. Local print media and broadcast news is too often
after the event. Believe it or not I count on the sign at the corner of Cannon and
the boulevard for most local events. Hope the visitors information center at the
old train depot is more people friendly than what I've experienced there.(
haven't been in in over a year but the volunteers or employees I met were not
the "ambassadors of Carlsbad" I had hoped to see.
• Libraru, Internet and newspapers
• Library and 92011 Magazine
• Library, @ the city pool, websites
• love catalog with class listings
• mailings
• Mainly thru the Internet via Newsletter, brochures at the Dove Library and word
of mouth
• Many age 35 and younger no longer subscribe to TV City emails rarely include
arts info
• Más información en general sobre eventos y actividades en muchos lugares
diferentes.
• mobile app/ email list
• Monthly newsletter
• more presence
• MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC!
• Need better social media campaigns Improve city website, not user friendly
• Needs more frequent TV broadcast.
• News update emails from City
• newspaper sign up email notifications
• Not sure at this time
• Now that my kids are out of the school system I have zero interaction with
information on Carlsbad art. The only thing I am aware of are the concerts in the
park.
• Online
• Online, social media
• only website
• Paper flyers, Coast News, Reader, City beat. e-mail.
• Personally don't see a lot of advertisements. Perhaps more social media?
• see below
• Sending home fliers home with students advising of upcoming offerings .
• Small flyer posters at the market, mailers
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 289 of 292
• social media
• Social media
• Social media is the most important source. If there was a highly promoted local
Facebook page and Instagram account that promoted local arts and music, it
would be very popular and help local businesses and events immensely. It just
needs a person and a small budget.
• social media, and postings in the community. Need better direction and
announcements for beach communities
• sometimes info is hard to find or posted too late
• Speakers, performances, events via text alerts
• TGIF concerts in the part are excellent but having something similar in the village
would be a draw as well. Street music draws people into the town, something
similar to New Orleans. But the town would need to stay up a little later to make
this work. Closing down at 9pm would not work. The village needs to stay open
later to attract more guest to shop and hang out in the evenings.
• Thank you for your great website!
• The emails I get are TERRIFIC!
• The Internet is a great source. Improvements to public transportation would
also help, encouraging access to art events in a fun way.
• The internet makes everything easier. Accessing the city website is the most
convenient way to see what's going on. This may be harder for older folks,
however. I notice a lot of older people rely on local flyers and magazines.
• The most important sources are social media, local organizations who support
the arts and cultural offerings in the City, and educators.
• The pine park senior Center and harding center~~~Monthly magazine print out.
• There are no local print media outlets. North County is a local broadcast news
afterthought.
• There does not seem to be a designated source of information yet.
• Thr website and facebook posts need tobe updated frequently to reflec the
current events
• Through the local newspaper & COAL website
• Too much
• Usar todos los medios posibles, ojala con explicacion de la obra de cada artista,
asi es mas esplicito para el publico
• Use more social media. You depend too much on your website.
• usually track library posts and calender
• We asked City water dept to publish Trash pick-up holiday schedule. Said they
"have no way". Don't think they even knew or cared of 'C'bad Currents'. (in the
BILL!) I find C'bad staff MUCH less helpful than other cities I still have residences.
• We get information from the mailers
• we need a weekly email stating venues that will be available in Carlsbad
• Web site
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 290 of 292
• website
• Website, facebook, instagram.
• whats coming next month in water bill flyer
• Word of mouth mostly......email, social media
• your system of sending newsletters with cultural offerings works well; I also like
getting flyers at the local library lobby
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 291 of 292
Arts & Culture Master Plan: Appendices | 119
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #3 Page 292 of 292
Arts & Culture Master Plan
Status 2018 – 2025
Krystal Roa, Program Manager
Library & Cultural Arts Department
Michelle Breyer, Gita Nassiri, Angie Ferone
Arts Commissioners
Oct. 2, 2025
Sage Creek High School Drama, 2025
2
THE PLAN
OVERVIEW
ROLE 4ROLE 1 ROLE 2 ROLE 3
PROVIDER PARTNER CONNECTOR LEADER
Continue to provide
strong Arts & Culture
programming:
•Cannon Art Gallery
•Public Art
•Schulman
Auditorium
•TGIF Concert in the
Parks
•Arts Education
Work to promote a
diverse range of art
and culture
opportunities.
•Daily Life
•Physical Realm
Bring together various
organizations to
provide art education
to all ages.
•Lifelong Learning
•Business Sector
Help develop and
promote cultural
opportunities all the
while fostering
relationships to
support.
•Distinct Identities
•Capacity Building
3
LIFELONG LEARNING
BUSINESS SECTOR
DISTINCT IDENTITIES
DAILY LIFE
CAPACITY BUILDING
PHYSICAL REALM
SIX NEW STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
4
17
18
13
1
Complete In-Progress & Ongoing Not Started Reviewed & Not Feasible
49 TASKS
ITEM #: MASTER PLANMASTER PLAN STATUS
DL 2.2 Streamline city regulation related to street festivals, performances in the parks, and street performers for specific performance
appropriate places around the city. Create a FAQ sheet for potential performers and artists.
PR 2.1 Encourage and assist local businesses to support the creation of privately sponsored murals within Carlsbad Village and new
development throughout the city.
LL 1.2 Explore potential partnerships and grant resources to develop a City of Carlsbad “Arts and Health” initiative, with the eventual goal
of replication to all school districts within Carlsbad.
LL 2.1 Work with local colleges and universities, arts educators, and arts providers, to develop partnerships that focus on the creation of a
Community Arts Learning Plan that promotes lifelong learning in the arts.
LL 2.3 Work with regional community college districts and other higher education partners to identify applied learning opportunities for
art and design students to teach classes at City of Carlsbad facilities.
LL 3.1 Develop annual “Careers in the Arts” event in conjunction with local schools and local organizations to help facilitate local artists
and creative professionals to connect middle and high school students about careers in the creative sector and create a Youth Arts
Council.
LL 3.2 Work with Carlsbad, San Marcos, Encinitas and San Dieguito school districts as well as high education institutions to craft an
internship program that provided career learning opportunities in the municipal arts field.
BS 2.2 Work with business networking groups to host events, titled Creative Carlsbad targeted to connecting artists, arts organizations and
creative businesses.
DI 1.1 Create a trail art program through a collaboration with city departments, local businesses and organizations that encourage
wellness and enhances the outdoor experience.
DI 3.2 Create a cultural-tourism marketing plan, collaborating with Visit Carlsbad and other tourism-related organizations.
BC 1.3 Explore the development of an arts incubator program for new creative-sector start-ups.
BC 2.1 Create a City of Carlsbad Orientation program for local artists and creative entrepreneurs to help foster artist involvement on
different city boards and commissions.
BC 2.2 Explore a "relief time" program for city staff to volunteer with local arts programs.
DL 2.2 Streamline city regulation related to street festivals, performances in the parks, and street performers for specific performance
appropriate places around the city. Create a FAQ sheet for potential performers and artists.
PR 2.1 Encourage and assist local businesses to support the creation of privately sponsored murals within Carlsbad Village and new
development throughout the city.
LL 1.2 Explore potential partnerships and grant resources to develop a City of Carlsbad “Arts and Health” initiative, with the eventual goal
of replication to all school districts within Carlsbad.
LL 2.1 Work with local colleges and universities, arts educators, and arts providers, to develop partnerships that focus on the creation of a
Community Arts Learning Plan that promotes lifelong learning in the arts.
LL 2.3 Work with regional community college districts and other higher education partners to identify applied learning opportunities for
art and design students to teach classes at City of Carlsbad facilities.
LL 3.1 Develop annual “Careers in the Arts” event in conjunction with local schools and local organizations to help facilitate local artists
and creative professionals to connect middle and high school students about careers in the creative sector and create a Youth Arts
Council.
LL 3.2 Work with Carlsbad, San Marcos, Encinitas and San Dieguito school districts as well as high education institutions to craft an
internship program that provided career learning opportunities in the municipal arts field.
BS 2.2 Work with business networking groups to host events, titled Creative Carlsbad targeted to connecting artists, arts organizations and
creative businesses.
DI 1.1 Create a trail art program through a collaboration with city departments, local businesses and organizations that encourage
wellness and enhances the outdoor experience.
DI 3.2 Create a cultural-tourism marketing plan, collaborating with Visit Carlsbad and other tourism-related organizations.
BC 1.3 Explore the development of an arts incubator program for new creative-sector start-ups.
BC 2.1 Create a City of Carlsbad Orientation program for local artists and creative entrepreneurs to help foster artist involvement on
different city boards and commissions.
BC 2.2 Explore a "relief time" program for city staff to volunteer with local arts programs.
LL 3.1 Develop annual “Careers in the Arts” event in conjunction with local schools and local organizations to help facilitate local artists
and creative professionals to connect middle and high school students about careers in the creative sector and create a Youth Arts
Council.
LL 3.2 Work with Carlsbad, San Marcos, Encinitas and San Dieguito school districts as well as high education institutions to craft an
internship program that provided career learning opportunities in the municipal arts field.
BS 2.2 Work with business networking groups to host events, titled Creative Carlsbad targeted to connecting artists, arts organizations and
creative businesses.
DI 1.1 Create a trail art program through a collaboration with city departments, local businesses and organizations that encourage
wellness and enhances the outdoor experience.
DI 3.2 Create a cultural-tourism marketing plan, collaborating with Visit Carlsbad and other tourism-related organizations.
BC 2.1 Create a City of Carlsbad Orientation program for local artists and creative entrepreneurs to help foster artist involvement on
different city boards and commissions.
1
Create a trail art program through a collaboration with city departments,
local businesses and organizations that encourage wellness and enhances
the outdoor experience.
2
Connect local artists and creative professionals in the Artist Registry with
educational institutions to introduce students to careers in the creative
sector. Establish an internship program offering students hands-on career
learning opportunities in municipal arts administration and production.
3
Use the Artist Registry to foster connections between local artists and the
business community, and to encourage artist participation in civic life
through involvement in city boards, commissions, and community initiatives.
4 Create a cultural-tourism marketing plan, collaborating with Visit Carlsbad
and other tourism-related organizations.
REVISED PRIORITIES ITEM #: MASTER PLAN
9
Recommendation
Examine & Study
ITEM #: MASTER PLANNEXT STEPS
WORK PLAN GOAL
Monitor and report to the City Council the progress of the initiatives detailed in the Arts & Culture Master Plan,
including adapting to current community needs and reassessing the current status of the ten-year timeline.
Create Arts Commission subcommittee to study, along with city staff, the existing Arts Master Plan and examine
the viability of a future 5-year Arts Master Plan, instead of 10 years.