San Diego budget for 2027 decreases arts, culture funding

The arts and culture scene in San Diego may lose over $11 million compared to last year, as a result of a recent proposed budget cut. Mayor Todd Gloria released the proposal last week for 2027, and many locals expressed concern for the future of museums, libraries and parks in the community. 

Prior to the budget plans being made public, Gloria issued a press release on April 15 to address his decision-making process. In the release, Gloria noted that the city faced an $188 million deficit, which necessitated deeper budget cuts. The budget cuts to the arts and culture in San Diego would affect library hours and programs within libraries, recreation centers and parks. Gloria said that homelessness services and public safety are still the priority. 

However, the arts and culture community is feeling upset about having to face cuts.

Rachel Daichendt, an adjunct professor of art at Point Loma Nazarene University, said cuts to the arts aren’t new, but she always worries for her students when it happens.

“Students are asking about details and wondering if this affects their future job hunt,” Daichendt said in an email interview. “People without [professional] experience will pay the price, internships may still be around but unlikely they will be paid or offer jobs post internship.”

Lindsey Lupo, dean of the School of Humanities, Arts and Public Engagement and political science professor at PLNU, said when a budget cut like the one Gloria proposed is made, the mayor and city council need to consider long-term deficits and the negative impact on San Diego. 

Lupo said that while she believes San Diegans appreciate Gloria’s desire to handle previous issues with the city’s budget, other San Diegans are raising questions about why the budget cuts seem to directly affect culture, arts and community services. 

“Things like community programs, free concerts, extended library hours, access to recreation centers, and engagement with the arts are not just ‘fluff,’” Lupo said in an email interview. “They build community, offer resources, and help people feel connected to their city.”

Sarah Beckman, the executive director of Outside The Lens, a San Diego nonprofit organization that provides media art education for children and adults, said that fortunately, the proposed budget cuts have brought the arts and culture community closer together. 

“The health and wellness of a community is not just about paving roads and repairing cracks and sidewalks and making sure that we have enough staff on our fire and police,” Beckman said. “We really depend on arts and parks and libraries to be the connective tissue of a strong community.” 

Beckman said she believes the conversation should inspire a more creative and thoughtful way to solve funding issues. 

Daichendt said she hopes people stay informed and understand what the budget cut means. “Arts funding is not just ‘nice to have’ it generates jobs, creativity, social engagement and even mental health,” Daichendt said. “In these cases it is a ripple effect that may initially save money but it is not a long term solution.”