Tim Mikulski

San Diego Insiders: Why You Have to Come to Our Annual Convention

Posted by Tim Mikulski, Apr 11, 2011 0 comments


Tim Mikulski

A production of "Macbeth" at The Old Globe in San Diego.

Not only does San Diego provide a laid back attitude, beaches, and fantastic weather, but according to Mayor Jerry Sanders, its investment in the arts is paying off.

Last week, Mayor Sanders announced that the city's $6.4 million investment of room tax dollars in the arts and culture of the city generated a return of $173 million spent by the organizations, including providing 7,000 jobs and $98.8 million in salaries. He also vowed to keep that funding dedicated to the arts in his next budget.

But, if a mayor that supports the arts isn't reason enough (although it should be) to come to our 2011 Annual Convention in San Diego, here are some reasons provided to us by locals in the know:

  • Great Theater - The Old Globe's outdoor festival stage ranks as one of NTC Foundation Executive Director Alan Ziter's favorite arts experiences, while San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture Public Relations and Communications Consultant Toni Robin loves to see shows before they reach Broadway, often during trials there and at the excellent La Jolla Playhouse.
  • Fantastic Food - Las Cuatros Milpas is real San Diego. In Barrio Logan, very close to the convention hotel, you can stand in line to buy the most authentic Mexican food in the city, and then eat at the nearby picnic tables.  
  • The Beaches - Enough said.
  • Perfect Public Art - San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture Public Art Program Manager Dana Springs says that you shouldn't miss Chicano Park's murals, Pump Station No. 4 in Point Loma, and Tree Lines in the San Diego Airport.
  • Tijuana - Become an international visitor by taking a trolley to the border and a cab to Mision 19 for a true south of the border meal says former City Arts Commissioner Jeff Dunigan.
  • Wonderful Visual Arts Experiences - City Arts Commissioner Joanne Hayakawa recommends the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego if you're looking for for a visual arts fix.

Combine all of these opportunities with amazing visionary panels, lively discussions, career coaching, enriching professional development sessions, and chances to network with hundreds of arts leaders, and I can't help wonder how you can turn it all down?

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