The art of partnerships
Within the arts community, partnerships are an essential element to achieving an organization’s mission. Creative partner- ships bring dynamic programs and projects to life, connects communities, and creates
economic value through a vibrant arts sector that benefits the entire community. Ulti- mately, by working together with other nonprofits and the businesses, strate- gic success can be achieved by invest- ing in the greater economic and social well-being of the community.
Executive Director Christine Davis built upon a Carlsbad-centric theme by engaging ten local and regional artists who brought their “vision” of Carlsbad through repurposed surfboards as their canvas. These artistic surfboards, were displayed as a group ex- hibit and then were showcased at different businesses throughout Carlsbad Village. This partnership emphasized an inclusive vision spotlighting the visual and perform- ing arts, while stimulating an expanding creative sector economy. The city’s Public Art Coordinator Tonya Rodzach remarked, “By having a shared vision to offer original and unique artistic creations, as temporary public art, we worked together to spur the interest of our mutual audiences and prompt increased dialogue about the arts, while enhancing the Village as a destination.
Barrio Glassworks owner Mary Devlin to serve as a guest curator. She worked with city staff in planning the exhibit and select- ed the work of seventeen glass artists. Her vision of an eclectic mix of glassblowing and sculpture resulted in an artistic fusion where complex material is reimagined as swim of the spirit of partnership, the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce and city’s Cultural Arts joined forces to present an unforget- table musical experience, complemented by the Chamber’s Block Party to celebrate its 100th anniversary. The Chamber will activate the upper level of the Alga Norte.
One of the recent partnerships for Cultural Arts centered on a series of tempo- rary art experiences with the Carlsbad Village Association. Working together since 2020, Cultural Arts and the Carlsbad Village Association collaborated to engage established artists to display a wide array of media in different storefronts of local businesses in the Village. Recently, Execution.” It’s a win-win for both entities and the greater community!
Another example of a successful arts and business partnership is the current exhibit, Breaking Glass Boundaries, in the William D. Cannon Gallery at the Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane, now open until Sept. 2.
Inspired by the city’s Arts & Culture Master Plan, Cultural Arts reached out to ming sea creatures, teardrops, and even dramatic sentries. Barrio Glassworks, founded in 2020, is a public glassblowing studio and retail gallery, located in the historic Barrio community of the Carlsbad Village.
One of the best examples of an arts and business sector partnership occurs at this summer’s final TGIF Concerts in the Parks on Friday, August 11. As an embodiment Community Park before and during the 6p.m. concert featuring The FABBA Show, an ABBA tribute band. Chamber members will offer activities and giveaways to engage the audience and celebrate this truly significant anniversary. Ultimately, partnerships further Cultural Arts in its quest to bring the arts to Carlsbad everyday, everywhere!