Resident Artists

San Diego Made and our advisory committee of local community leaders will identify potential candidates and vote on electing four artists from their networks to participate in the program. Each artist must have worked in the promise zone communities with a strong preference towards artists who have grown up within the promise zone communities. They must demonstrate a model of success that can be disseminated and translated to others in the community in an impactful way. They must have some aspect of their work or history embody traditional art practices and cultural insights, and their business must have an annual operating budget of under $500,000.

Current Resident Artist: natalia ventura

natalia ventura (she/her) is an artist and organizer who lives, works, and hails from San Diego (Kumeyaay land). She leads a double studio/social art practice that reflects the duality of her borderlands consciousness. Her studio work explores her internal experiences as a Mexican-Cuban-American woman, while her social practice work engages in grassroots organizing for social and environmental justice at the San Diego-Tijuana border. natalia aims to simultaneously liberate herself and her community through a creative practice that is rooted in radical love and draws from cultural memory to build collective healing and freedom.

Open Studio Hours: Fridays 5-7pm.

Visitors can drop in for a studio visit/hang out. 

Program Objective

San Diego Promise Zone Map Above

Our program is all about helping creative entrepreneurs in the Promise Zone neighborhoods. We’re offering free workshops, speaker series, public art displays, and exciting events, all centered around a special quarterly residency for four talented local artists. This project highlights local expertise and sparks collaboration on fresh ideas to tackle community opportunities and challenges. Emerging artists will find inspiration and mentorship, while resident artists enjoy free workspace and paid work. Plus, our resident artists will share their traditional art practices and cultural insights, making sure these traditions are celebrated and woven into our story. Join us in celebrating creativity and community! 

More Information + Advisory Committee

Advisory Committee Members

Allan Manzano, Jennifer de Poyen, John Mireles, Kristin Dinnis, Oscar Romo, Rich Magale, Rose Sanchez, Sarah Anderson

For more information, contact our program lead Sarah Anderson at info@sandiegomade.org.