Arts and Culture leaders rally as San Diego City Council discusses revised budget – AOL

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The rally at the foot of City Hall saw hundreds of people from the Arts and Culture community gather to demand a restoration of $11.8 million in funding that was cut from the city's budget.

“This isn't about reduction; this isn't about trimming around the edges. This is about dismantling a 35-year public investment,†said an activist and the meeting.

With the City of San Diego facing a $118 million shortfall for fiscal year 2027, the list of cuts runs deep; nearly every corner of San Diego has been affected.

 San Diego arts and culture community bracing for major funding cuts 

Community members who rely on arts and culture funding have been hit the hardest, with nearly 90% of their budget slashed in the city's current proposal.

“This is real jobs, this is real engagement for the City of San Diego, it's real beauty and vitality and life for the City,†said Barry Edlstien, the Artistic Director of the Old Globe.

With the paid parking in Balboa Park now going back to free parking and trash fees being reduced in a lawsuit, city leaders say getting the arts and cultural funding back will be more difficult. Libraries, parks, and December nights have all seen some of their funding restored to the budget, but still no word on Arts and Culture, even with the support of several Council members.

 San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria unveils revised city budget draft 

“Three other council members say all of us say arts and culture is important to us to be restored and a part of this year's budget,†said Kent Lee a City Council Member.  

The final budget for the City of San Diego is expected to be locked by June 9th.

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