Call for Artists: Imperial Beach Splash Pad
The Port of San Diego is seeking an artist to develop artwork to visually enhance a mechanical enclosure next to the Splash Pad that will be installed in Portwood Pier Plaza. Click here to learn more and to apply.
Port Tidelands:
A World-Class Arts and Cultural Destination
Mission Statement
To create a vibrant waterfront experience with innovative and engaging public art, cutting edge cultural programming, diverse and exciting special events, and widely accessible recreational opportunities that enhances the cultural richness of Port tidelands.
Vision Statement
A distinctive waterfront destination of cultural enrichment, recreation and business where visitors have extraordinary experiences daily.
About the Parks & Recreation Department
The Board of Port Commissioners is committed to expanding opportunities for residents and visitors to the region to experience a vibrant waterfront destination with innovative artworks, cultural programming, and activation opportunities that enhance the visual excitement and cultural richness of Port tidelands.
The Parks & Recreation Department was created and invested with the mission of supporting the Port, its tenants, and its member cities by providing leadership, management of the public art programs, and stewardship of the Port's Tidelands Collection as a regional cultural asset. Additionally, the Arts, Culture & Design Committee was established to serve in an advisory capacity to the Board and the Parks & Recreation Department, promoting the Port's vision of the Port tidelands as a world-class arts and cultural destination.
Contact Info:
619.725.6001
parkpermits@portofsandiego.org
arts@portofsandiego.org
Opportunities
The Parks & Recreation Department encourages artists interested in learning more about artist opportunities and art-related news with the Port of San Diego to subscribe to receive Port Currents, the Port's e-newsletter, and other Port updates and event information via email. Learn more and sign up here.
Requests to Exhibit on Tidelands
The Port of San Diego conducts an annual review of external requests from sponsors who want to temporarily exhibit artwork or objects on Port property or donate artwork or objects to the Port of San Diego. This review process enables the Port to effectively evaluate proposals and plan workload around projects on an annual basis. Sponsors are strongly encouraged to submit applications well in advance of desired installation time frames to ensure adequate time for conceptual development, evaluations, and internal review processes.
Applications for the 2026 review cycle are due no later than January 31, 2026 at 5 p.m.
Public Art Policies
The Board of Port Commissioners (BPC) has adopted two policies governing the operation of Parks & Recreation programs and activities.
BPC Policy 609 - Public Art Programs: This policy established the administrative framework for the Port's Parks & Recreation Department as well as the Port's and Arts, Culture & Design Committee.
BPC Policy 608 - Tenant Percent for Art Program: This policy presents the Port tenant percent for art requirement. It sets forth the options for fulfilling the requirement and the step-by-step process for tenant percent for art projects.