Space 4 Art Awarded $200,000 Grant from Prebys Foundation to Expand Community Access to the Arts

We’re thrilled to share that Space 4 Art has received a $200,000 grant from the Prebys Foundation, part of a $13.375 million investment in San Diego County’s arts and culture sector. This support comes at a crucial time, as our organization and the larger arts community face rising costs, reduced funding, and the ongoing challenge of keeping creative spaces vibrant and accessible.

A Year of Creativity Awaits

With this grant, we’ll be hosting a full year of programming from November, 2025 through October, 2026 at San Diego Made Factory, featuring:

  • Exhibitions and Events: Openings, artist talks, workshops, and performances that bring art directly to the community;

  • Professional Development Opportunities: Internships, workshops, and informal gatherings designed to strengthen creative networks;

  • Collaborations with Local Partners: Working with SD Made, ICA San Diego, MCASD, and Poets Underground to share resources, deepen connections, and amplify impact.

This grant ensures that Space 4 Art can continue supporting artists while creating meaningful, accessible experiences for audiences.

Why This Matters

The Prebys Foundation’s 2025 Emergency Arts Investment is a response to real challenges facing San Diego’s creative sector, including federal and state funding cuts, rising operational costs, and the need to preserve vital spaces for artistic expression. The investment includes:

  • $8.625 million in unrestricted operating support for 22 organizations

  • $4.75 million in funding for venues and spaces across 39 organizations

“Arts are not a luxury,” said Prebys Foundation CEO Grant Oliphant. “They are essential infrastructure for a thriving, equitable, and prosperous region. When we invest in the arts, we invest in jobs, innovation, understanding, and the shared spaces where our community’s stories come alive.”

The arts are more than entertainment—they generate tourism, sustain jobs, and foster connections across diverse communities. This grant protects those benefits and ensures a vibrant, thriving creative ecosystem for years to come.

“Supporting and growing a strong, community-based arts ecosystem is literally the foundational principle of Space 4 Art— it’s why a group of civic-minded artists got together 15 years ago to design and build an affordable artist community in downtown’s East Village,” said Jennifer de Poyen. “We are honored and thrilled beyond words to receive this generous grant in support of the work we do, and the work we all need to do— together —to survive and thrive.”

About Space 4 Art

Since 2010, Space 4 Art has been creating space—literally and figuratively—for artists to grow. We provide affordable studios, affordable live/work spaces, and free programming in support of both emerging and established artists. Through exhibitions, performances, and educational initiatives, we connect artists with audiences and foster a culture of collaboration, experimentation, and accessibility in San Diego.

About Prebys Foundation

The Prebys Foundation is the largest independent private foundation in San Diego County. Committed to creating an inclusive and vibrant future for all, the Foundation invests in four program areas: visual and performing arts, youth success, healthcare, and medical research. Learn more at prebysfdn.org.

We’re so excited to share this next chapter with our community—stay tuned for updates on exhibitions, events, and ways to get involved!

Space 4 Art