Looking to elevate the collective power of La Jolla’s art institutions, the La Jolla Historical Society is launching a six-part series of free community events called “Growing Together” starting next month.
The initiative will unite the Historical Society, Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, Athenaeum Music & Arts Library and Murals of La Jolla to hold events featuring hands-on art making, musical or other performances, vendors and opportunities to engage with artists, historians and educators. The events are intended to create a festival-like educational and cultural atmosphere.
“La Jolla is so incredible in terms of its cultural organizations, and we are all doing great work but don’t always find connections,” said La Jolla Historical Society Executive Director Lauren Lockhart. “Each organization has related missions but we engage in our own projects, so we thought about how we could build upon what we are already doing and share audiences.”
The inaugural event will begin at 11 a.m. Sunday, March 8, at the La Jolla Historical Society campus at 780 Prospect St.
Families will be able to participate in collaborative art making with visual artist and educator Emily Grenader, whose interactive work blends art, technology and community participation. Fern Street Circus will bring performances and interactive experiences, and there will be vendor booths, a taco truck and free lawn games.
“Growing Together” aims to have different cultural institutions in La Jolla collaborate to increase their audiences. (Pablo Mason)
The intent is to have Growing Together events every other month, though details are still being confirmed. While the six events are intended to be similar, they will have slightly different offerings.
“This idea has been percolating for a long time because we recognize that our small organization can strengthen our reach and accomplish more when we partner with other organizations,” Lockhart said.
Having already partnered with the Athenaeum and the Museum of Contemporary Art for other events, conversations had shifted to “how to lift all the arts organizations in La Jolla and think creatively,” Lockhart said.
The result is Growing Together, and MCASD education and engagement manager Maru Lopez said the museum is “thrilled” to be a partner.
“This collaboration supports our shared goal of making neighboring cultural institutions more accessible to communities across San Diego while highlighting The Village’s vibrant arts programming,” Lopez said. “We hope that together, local cultural organizations can entice visitors from across the county to spend the day here, enjoying not only the scenic beauty but everything The Village has to offer.”
Athenaeum Executive Director Christie Mitchell said her organization “is deeply committed to fostering lifelong curiosity and learning in music and visual art, and this collaboration provides an opportunity to further engage with like-minded partners and audiences. By working together, we can strengthen a sense of connection and belonging within our creative community.”
Murals of La Jolla Executive Director Taylor Chapin agreed, saying “Collaboration across organizations is essential to a thriving cultural ecosystem. Through this partnership, we hope to create new opportunities to share the vibrant public artworks of Murals of La Jolla more broadly with our region, deepen community connection through the arts and welcome new audiences to experience La Jolla’s thriving arts community.”
Lockhart said collaborations like this showcase La Jolla for more than just its shoreline.
“Families can explore the beautiful beaches, but they don’t always know there are great free cultural programs you can take advantage of with their children,” she said. “We are committed to sharing our space with as many people as possible, so creating this community festival communicates to anyone that this is a resource we all can share, a place to come with your family, and we hope [it] encourages folks to make La Jolla a consistent destination to visit with families.”
Learn more at lajollahistory.org. ♦