As a board member of the San Diego Civic Youth Ballet, I see firsthand how arts education builds discipline, confidence and creativity in young people — skills that extend far beyond the stage.
Recent discussions about arts funding are a wake-up call. Organizations like ours are not luxuries; they are essential community institutions supported by a fragile balance of tuition, philanthropy and public investment. When that balance weakens, access and opportunity are at risk.
Youth arts programs do more than train performers — they help develop engaged, thoughtful citizens and provide meaningful opportunities across our community.
I recently joined others at City Hall to advocate for the arts. Awareness is strong; now it must translate into action. Sustained public support is critical to keeping these programs accessible.
San Diego has long valued creativity and culture. Now is the time to reaffirm that commitment.
— Sam Blackstock, San Diego