Since 2018, Imperial Beach Arts Bureau has been the primary catalyst bringing public art to Imperial Beach, a majority-Hispanic, low-to-moderate-income city in San Diego. In 2024, IBAB hired its first employee: a part-time executive director to expand outreach, increase art installations and events, improve operational systems, & direct fundraising.
In 2025, IBAB created its first strategic plan, identifying a focus on growth & capacity building, beginning with a renaming to IB Arts. Funds will be used for:
• Launching a bilingual Public Art & Cultural Development Assessment to be used for future programming & advocacy
• Development of rebranding strategy, new logo, brand toolkit, website & social media/marketing plan
• Engage with 500 individuals
• Foster a minimum of 10 stimulating, culturally expressive experiences
• Systematize & improve internal operational systems & administrative practices.
• Increase funding from private donors, agencies, & foundations.
IB Arts is committed to supporting local artists and fostering a vibrant cultural landscape in Imperial Beach. A key initiative includes **twice-yearly gallery exhibitions at the public library**, providing a dynamic platform for both emerging and established artists to showcase their work and connect with the community.
As part of its core programming, IB Arts **commissions artists to create public installations**, many of which reflect Imperial Beach’s coastal identity and natural surroundings. These works celebrate the city’s proximity to the ocean and estuaries, fostering deeper appreciation for environmental themes through artistic expression.
Beyond installations, IB Arts actively **engages the community in the artmaking process**, ensuring that creativity is accessible to residents and visitors alike. This includes regular participation in **monthly Farmer’s Markets** and **citywide events** such as **Día de Los Niños** and **Art in the Park**, where hands-on art activities encourage public involvement.
To further connect people with local art, IB Arts has curated a **bilingual self-guided Mural Bike Tour**, offering an immersive experience that highlights **over 30 murals** and **34 decorated utility boxes** along a carefully designed route. By integrating public art with active transportation, this initiative allows participants to explore and appreciate the city’s creative landscape in an engaging and interactive way.
With these programs, IB Arts continues to enrich Imperial Beach’s cultural identity, making the arts accessible, participatory, and deeply connected to the local environment and community.

