San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer Thursday announced the appointment of arts advocate Jonathon Glus to be the city’s new Commission for Arts and Culture executive director.
Glus previously served as the director of culture and creative economy for the City of Sacramento, helping to bridge arts and culture with local businesses. Glus also directed the first cultural planning process in Sacramento in more than 20 years. As the commission’s executive director, Glus will work as an adviser to Faulconer and the City Council to support the city’s artistic and cultural endeavors.
“I couldn’t be more honored to have been selected for this crucial position,” Glus said. “I look forward to being a part of making San Diego the most creative, vibrant city it can be and to ensure every San Diegan is a part of that process. Together we can empower every resident with the opportunity to celebrate their arts and their culture as they choose, while building a diversified economy that includes creative businesses, creative industry and creative citizens.”
According to the mayor’s office, the city awarded about $12 million in contracts for arts and culture nonprofits during fiscal year 2018. A report on the effects of arts and culture programs on the city found that arts and culture nonprofits led to $217 million in economic growth. In addition, more than 3.8 million tourists each year stay longer than the average tourist due to the city’s cultural activities, according to the report.
“We have a thriving arts and culture scene in San Diego and Jonathon will help ensure that it remains the envy of other cities for years to come,” Faulconer said. “His experience in the areas of civic arts programming, creative placemaking and cultural policy makes him the perfect fit to lead the city’s Arts and Culture Commission into an exciting future.”
Glus worked as the CEO of the Houston Arts Alliance for nine years prior to working for the City of Sacramento.
He has also held arts and culture directing positions in Pasadena, Calif., and Evanston, Ill. Glus will take over the position from Acting Executive Director Christine Jones on Nov. 5.
–City News Service
