The Youth Arts and Culture Commissioners are part of the County of San Diego's Arts and Culture Commission. This Arts and Culture Commission serves as an advisory body that promotes vibrant arts, culture, and creativity in the county and provides guidance on the growth and sustainability of San Diego County’s diverse creative communities. Within the Commission, there are three youth members, aged 16 to 24, nominated by the Chief Administrative Officer to participate in its activities.

Youth Commissioner Qualifications

• Between the ages of 16 and 24 at the time of appointment
• Resident of San Diego County
• Passionate about civic engagement and the arts

Commitment:

• Able to commit to a 2-year term
• Able to commit to attending bimonthly meetings (currently scheduled for Wednesday afternoons at a San Diego County Administration Center)

How to Apply

If you’re passionate about growing the arts and want to make a positive impact in your county, submit your application today! Your involvement can help shape San Diego’s arts future and more dynamic creative communities across the San Diego region. View more information and learn how to apply.

Please note that you will need to click the  Apply for Membership button and complete the general application for the San Diego Board, Commission, or Committee, and select the Arts and Culture Commission from the Committee drop-down in the application.

There are currently two youth commissioner vacancies to fill on the Arts and Culture Commission.

Application deadline for the current vacancies is May 26, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

Questions? Contact arts@sdcounty.ca.gov

• Jim Gilliam, Chair, District 5
• Bob Lehman, Vice Chair, District 4
• Jay Bell, District 3
• Monica Hernandez, District 1
• Jennifer Jeffries, District 5
• Sharlene O'Keefe, District 2
• Renée Richetts, District 2
• Nadia Reyes, Youth
• Felicia Shaw, District 4
• Marisa Rosalez, District 1
• VACANT, District 3
• VACANT, Youth
• VACANT, Youth

The Arts and Culture Commission was created to make the arts more accessible, fair, and inclusive. Its goal is to show that the arts are important in everyday life, support a lively arts community, create new cultural policies, and help people understand the value of the arts and cultural diversity.

The Commission has 13 members, all appointed by the Board of Supervisors. Each member’s term lasts as long as the Supervisor who nominated them is in office. There are also three youth members, ages 16 to 24, who are nominated by the Chief Administrative Officer. Youth members serve for two years. All Commissioners must live in San Diego County.