Bright Spots: Igniting Change Together – Bringing the Catalyst Community to National City
Earlier this month, ARTS partnered with the City of National City to host the Catalyst of San Diego and Imperial Counties annual conference. Visit their page to check out more highlights from the event!
The conference highlighted the individuals and organizations that are shaping the future of philanthropy in our region. Attendees delved into inspiring breakout sessions, heard visionary keynotes, and engaged in creative artmaking. These events showcased the collaborative and resilient spirit of our community while also highlighting some of the ‘bright spots’ that National City and the wider South Bay has to offer. ARTS led activations such as a communal mosaic artwork, a guided walk through Kimball Park, and a community loom weaving experience. Our talented Teaching Artists elevated these activities, providing guests with authentic ARTS experiences.
ARTS Partnership With National City
The National City Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center and the ARTS Center buzzed with activity. Over 200 guests joined us for a full day of convening and connection. The space was filled with amazing energy as participants exchanged insights, inspired new connections, and collectively envisioned a brighter future for San Diego and Imperial Counties.
National City Council Member, Luz Molina, and ARTS Executive Director, Lucy Eagleson, delivered a warm welcome, opening the conference and welcoming attendees to National City. Their unified message centered on the importance of uplifting National City and celebrating the city’s partnership with ARTS. By shining a light on the collective impact of their collaboration, Luz and Lucy set an inspiring tone for the day, making all guests feel part of the city’s ongoing story of creativity and collaboration.
“You are in a community that believes in itself. In a place where local civic, business, and non-profit leaders are not afraid to innovate, and where the arts are not decoration, but declaration.”
Luz Molina, National City Council Member
During our lunch session, guests had the chance to enjoy the unique and creative space of the ARTS Center. We enjoyed a musical performance by ‘Friend of ARTS’ and former ARTS Program Coordinator, Terry Matsuoka, who played tunes on our patio stage. Guests also had the opportunity to network and explore more of what National City has to offer, with a tour of Kimball Park guided by ARTS Advancement Coordinator Jose Lopez and Recreation Supervisor Zaide Jurado, City of National City.
"What I wanted to show in this piece is the historical significance of National City's Victorian homes and their legacy. I painted the National City's Brick Road as they are the ones I used to walk by every time I walked home from ARTS, and because I believe that it is important to remember our past, especially when it's as rich as National City's history."
Marko R. (age 18), Youth Artist & National City Resident
Collaboration with local youth talent was also a highlight of the conference. National City youth artist Marko R., selected from our Community ARTS program, was commissioned to create an original artwork featured on a special event postcard. Each participant received a postcard and was invited to write a note to their future self, reflecting on one thing they felt inspired to do after attending the event. These postcards will be mailed to participants at a later date as a creative reminder of their intentions and the inspiration sparked at Catalyst.
Breakout Session: Igniting Change Beyond the Dollars
The standout moment in the afternoon for ARTS was the breakout session, "Igniting Change Beyond the Dollars." Funders and grantees discussed the "Five T’s" (time, talent, treasure, testimony, ties) and how these resources boost success beyond funding. Moderated by ARTS Board Member Stephen Minix from UpMetrics, the panel included ARTS Executive Director Lucy Eagleson, ARTS Founder and now Executive Director of the Clare Rose Foundation Matt D'Arrigo, and other sector leaders. Together, Lucy and Matt demonstrated how the "Five T's" have fueled ARTS’s growth and impact in recent years, urging funders to support intentional dialogue on the relationships and opportunities that nonprofit partners need to thrive and succeed.
Closing Activity: Communal Loom Weaving
An inspiring activity was planned to close the event: a communal loom weaving session led by Teaching Artist Claudia Rodríguez-Biezunski (Sew Loka) with the support of our ARTS on Campus team and Fifty and Better (FABs) participants from the Kimball Senior Center. Claudia invited participants to view threads as symbols of our shared journeys and connections. After reflecting on their values and experiences, attendees wrote heartfelt messages on fabric strips, which were woven into a shared tapestry. The session concluded with a lively Ballet Folklorico performance by the San Diego Dance Company, providing an uplifting atmosphere. The finished tapestries served as a vibrant reminder that when our stories and creativity intertwine, we can build a resilient and beautifully unified community.
We are grateful to Catalyst of San Diego and Imperial Counties, the City of National City, our team (especially our events team led by Jose Contreras Jr.), and all who attended for making this event a true celebration of creativity, collaboration, and positive change.
