By Anne Hall
Staff Writer

This month, CSUSM hosted the first of a series of events by North County Arts Network in an effort to increase the amount of resources and opportunities available to artists.

The North County Arts Network (NCAN) group, developed by the California Arts Council and the San Diego Board of Supervisors, introduced ideas for the nurturing, expansion and growth of artistic endeavors in San Diego County and the State of California. Their goal is to establish a strong foundation for funding the art culture within our region during 2015.

The meeting was on Jan.15 and hosted various representatives from all over San Diego County, including the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, the North Coast Repertory Theatre, the Oceanside Museum of Art, representatives of various school boards, teachers, artists and enthusiasts.  The North County Arts Network hopes to gain momentum in finding individuals to help with marketing, fundraising, brainstorming implementation techniques, and so much more.

“[It is a] collaborative movement to raise the arts incorporation in San Diego culture,” said Craig Watson, keynote speaker and Director of the California Arts Council.

Many of the spectators of the evening’s presentation voiced their excitement for the upcoming plans, including CSUSM’s Community Liaison, Marilyn Huerta. If this movement becomes a success, it could lead to a great deal of possibilities for our community.  Focuses include (but are not limited to) reincorporating the arts in education, beautification of San Diego communities, rehabilitation and art therapy.

If interested in helping the cause, attend any or all of the NCAN’s future networking events:

5 p.m. on April 16 at the Escondido Center for the Arts

340 North Escondido Blvd.

Escondido, CA 92025

5 p.m. on July 16 at the Lux Art Institute

1550 South El Camino Real

Encinitas, CA 92024

5 p.m. on Oct. 15 at the Oceanside Museum of Art

704 Pier View Way

Oceanside, CA 92054