A Message From the Arts Program at San Diego International Airport

During these trying times I know that we are all receiving coronavirus updates and executive messages from any number of organizations, companies, platforms, etc. that we are members of or to which we subscribe. These messages mostly center on the prioritization of health and safety, for employees and patrons. Here at SAN we are taking similar appropriate measures. Our staff is working remotely, we are suspending public tours (see below), cancelling large events, retooling meetings for virtual participation, and are in the process of evaluating and adapting our programs to provide engagement in new ways.

As we undertake this new reality, we feel an obligation, and a sense of mission, to highlight the fact that artists and creative thinkers have always been the folks who find new solutions when presented with challenges. As natural problem-solvers, the solutions are innovative, the resulting work ground-breaking and transformative. It is with this mindset that we embrace the period ahead. Now more than ever, the value of the arts must be reaffirmed. Art brings us together and provides a sense of community. This human connection is vital as we all consider the well-being of our families, friends, and neighbors.

So, stay tuned, continue to support the arts in this time, and please see below for additional information.

Thank you,

Chris Chalupsky
Senior Manager, Arts Program

Artist Emergency Resources

We recognize that artists and arts organizations are experiencing unprecedented challenges as a result of the impacts of COVID-19. The local and national arts community has rallied to share resources that may help individual artists and organizations with up to date information. We encourage consulting these outlets and organizations for current, arts-specific information:

KPBS - San Diego Arts And Artists Go Digital During Coronavirus Closures

Americans for the Arts Coronavirus Covid-19 Resource and Response Center

Arts Ready

Performing Arts Readiness

National Coalition for Arts’ Preparedness & Emergency Response

Creative Capital List of Arts Resources During the COVID-19 Outbreak

LA Times - 7 ways to experience live music while social distancing

Arts Program Public Tours Suspended

The health, safety, and comfort of the community is our highest priority. In keeping with the CDC and County Public Health Services recommendations regarding limiting in-person gatherings, we have made the decision to suspend Arts Program Public Tours for the time being. We look forward to hosting you for an engaging, behind-the-scenes tour of our public art, performing arts, and temporary exhibitions at the airport once the CDC and County Health advise it is safe to publicly gather and we are able to resume normal programming.

A Couple of Bright Spots

During two recent back-to-back weeks the Arts Program experienced some extra impactful stories. We wanted to share:

A surprise reunion of friends resulted in an extraordinary performance at a regular Thursday concert in Terminal 1. When musician Caitlin Evanson landed in San Diego on March 5^th after narrowly surviving the recent tornado in Nashville (including her house being partially destroyed), she was shocked to see her long-time friend and collaborator, Nico Hueso setting up on stage. Arts Program staff and Hueso invited Evanson, who tours with Taylor Swift and Shakira, to join the concert onstage. Travelers were stopped in their tracks by the duo’s incredible set of pop favorites that followed. Afterwards Evanson shared that having concerts in the airport and the opportunity to play, as a working musician and after what she had been through, was a blessing.

Then on Thursday, March 12^th Arts Program staff received an email from legendary songwriter Jack Temchin. Mr. Temchin, who has written timeless hits for artists like the Eagles (“Peaceful Easy Feeling” and “Already Gone”), George Jones, Emilylou Harris and others, spent 30 minutes playing SAN’s public piano. During that time he worked on a new song titled “I’ve Got A Smile For You.” Mr. Temchin shared his admiration for the artwork that local painter Kristina Woodruff adorned on the instrument. Beginning in 2019, a new artist is commissioned each year to paint the piano as part of the Arts Program’s annual temporary exhibition. Kristina and St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center were selected as one of 16 artists featured in the exhibition, Forces of Nature . Temchin stated that because of the piano, “The stress of airport travel melted away.”

The public piano is located pre-security in the 2^nd floor atrium of Terminal 2 West and is available for all to play.

#SANARTS

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San Diego International Airport Arts Program · 3225 N. Harbor Drive · San Diego, Ca 92101 · USA