Bob Lehman has been appointed as the new executive director of San Diego ART Matters, the leading arts advocacy organization in the region. This transition follows his role as the head of the San Diego Museum Council since 2021. Lehman’s appointment comes as the organization, originally founded in 1989 as the San Diego Regional Arts and Culture Coalition, rebranded earlier this year to enhance its focus on supporting the arts community.
San Diego ART Matters emerged in response to a proposed elimination of arts funding from the city’s hotel tax, advocating for financial support for cultural organizations. Over the years, it has become a significant player in arts advocacy, collaborating with California Arts Advocates on state issues and Americans for the Arts on national matters. Lehman’s leadership is expected to further strengthen these partnerships and enhance the organization’s impact.
During his tenure at the San Diego Museum Council, Lehman demonstrated a proactive approach to advocacy. He successfully tripled the council’s membership to over 100 arts groups and worked actively to promote collaboration with cultural institutions across the border. His dynamic presence has made him a well-known advocate in the community, frequently engaging with local media and social platforms to raise awareness about the arts.
Lehman expressed his commitment to fostering a collaborative relationship between San Diego ART Matters and the San Diego Museum Council. He stated, “Especially in today’s difficult climate, we need to work together, collaborate and share resources. Those are the keys to long-term, sustainable success for us both.” This vision aligns with the goals of San Diego ART Matters, which aims to enhance funding and policy support for artists and arts organizations, particularly in underserved areas of San Diego County.
In light of Lehman’s departure from the Museum Council, Tom Felkner, the council’s director of operations, will manage daily operations and report directly to the board. Felicia Shaw, deputy director of San Diego ART Matters, welcomed Lehman’s leadership, emphasizing their collaborative work in statewide initiatives. “Having him join SDAM is an easy fit and natural transition in leadership,” she noted.
James Halliday, interim chair of San Diego ART Matters, highlighted the significance of Lehman’s appointment for the arts community. “A thriving creative ecosystem needs passionate and determined advocates and champions. Having both Bob and Felicia at SDAM brings tremendous capacity and vision to the organization,” he remarked.
Lehman is eager to leverage his previous experience to enhance the organization’s regional voice for the arts. He aims to expand access to funding and elevate the presence of cultural workers across various neighborhoods. “We have extraordinary cultural assets across our region, but too many of these organizations are operating without the resources, staffing, or long-term stability they need,” he asserted.
His immediate focus will be on building the infrastructure and support necessary for the creative sector to thrive, not just in urban centers but also in rural and underserved communities. By advocating for these initiatives, Lehman hopes to ensure a vibrant and sustainable arts community throughout San Diego County.
