25 Years of Arts, Culture & Community
For 25 years, Arts District Liberty Station has transformed a historic naval training center into one of San Diego’s most vibrant cultural destinations. What began as an ambitious redevelopment vision has become a living campus where artists, educators, nonprofits, and the community come together every day.
25 Years of Impact
Since 2000, the NTC Foundation has led the adaptive reuse of 26 historic buildings, creating Arts District Liberty Station — a dynamic cultural campus rooted in public access, artistic opportunity, and creative exchange.
Over the past quarter century, this work has grown to include:
Public art across a park-like, walkable campus
Youth arts education and community programs
Artist residencies and creative workspace
Cultural events that welcome millions of visitors each year
A Quarter Century of Growth and Achievement
As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we mark several milestones:
The opening of the Joan & Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center
Our largest cohort of artist residents to date
New additions to Installations at the Station, our public art program
A Foundation for the Future
Our vision is a world-class transborder arts district where creativity, culture, and community thrive. Arts District Liberty Station fulfills this vision by:
- Providing affordable workspace and resources for artists and organizations
- Offering grant funding and professional development
- Supporting education, experimentation, and collaboration
- Serving as a cultural center, economic driver, and civic partner
More than a destination, Arts District Liberty Station is the heart of Liberty Station — a place where creativity fuels connection and innovation.
The 25th Anniversary of Arts District Liberty Station Campaign
Campaign Goal: $250,000
This year’s campaign supports the continued growth of the programs that make Arts District Liberty Station a vibrant, evolving cultural campus. Funds raised will expand artist support, youth access, public programming, and long-term sustainability.
Save the Date
25th Anniversary Celebration
Thursday, April 30, 2026
- Campaign Co-Chairs: Leslie Harrington & Jean Thomas
Programs That Power Our Mission
Community Partnerships
Since 2001
Our partnerships with educators, nonprofits, and businesses have expanded access to creativity and cultural connections. Some community-driven programs include:
- Summer Arts Fest
- ArtWalk
- VVSD Stand Down San Diego
Liberty School
Since 2007
We support local students facing socioeconomic challenges by providing access to high-quality arts education. Through hands-on experiences in visual arts, music, theater, and dance, students build confidence, critical thinking skills, and emotional expression — tools that support academic success and lifelong learning.
Tenant Funding
Since 2019
We empower Arts District creators to activate the campus through exhibitions, performances, workshops, and events. Funded projects include:
- International Make Music Day
- Blossoming Borders
- Free community workshops, artist talks, and exhibitions
Art in Public Places
Our mission is to address, highlight, and commemorate the culture and diversity of the San Diego–Baja region
Installations at the Station
Established in 2017, this ongoing program showcases the evolving visual arts community through rotating public installations selected via an open call process.
Emerging Artist Residencies
Residencies in visual and performing arts support early-career artists by providing studio space, mentorship, and professional development within a dynamic cultural environment.
David G. Fleet Curator-in-Residence
Launched in 2023 with support from the Fleet Family Foundation, this residency allows regional curators to develop exhibitions, mentor artists, and shape public art initiatives.
Open-Air Gallery
A curated outdoor experience featuring more than a dozen murals and sculptures throughout the campus — made possible through donors, commissions, and partnerships.
Looking Ahead
For 25 years, Arts District Liberty Station has demonstrated what’s possible when history, creativity, and community come together. With continued support, the next chapter will expand access, elevate artists, and ensure this cultural landmark thrives for generations to come.