We need a unified effort to fight for a future we can all be proud of. Unified effort. Unified passion. Unified community. Unified institutions, facilities, schools, programs, and unified artists. We need to push for The IE & Saint Bernardine Cinema & Sound Initiative We need to catapult it into the IE Arts Alliance. The future is what we make it.

Growing up in San Bernardino, I've witnessed firsthand how our area, filled with talented and passionate individuals, is often overshadowed by the creative allure of Los Angeles. Many artists and creators from San Bernardino and the broader Inland Empire have had to migrate to Los Angeles, drawn by its promise of opportunity and infrastructure. It pains me to see our community's potential slipping away simply because we lack the means to cultivate it here.

San Bernardino and Redlands, key cities in the Inland Empire, are brimming with creative energy and ambition. Yet, for too long, our region has suffered from a lack of institutional support and connectivity necessary to nurture and retain its artistic talent. This gap stifles economic growth and deprives our community of thriving cultural innovation. Imagine what could be possible if we built a support system that could rival the appeal of larger cities?

The economic benefits of igniting a creative revolution here are immense. By fostering an environment where artists, musicians, and creators can flourish, we can stimulate our local economy, create job opportunities, and enhance our community’s cultural richness. This would not only attract tourists but also instill pride and unity among residents.

What can we do? 

1. Develop Creative Hubs: Establish affordable workspace and venues for artists and creators to showcase and develop their talents. This could involve converting underutilized properties into studios, galleries, and performance spaces.

2. Strengthen Institutional Support: Form partnerships between local government, educational institutions, and private entities to provide funding, grants, and resources specifically targeted at nurturing creative projects and careers.

3. Enhance Connectivity: Create platforms and networks that facilitate collaboration and sharing of ideas between artists in the Inland Empire and beyond.

4. Educational Programs: Implement comprehensive arts education programs in local schools and communities to inspire and train the next generation of creative thinkers.

5. Jobs & Economics:  Although art is very important, let’s not forget the most important thing of all which is jobs and economic security. This can’t just be a hobby. We have to build the infrastructure for a globally competitive and recognizable industry.  An industry that could blindside Los Angeles and shock the world. The jobs we can guarantee in manufacturing, construction, and the various departments of the arts  will make for a bustling economy full of low unemployment, more passionate workers,  better community connectivity, and less people giving up on their dreams. 

6. Where can the money go (the arts): the revenue generated from this endeavor should be given to artists to make a living, institutions/facilities to sustain themselves, and art programs to bring more people into this vision. For example someone could temporarily rent out their house to the alliance for art projects.

6. Pt. 2 (city development): The revenue should also go to city projects. There is infrastructure that needs to be developed, roads needs to be paved, local businesses need a face lift to be more appealing to tourists, people need money for start ups, the spurring of neighborhood revitalization (roads, parks, street lights, and side walks) funding assistant programs, and there’s a lot of people who need home improvements as well as new house developments to buy in the first place.

6. Pt. 3 (why?): San Bernardino is an old city with old infrastructure, a lot of homes with rotting foundations, faulty air conditioning, experiencing rolling brownouts/blackouts, lack of transportation. There’s a lot of stuff that can be done for a lot of people.

This is our chance to ignite a spark in the Inland Empire, to celebrate our artists and give them the platform and resources they deserve. Let’s turn dreams into reality right here in San Bernardino. We must do so and  we can’t do so unless we’re all in it together. 

So, please Join me in demanding that our cities invest in the infrastructure and support necessary to keep our talented creatives at home. Let’s bridge the creative gap to show the world what San Bernardino artists can achieve and support a thriving community. We are not just a bedroom community and a warehouse hub. We will no longer accept being an after thought on this planet.