The City of San José’s Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs is hosting an art exhibition reception on November 7, 2025, at The Citadel Art Studios to showcase projects by the 2025 Creative Ambassadors. The five ambassadors—Julie Cardenas, Matt Casey (More Mas Marami), Jessica Gutierrez, Miguel Ozuna, and Steven Rubalcaba—have each developed community-engaged creative works over the past year, including a shared film camera photography project, zine-making workshops, a community audio archive, a collaborative collage using repurposed materials, and art workshops for mothers and children.
This exhibition matters because it highlights a municipal program that directly invests in local artists to foster civic engagement and cultural celebration in San José. Since its launch in 2019, the Creative Ambassador program has supported 24 artists, demonstrating a model for how cities can use public funding to amplify diverse voices, build community connections, and make art accessible to residents across neighborhoods. The event underscores the growing role of local government in nurturing grassroots cultural production.