the arts and culture that San Diego had to offer . While visiting local theaters and museums , she began to notice the Commission for Arts and Culture logo and grew curious about the organization . Out of sheer curiosity , Springs picked up the phone , called the Commission ’ s office , and asked if they had any job openings . It was a bold move , but she was in luck — four months later she started as the public art program assistant .
Dana Springs takes center stage at the Old globe Theatre , introducing the opening night of Plays by Young Writers . And yes , that ’ s a copy of Triton magazine in her hand .
Photo : geri goodale / Reminisce Photography
A DECADE AnD A HAlF lATER , Springs is now leading the organization she decided to call out of the blue . She is now responsible for managing not only the Commission ’ s reputation , but also its relationships with constituents . But the transition from managing projects to managing people wasn ’ t easy , Springs says . “ I ’ m still figuring out the best way to prioritize my duties ,” she admits , yet through a career of transition , her enthusiastic attitude and commitment to art prevail .
A large part of Springs ’ job includes entering the local community to attend art openings and performances . As the face of the Commission , she ’ s a public figure who must be “ on ” when out in the world , a facet of her job in which her education in performance proves extremely helpful .
This is where I meet Springs again — out on the town where she is truly in her element . She has come to speak at The Old Globe Theatre for the opening night of Plays by Young Writers , a program by the San Diego Playwrights Project . As we walk into the Globe , Springs scopes out the crowd and all the young playwrights , no doubt assessing how representative they are of arts and culture in San Diego . And indeed they are — throughout the night , we see four different productions by young playwrights , all reflective of their own cultures and journeys . During a brief intermission , I have to relinquish Springs ’ attention to the crowd of people who have gathered to chat with her — from the principal of a local high school to an artist pitching an idea for a new project .
ACCORDing TO SPRingS , it ’ s this kind of enthusiasm that lets San Diego occupy a distinct place in the art world . It ’ s a city that ’ s cosmopolitan enough to be interesting and dynamic , but still casual enough to be comfortable . The unique nature of San Diego , with its nontraditional work lifestyle ( think anti-9-5 ), allows for greater creativity from local innovators .
“ The fact that San Diego offers amazing arts and culture that we can all enjoy in a relaxed , beautiful setting is our signature ,” says Springs .
A special reward of her role occurred when her connection with UC San Diego came full circle . While a student , Springs studied under dance professors Patricia Rincon and Jean Isaacs , as well as then-teaching assistant Roman de Salvo . She relished the chance to work with them all again , this time in her governmental role , when they all received funding from the Commission for their local dance companies .
Springs credits her UC San Diego education for shaping her career trajectory , but not in the way most people think when they hear of her degree in visual arts . “ I couldn ’ t paint something if I wanted to ,” she admits . “ But I could talk to you about art all day long . I can translate the concepts and ideas that need to be translated to certain audiences . It ’ s an unusual combination : the teaching about ideas , then the ability I learned in the advertising agency to balance business interests with creative interests .”
For others from UCSD interested in pursuing a career in the visual arts , Springs offers two bits of advice : be a good writer and learn how to manage heartbreak . “ When you ’ ve worked hard on something and then something about it fails , you have to develop the skill to not become bitter or closed ,” she notes . “ It really comes down to
“ The fact that San Diego offers amazing arts and culture that we can all enjoy in a relaxed , beautiful setting is our signature .”
being resilient . There ’ s a million ways to be resilient if you have strong creativity .”
It was that resilience and boldness that put Springs where she is today — from center stage of The Old Globe to the office downtown that she has turned into an expression of herself — all of it in service of bringing art to San Diego .
“ There is more drama going on in this office than there is in any movie theater across America ,” she says . “ I have never been bored at my desk , not one time . I have some interesting , bizarre new problem to solve every day . The fact that the problems are related to arts and culture makes it that much more rewarding .”
Dana sPrinGs teLLs aLL !
Go online for the inside stories behind the making of selected San Diego public art installations , including Central Library ’ s bright blue chairs .
Visit TRiTOnmAg . COm / SDART
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