Lauren Garces and her events company Social Artistry are deeply rooted in San Diego’s AANHPI (Asian-American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander) community. As AANHPI Heritage Month arrives, we chat with Garces — whose venture was named an inaugural member of the San Diego Tourism Authority’s Accelerator program in 2021 — about the company, the community and some of her favorite places and events around San Diego.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to launch Social Artistry.
A: Growing up in Hawaii and experiencing the rich cultural tapestry of Pan-Pacific Islander and Pan-Asian cultures truly imbued me with the aloha spirit and the collective creations possible through community collaboration. I have been producing events for 14 years now, but I formed my company Social Artistry in 2020 in response to the challenges we were facing during the pandemic.
Q: What is a must-do experience with your business?
A: To get to know, experience and learn from our amazing communities through events! From lion dances to taiko drumming, there are so many ways we can learn from our cultural communities and experience what makes our power in diversity so special.
Q: How do you support or partner with local organizations, nonprofits or community groups to contribute to the well-being of the San Diego community?
A: Almost every single event I work on supports and collaborates with nonprofits and other organizations on ways to uplift and provide a platform for diverse communities to be highlighted. Many are intentionally free, so as to offer access to cultural arts, education and community engagement.
Q: What are a few of your local favorites within your neighborhood?
A: Box Creations Mural Boxes in the Convoy District, December Nights (including the Taste of December Nights Drive-Thru Experiences during the pandemic), Asian and Pacific Islander Festival Day at the San Diego County Fair, the San Diego Night Market, and World Design Experience.
Q: If someone were to come to your business, what are a few surrounding things that would be interesting to do?
A: Being embraced in a world of culture through food, music, dance, shopping and connection. Exploring an evolving community like the Convoy District is like witnessing the stories of our amazing hometown heroes being born. These are stories of resilience, hope, and working hard at bringing our dreams to life for all to share in.
Q: Locally, where do you go to connect with your heritage? And what are some of your favorite AANHPI- or women-owned businesses, events, neighborhoods or organizations in San Diego?
A: I love connecting to and supporting our small businesses, both at their restaurants/ shops and at events in the community! Exploring and meeting the community where they’re at, and supporting your creative friends as they share their cultures and talents with the world.
And as far as neighborhoods: Convoy District, City Heights, Barrio Logan, Marine Street.
Q: If someone were coming to San Diego for the first time, what would you tell them to do to get a sense of the community’s breadth?
A: Get to know the many personalities of our amazing neighborhoods and fill your list with the BEST food, drinks and desserts from countless cultures. Besides our larger festivals, definitely also explore our neighborhood and cultural community festivals that truly support our local artists and makers, and that share our community’s collective pride.
Q: What do you think would most surprise a newcomer to San Diego?
A: San Diego has all the makings of a beautiful work-life balance, and paired with that are so many amazing cultural communities sharing with others and welcoming us to explore the world with them.
Q: Looking forward, what makes you excited about growing your business in San Diego? And do you have any new events or experiences that would be great for returning visitors?
A: Beyond the beautiful weather and scenery, what makes San Diego so special is its diversity and all the special flavors that come alive across our city. Being able to contribute and uplift the city’s beautiful cultural landscape makes me appreciate growing in San Diego.
As far as events and experiences: Lunar New Year celebrations, the San Diego County Fair experiences in the summer, December Nights in the winter, and year-round events and programs in the Convoy District. And if you’re into film, join our thriving film scene with the San Diego Asian Film Festival and San Diego Filipino Film Festival.
