The University of California, San Diego’s vision for a downtown cultural hub and arts incubator is a step closer to reality following a major grant from the Prebys Foundation.
The foundation has awarded $5 million to support The Depot, recently purchased by UCSD in order to create an ecosystem with opportunities for students and people working in the arts, thereby keeping artists in the San Diego region.
It plans to host nonprofit arts residencies there, as well as make studio space available for individual visual artists, during a time when there is major need for affordable spaces for nonprofit arts organizations to create and present work.
The university purchased the property, which is located at the Santa Fe Depot stop of the UC San Diego Blue Line trolley, from the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, last year. The San Diego City Council approved the transfer in November 2024.
Blindspot Collective and Disco Riot, local art collectives that have used the space for the past two years, will be the first residents of the facility, using space in the non-historic portion of the building during renovations.
“We applaud UC San Diego’s exemplary leadership in saving The Depot as a resource for the arts community and as a creative asset for downtown,” said Grant Oliphant, chief executive officer of Prebys Foundation.
“This grant is designed to help the university deliver on its vision for The Depot to serve as a creative hub that enlivens our city, supports artists and connects two dynamic centers of San Diego life.”
The university intends to renovate and upgrade the historic building, including designing it for both larger and more intimate performance and other arts spaces. The university also plans to support artists with ticketing and other administrative support.
Renovation and updates of the historic building are anticipated to be completed in late 2026.
“UC San Diego is a vibrant destination where art, science and technology converge in unique educational and creative experiences,” said UCSD Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla in a statement.
“The generous support of Prebys Foundation enables us to continue to expand our vision and deepen our commitment to the Arts in downtown San Diego, where we will strengthen partnerships with nonprofit arts organizations and foster an enriching cultural scene for our community.”