“The goal is always to create a place where all guests feel respected, can be themselves, and can build connections while cultural learning takes place,” says Creative Minds at event production company Social Artistry. says one Lauren Garces. “I always ask myself, ‘How can I intentionally build these spaces?’
Garces, the daughter of Filipino immigrants, grew up in Hawaii. After earning a degree in marketing from SDSU and working in event production for more than a decade, she founded her company in 2020 with the goal of helping communities come together during the pandemic.
One of Social Artistry’s first “events” wasn’t exactly a gathering. The piece, called “Box Creations,” was a response to the fear that AAPI women felt while going out during a time when hatred against people of Asian descent was on the rise. Garces partnered with the Asian Economic Association, Cox, SDG&E, and local artists to paint messages of hope and healing on electrical boxes along the convoy.
Garces was also part of the organizing group behind Balboa Park’s December Nights, and was instrumental in making the popular event a “drive-thru” during the pandemic.
Photo by Erica Joan
“We created a piece of San Diego history,” she recalls. “There was nothing quite like it. People were honking their horns to ‘Jingle Bells’ while waiting in line for cars. At a time when we were so alone, San Diegans It brought people together.”
Garces is currently adding magic to the Convoy San Diego Night Market, Linda Vista Multicultural Fair, and Asian Film Festival, bringing together local art, food, dance, music, entertainment, crafts, and cultural organizations to welcome visitors. I’m designing a gathering. And so do the residents. “A big event can celebrate a special time, but we also want it to be a showcase for what the community has to offer,” she says. “We want to inspire action to support our communities throughout the year.” She has been invited to attend several Lunar New Year celebrations in 2025.
Most events hosted by Garces are sponsored by city, county and local sponsors and are free to attend. She also co-chairs the San Diego Asian Pacific Islander Coalition, which includes more than 40 organizations across the county. The coalition secured an empowerment grant from the San Diego Foundation to advance new research on the AAPI diaspora in San Diego.
