Today we’d like to introduce you to Corey Dunlap.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Corey. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My background and education is as a fine artist. I attended an arts high-school for six years, then four years for my BFA and an additional three years for my MFA. Though I have always loved making things, by the end of my MFA program I was a little exhausted from constantly producing and by the somewhat insular academic art world. Simultaneous to my life as an artist, I’ve always been involved in organizing programs in the arts and culture sector, working for arts education programs, planning lectures and art exhibitions, and later, managing public art projects.
My goals and career changed when I began working for the public art program at the Port of San Diego while I was still in graduate school. I was later hired full-time and now manage temporary and permanent artworks and plan a variety of community-based events throughout the region. I enjoy the challenge, structure and collaboration that public art planning requires and in hindsight, it is a perfect field that combines my passion for art, community engagement, and planning.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Though I have certainly worked hard, I cannot emphasize enough how lucky I am to be working in public art management, these types of positions are far and few between. Most of my struggles professionally have been ones that I impose on myself. I am often restless with achievements and I am constantly looking for the next goal to work towards. Throughout my twenties, like most people, I was searching for a career that fit with my interests, skills and goals in life. I tried dabbling in a variety of fields, imagining myself as whatever made the most sense at that time. I interviewed for lots of amazing positions that I did not get, though that made me a better interviewer. And luckily I ended up in a place that feels fulfilling, challenging and stable. So I wouldn’t say the road has been bumpy, its just taken a few detours.
Please tell us about your organization.
I work for the Port of San Diego, a government organization that oversees the waterfront land of five cities including San Diego, Coronado, National City, Chula Vista, and Imperial Beach. Like most cities, the Port has a program that oversees the management of public arts and culture initiatives throughout the property. I am a Project Manager within the Waterfront Arts & Activation department where I oversee a variety of projects including our temporary curatorial series, permanent percent for art projects, public arts and culture events, and the coordination of our Arts, Culture & Design Committee. With my background in contemporary art, I am able to work closely with artists in the development of their projects.
In this way, the artists feel like they are working with someone that understands their vision and process, rather than just an administrator. The Port of San Diego is special in that our goals and the communities we engage with are diverse, which makes for a dynamic program. Compared to many other public art programs, I think we have a level of flexibility and autonomy that is somewhat rare in government organizations.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I think success means having a comfortable level of freedom in what you do and feeling supported by your surroundings. As someone working in a public-facing field, my markers for success often involve experiencing reactions from people. When I work with the public and I get a positive or even just surprising reaction, that is the marker of success for me.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3165 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101
- Website: https://www.portofsandiego.org/experiences/waterfront-arts-activation
- Phone: 6196867282
- Email: cdunlap@portofsandiego.org
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