Supporting arts & arts education
Celebrating 22 Years of Empowering Young Artists and Transforming Public Spaces
Our Mission
The San Jose Downtown Foundation (SJDF) is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by the San Jose Downtown Association. Our mission is to foster art and culture in downtown San Jose by supporting projects that enrich the city’s urban landscape. From large-scale murals to creative business window art, we celebrate the transformative power of public art.
Downtown Doors is SJDF’s flagship initiative—an annual public art program that invites San Jose high school students, including those from Title I schools, to transform overlooked urban spaces into powerful works of art.
Now in its 22nd year, Downtown Doors provides:
- A real-world platform for student artists
- Public installations of winning designs
- Honorariums and funding for school art departments
- Professional exposure and experience in the arts
By turning blank doors and utility boxes into vibrant displays, students leave a lasting impact on their city while gaining valuable experience.
How It Works
• Create: Students collaborate with teachers over several months to develop original artwork.
• Submit: Each participating school selects and submits up to ten pieces.
• Select: A rotating panel of judges, including local artists, educators and curators, selects the winners.
This program is about more than beautification. It empowers young artists, connects the community, and enriches downtown San Jose.
• Downtown Beautification
Art transforms blank surfaces into vibrant public installations.
• Community Engagement
The project fosters civic pride and a shared appreciation for creativity.
• Educational Value
Students gain encouragement and structure from teachers while creating work that can launch future careers in the arts.
• Young Creatives Empowerment
Student voices are elevated through a public platform for their artistic expression.
• Professional Experience
Participants gain real-world experience and portfolio-quality work.
• Cultural Vibrancy
Each piece adds to the cultural richness of downtown, reflecting the city’s diversity.
Over two decades, Downtown Doors has awarded more than $131,500 to student artists and schools to support arts education.
Board of Trustees
The San Jose Downtown Foundation is guided by a dedicated Board of Trustees—community leaders, artists, educators, and advocates—who volunteer their time and expertise to support our mission of fostering arts and culture in downtown San Jose.
Their leadership ensures transparency, sustainability, and vision in every initiative we undertake.
2025 Board of Trustees
- Chair (temp): Jeanne Serpa
Community Relations | Republic Services - Treasurer: Manny Fernandez
Senior Tax Manager | True Partners Consulting - Secretary: Scott Dalgleish
Director of Development Operations | Oracle - Board Trustee: Autumn Young
Deputy Assessor | Santa Clara County - Board Trustee: Amanda Rawson
Partner – Research Director – Project Manager | Art Builds Community - Board Trustee: Haley Hemm
Community Engagement & Program Lead | Scott Center for Social Entrepreneurship
Get Involved
Support the next generation of artists and help us continue bringing creativity, culture and color to downtown San Jose.
Whether you’re a community member, educator or supporter of the arts, your involvement helps make programs like Downtown Doors possible.
Contact us at sjdf@sjdowntown.com for information about joining our board
