Program areas at Balboa Park Cultural Partnership
Balboa Park Explorer Passes:BPCP now offers a 1-day, multi-day, and annual pass for visitors the Balboa ParkExplorer (the Explorer) providing general admission to all 16 museums in Balboa Park. As part of BPCPs effort to build a better Balboa Park experience, our goal for the Explorer is to broaden access to the Park, making the visitor experience a smoother, more interconnected journey through our many diverse organizations. TheExplorer also provides a new marketing opportunity, and a chance to build a sense of ownership and pride in Balboa Park among our visitors. Additionally, the Explorer will provide more opportunities for the organizations to collaborate programmatically.
Membership & One Park - One Team:BPCP was formed in 2003 to provide a means for members to identify and achieve collective goals and to speak with one voice on issues of mutual benefit and importance. The Board of Directors is comprised of executive directors of member organizations. Every Balboa Park employee, volunteer, and trustee has an opportunity to participate in the development and implementation of BPCPs One Park - One Team programs including: Sustainability, Advocacy, Parkwide Communications, Learning Institute, Multi-organization Explorer Passes, San Diego Maker Faire, Community Access Passes and Military Appreciation Passes.Team member engagement program consists of networking and events, learningopportunities through the Learning Institute, and communications. Networking and events allow Park team members to build community and drive collaboration. Our core event, Trustees Connected, brings together Park trustees and stakeholders to celebrate the accomplishments of Balboa Park organizations and advocate for arts andculture. Established in 2008, the Learning Institute was founded as an opportunity to provide professional development and establish a learning community for staff and volunteers in arts, science, and cultural organizations in Balboa Park organizations. The Learning Institute empowers individuals and organizations with specialized continuing education opportunities, including the annual Smith Leadership Symposium. The Symposium explores trending and relevant topics, including leadership, audience experience, evaluation, equity, inclusion, diversity,accessibility, and sustainability. BPCP member organizations are the primary audience; however, many offerings are open to individuals from cultural organizations outside of Balboa Park. Whenever possible, the Learning Institute partners with related local and national groups and organizations to leverage high-quality learning resources. Team member engagement also provides on-going communication with Park team members through newsletters, social media, and affinity groups.
Community and Military Access Passes:Balboa Park Explorer gives back to the community through the Community Access Pass (CAP) program, which provides the opportunity for underserved families, and now active duty military families, to experience the cultural and educational joys of Balboa Park. The CAP program partners with local nonprofits to distribute free annual Balboa Park Explorer passes to economically disadvantaged, at-risk,and traditionally underserved families. Established in 2017, the Military Appreciation Pass (MAP) program provides the same family passes to active duty military families living in San Diego County. Sixteen participating BPCP member organizations provide free admission to pass recipients.Team Member Engagement: Team member engagement program consists of networking and events, learning opportunities through the Learning Institute, and communications. Networking and events allow Park team members to build community and drive collaboration. Our core event, Trustees Connected, brings together Park trustees and stakeholders to celebrate the accomplishments of Balboa Park organizations and advocate for arts and culture. Established in 2008, the Learning Institute was founded as an opportunity to provide professional development and establish a learning community for staff and volunteers in arts, science, and cultural organizations in Balboa Park organizations. The Learning Institute empowers individuals and organizations with specialized continuing education opportunities, including the annual Smith Leadership Symposium. The Symposium explores trending and relevant topics, including leadership, audience experience, evaluation, equity, inclusion, diversity, accessibility, and sustainability. BPCP member organizations are the primary audience; however, many offerings are open to individuals from cultural organizations outside of Balboa Park. Whenever possible, the LearningInstitute partners with related local and national groups and organizations to leverage high-quality learning resources. Team member engagement also provides on-going communication with Park team members through newsletters, social media, and affinity groups.