Director
Victoria Hamilton is a dedicated advocate for community improvement, with a deep commitment to making a genuine impact. Her passion is evident in her efforts to advance causes she believes in, enhance the professionalism of organizations, and build public/private partnerships that drive systemic change. With extensive experience directing city and county arts and culture commissions and holding executive positions on nonprofit boards, Victoria has a profound appreciation for the contributions of volunteer board members and staff leadership.
Her expertise spans over 45 years in government, grantmaking, strategic planning, and non-profit management within the visual and performing arts. Currently, she serves as President of California Arts Advocates and has held numerous significant roles, including Past President of Californians for the Arts, Chair of Forever Balboa Park, and Co-Chair of the President’s Advisory Committee on SDSU Mission Valley Public Art. Victoria’s past roles include Founding Executive Director of the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture and the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission, Arts and Culture Advocate at the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation, founding member of the NTC Foundation Board, and member of the San Diego Foundation’s Arts and Culture Working Group. She has also participated in grant review panels for the National Endowment for the Arts and the California Arts Council.
Victoria has played a pivotal role in numerous initiatives and current arts and culture grant programs in San Diego, aimed at stabilizing large budget organizations, fostering the growth of small and mid-sized groups, and uplifting emerging organizations and artists. Her strategic thinking and influence extend across local, state, and national levels, impacting arts legislation and policy, cultural tourism development, and initiatives that prioritize diversity, inclusion, and equity. Her work supports the mission of The Conrad Prebys Foundation, reflecting her lifelong commitment to being a change agent for equality and justice.