Arts & Culture Program Showcases José Sacal Exhibition and Nicholas Kristof Lecture

UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies Arts & Culture Program brings meaningful conversations, cultural experiences, and creative expression to San Diego’s diverse cross-border community.

This September, the program invites the public to engage in arts and culture events in San Diego that bridge cultures and spark dialogue. Visitors can explore A Universal Mexican: Maestro Sacal, an exhibition of provocative sculptures by renowned Mexican artist José Sacal, on display at UC San Diego Park & Market. Later in the month, the program will host Nicholas Kristof, Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and New York Times columnist, for a free public lecture on global human rights, democracy, and social justice.

Together, these events highlight the power of art and ideas to inspire reflection, foster community engagement, and connect audiences across borders.

Art Exhibition: José Sacal: A Universal Mexican

On view now, the UC San Diego Park & Market Art Gallery presents A Universal Mexican: Maestro Sacal, a collaboration with Fundación Sacal and the Mexican Consulate in San Diego. The exhibition showcases the politically charged and surreal sculptures of José Sacal (1944–2018), whose work interrogates justice, identity, and belonging.

"José Sacal was a visionary whose art speaks across borders and generations," said Andrew Waltz, Director of Arts & Community Engagement at UC San Diego Extended Studies. "This exhibition invites San Diegans and international visitors alike to engage with powerful expressions of the human condition through the lens of one of Latin America’s most distinctive sculptors."

By bringing Sacal's vision into a civic space, the exhibition transforms art into a form of civic dialogue. "Displaying art in a civic space transforms exhibitions into civic dialogue," noted Waltz. “Sacal’s sculptures remind us that art is not only to be seen—it is to be wrestled with."

Audiences visiting in September will be immersed in works that bridge cultural and political worlds while sparking timely questions about our shared humanity.
 

ARTE LATINO: An Evening of Latinx Creativity, Culture & Community

Celebrate Latinx Heritage Month with ARTE LATINO on Sunday, September 14, from 12 noon to 6:00 p.m. in what promises to be a dynamic afternoon of visual art, cinema, music, and cultural exchange showcasing the depth and diversity of Latinx creativity. 

Hosted by Digital Gym Cinema and UC San Diego Park & Market, through partnerships with La Onda Arte Latino, U.S.-Mexican Consulate in San Diego, and Fundación Sacal, this cross-border, multi-venue experience brings together artists, filmmakers, and cultural leaders to spotlight the rich creative voices of the San Diego–Tijuana region and beyond.

A special feature includes an exploration of A Universal Mexican: Maestro Sacal art gallery exhibit. Guests will hear reflections from representatives of the U.S.-Mexican Consulate in San Diego, honoring Sacal’s legacy and celebrating binational artistic exchange. Artists will be on-site for informal talks and meet-and-greet opportunities.

Learn more and register.
 

Burke Lectureship on Religion and Society Presents Journalist Nicholas Kristof

The Burke Lectureship on Religion and Society, presented in partnership with the UC San Diego Extended Studies, will welcome Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Nicholas Kristof to the UC San Diego campus in La Jolla on September 15, for a free public talk.

A longtime New York Times columnist, Kristof has dedicated his career to shining light on urgent global issues—from poverty and gender equity to public health and human rights. His bestselling books, including "Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide" and "Tightrope: Americans Reaching for Hope,” challenge readers to respond to the world with compassion and courage.

In his upcoming talk, Kristof will draw from decades of reporting across conflict zones and rural communities, reflecting on the moral and ethical challenges shaping society today. He will also explore the role of media, activism, and personal conviction in defending democracy and elevating vulnerable voices.

This evening event is free and open to the public, though registration is required. Students, faculty, and community members are encouraged to participate in this timely conversation.

The Burke Lectureship’s partnership with UC San Diego Extended Studies embraces lifelong learning and fosters a sense of belonging across the broader San Diego community. Together, the collaboration underscores UC San Diego’s commitment to inclusive, civically engaged programming that informs and inspires.

It’s free to attend. Register now.

Continuing the Conversation

Together, featured exhibitions and public lectures embody the mission of UC San Diego’s Arts & Culture Programs: to convene diverse voices and perspectives that inspire civic engagement and creative dialogue. The public programs invite the community to explore how art and ideas—across borders and disciplines—can help us imagine a more just and connected world.

To participate, visit each program’s information page:

Park & Market Art Gallery: parkandmarket.ucsd.edu

Burke Lectureship on Religion and Society: https://extendedstudies.ucsd.edu/news-events/public-events-lectures/helen-edison-lecture-series

Public Events & Lectures: https://extendedstudies.ucsd.edu/news-events/public-events-lectures