By Tihut Tamrat, Contributing Writer
If you are an aspiring artist with big dreams but unsure where to start, look no further than the Dreams + Ducats Lab at 2460 Imperial Ave. The organization’s grand opening on July 30 drew artists, entrepreneurs, educators and community members from across San Diego, celebrating the launch of a creative hub dedicated to collaboration, innovation and opportunity. The event marked the beginning of a space where emerging creatives can connect, create and access the resources needed to bring their visions to life.
Originally launched as a personal finance education program through Helix High School’s after-school program, Dreams + Ducats has grown into a nonprofit with its own creative space. The lab features a research library, open lab and Dream Studio equipped with computers, cameras, lighting equipment, podcasting gear and reservable studio space, giving artists the tools to transform ideas into reality.
The collaborative space is designed to “boost community health and prepare young people for life and success beyond academics,” said Rich Magale, founder and executive director of Dreams + Ducats.
“When we first started, the initial focus and mission of Dreams + Ducats was personal finance education,” Magale said. “It was about creating a space for young people to talk about money, creative ideas and how money can be used as a tool to make their dreams come true.”
As the program expanded, its mission evolved beyond financial literacy. Dreams + Ducats now partners with educators and schools to help connect classroom learning with community culture and the creative economy.
“The lack of personal finance education is just a symptom of a broader systemic issue of the American education system,” Magale said. “Our work is focused on creating the conditions to inspire change through curriculum, program design, educator training and strategic partnerships.”
Born from an idea Magale developed while earning his MBA at San Diego State University in 2016, Dreams + Ducats has become a hub where youth development, educator innovation and creative entrepreneurship intersect.
The organization plans to host workshops for youth, educators and entrepreneurs centered on branding, business development, civic engagement, fashion, design and storytelling. The space will also feature cultural programming that showcases emerging artists through exhibitions, screenings and performances. A creator space will provide access to professional equipment for community members who may not otherwise have the resources to launch creative projects or businesses.
“Youth programming is the heart and soul of what we do,” Magale said. “It serves as proof of what it looks like when you can connect curriculum to community culture and the creative economy, driving deeper learning and a deeper sense of belonging and engagement with young people.”
The organization’s name reflects its mission. The name Dreams + Ducats is “two-pronged” states Magale. “When I was thinking of a name I was trying to think of the things that are common and shared across all peoples and all communities that young people have and hold close. Dreams are so powerful, universal, relevant, and relatable.” Looking for an alliteration to tie into this idea of dreams being the source and the power behind creating a livelihood, Magale landed on “ducats,” an old slang term for money, symbolizing the tools, skills, networks and resources needed to bring those dreams to life.
“The main message right now is that dreams need space,” Magale said. “There is a high need for physical learning and creative ecosystem infrastructure. We are all about learning, building and designing at Dreams + Ducats.”
The Dreams + Ducats Lab will be open Tuesday through Thursday evenings, offering youth, educators, entrepreneurs and aspiring creatives a place to learn, collaborate and build. For updates on programming start date and events, stay tuned to their Instagram page @dreamsducats or visit dreamsducats.org.
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