Not familiar with new digital kiosks that premiered in downtown San Diego in November 2024? You’re not alone.
Perhaps to spark interest, the city of San Diego, in collaboration with the Downtown San Diego Partnership, is now accepting applications for local art to be featured on these new IKE Smart City wayfinding kiosks. Four winners will each receive a $500 cash prize for their artwork, in any medium, that resonates with the San Diego community.
The first kiosk is located at Fourth Avenue and B Street in the Columbia District. A second is installed one block west, and the city plans to put up 50 kiosks throughout downtown over the next two years.
The kiosk screens offer a plethora of features, including transit information, directions, business listings, social service resources and a button to call Clean & Safe maintenance and safety ambassadors.
“These interactive kiosks will help make Downtown San Diego more accessible and connected,” according to San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. “From promoting local businesses to offering real-time transit options and public safety alerts, these kiosks are an innovative enhancement for residents and visitors alike.”
While it might be possible for the kiosks to live up to initial hype, The Sun staked out the Fourth & B kiosk and found public reaction to be mixed at best.
Robert Sanchez works in the Columbia District, two blocks from the first kiosk. He says he’s never seen anyone use it, though it might be suitable for tourists.
“I don’t really care,” Sanchez says. “I just walk by and see them. They look kinda nice but I would never use them myself…I already know my way around and I really have no use for it.”
Emily Tapanes recently moved to San Diego as a Marine working at Camp Pendleton, and is visiting downtown for the first time.
“I think it’s a great idea,” Tapanes says. “Especially for people like me who aren’t really familiar with the area.”
Artemis Garcia was born and raised in San Diego and currently lives in Logan Heights. She’s not impressed.
“I’ve been down here way too many times and have not seen one person go up to it,” Garcia says. “I just feel like, if you’re gonna waste your money on something, you might as well do it for those who are going through it. I mean, we got kids who are 14 going through the shelters…”
Note: The kiosks are paid for and maintained by IKE Smart City. The city actually expects to earn money from advertising revenue on the kiosks.
Dina Neves, who works downtown, has noticed the kiosks but has never seen anyone go up to one.
“Most people have cell phones,” Neves says. “The only reason I knew it was there was because I heard somebody else talking about the kiosks. I just thought it was an advertising thing.”
Christina De La Toba works out of the WeWork building near the B Street kiosk. She’s played around with one but thinks they lack publicity.
“I think they probably need more advertising [about] them,” De La Toba says. “I don’t think anyone knows about it, they just kind of walk past it.”
Submissions for the art contest are being accepted until April 20. To apply go to: Exhibit Your Artwork. SDSun
