We had the good fortune of connecting with Ligia Santillan and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Ligia, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Initially, it wasn’t about starting a business. It began with a simple desire to support an
international exhibition, showcase talented artists from the Baja region, and share my love for
my city
With over 25 years immersed in the arts scene in Tijuana and a passion for promoting local
artists at the airport and all over this region, I welcomed the opportunity to showcase the rich
artistic heritage of Baja California with ART SCENE BAJA VIP CULTURAL TOURS, to change
day by day the perspective about Tijuana, and unveil the hidden gems of our beautiful Baja
California. It was a joy to connect with new people, engage in art history discussions, showcase
my city, and deepen my understanding of the bond between San Diego and its sister cities.
When I witnessed the positive reactions of attendees encountering our cultural offerings, I
realized this could be a wonderful opportunity to reshape perceptions of our region for people
from other countries.
Collaborating with Berenice, a talented graphic designer and arts professor with a PhD, we
worked every day to craft and refine our business model. Since launching ART SCENE BAJA
VIP CULTURAL TOURS, we have remained committed, our dedication to curating unforgettable
experiences for our guests remains one of our first goals, continuously taking new opportunities
to enhance cross-border cooperation and create lasting partnerships.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work is deeply rooted in art, even though my professional title is as dentist. I believe that being an artist is an inherent part of who I am. My passion for art and culture drives me every day, fueling my creativity and dedication. providing me with a profound sense of purpose and a constant sense of satisfaction and happiness, I constantly seek ways to stay engaged with the art world—whether through connecting with admired artists, collaborating on cultural projects, or promoting fellow creatives. My work spans various dimensions: managing personal projects, organizing group exhibitions, offering curated cultural tours, and participating in international collaborations. Both art and the work I do to benefit other creatives are in constant evolution and renewal, giving me endless opportunities to create and grow.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Of course, if I were to take my friends out for a meal in our city, we would explore the unique Mexican cuisine and gourmet fusion options available. For instance, we could visit renowned spots like Ceasars for their signature salad, Oryx – a Michelin star candidate owned by a Tijuana local, La Querencia known for its famous Baja Mediterranean cuisine, and the family-owned gem La Carmelita offering authentic Mexican gourmet dishes with a touch of love in every bite. Our city and region are vibrant with cultural events including art exhibitions, dance performances, theater shows, and live music, which I truly looove. We also have an array of craft beer breweries and fabulous speakeasy bars specializing in mixology. Ensenada, with its beautiful ocean views and delishes seafood, is perfect for a strolls. And, of course, a visit to San Diego is a must, where we can explore places like Coronado, Balboa Park, and La Jolla – truly privileged to have such rich experiences at our doorstep.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
shoutout to Francisco “Tico Orozco, I admire his work and his values
Francisco “Tico” Orozco, born in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, has a degree in Cultural Management from the University of Guadalajara, and has been trained in peace culture, citizen security and human rights.
He was Head of Cultural Promotion at the Baja California Institute of Culture; Manager of Artistic Promotion at the Tijuana Cultural Center; and General Manager of the Palace of Fine Arts in CDMX. He has also produced several audiovisual projects.
Currently, he directs Casa de las Ideas of Tijuana Innovadora, a space in the Camino Verde neighborhood of Tijuana, focused on social prevention of violence and crime through art as a tool for social transformation. Recognized by Grupo Salinas as Citizen of the Year 2017; speaker at TEDx Tijuana in 2019.
Website: www.ligiasantillan.com / www.artbaja.com
Instagram: @artligiasantillan / @arteestandarte / @art_scene_baja
Other: email ligiaecastellamnos@gmail.com