San Francisco Arts Town Hall 2024  - A Mayoral Forum 

** Recordings and Information ** 

On 9/18/24, Arts for a Better Bay Area and several collaborating organizations hosted a mayoral forum at SFJAZZ. Four of the five leading San Francisco mayoral candidates participated to share their priorities and support for local arts and culture. Candidates included Mayor London Breed, President Peskin, Daniel Lurie, and Supervisor Ahsha Safaí. Each candidate was asked the same four questions informed by the arts community from a list of eleven questions developed by the event planning committee. We also asked each candidate to address all eleven questions to share with the community. All of these materials can be found on this page. 

Below is a link to the event recording at SFJAZZ and other information and materials.

Full recording of Arts Town Hall Mayoral Forum 2024

Arts Town Hall Full Questionnaire Responses (11 questions regarding local arts & culture)

• Mayor London Breed
• President Aaron Peskin
• Daniel Lurie

KQED coverage of the Forum

(Maria Jenson, SOMArts Cultural Center & Rodney Earl Jackson, Jr., SFBATCO - Photo credit: Amy Carr Photography)

Arts on the Ballot Informational Materials

• Local propositions that could have an impact on arts & culture (Props D & E)
• State proposition and information on local housing for artists

Arts Town Hall Press Release

San Francisco Arts Town Hall - A Mayoral Forum General Information

San Francisco’s next election is on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Voters will decide in a competitive mayoral race and weigh in on many other elected positions and ballot measures. We know that arts and culture are significant in defining our city and its neighborhoods, driving economic development, and bridging communities. And that many artists, culture workers, and institutions are still navigating the financial fallout that began in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Where do the leading mayoral candidates stand on issues vital to a thriving arts ecology?

Our City is still recovering from years of the pandemic, and we face many challenges. Government and economic development-focused groups are turning to the arts and culture sector to help revitalize San Francisco neighborhoods, while most sectors and their communities are still working to recover citywide. We believe the arts are essential for healthier, more engaged lives, the city, and our diverse communities. 

The Arts Town Hall: Mayoral Forum is a chance for you to hear directly from candidates and decide who will get your vote. Who best supports your interests and values? It is crucial for our community to be informed about each of the leading mayoral candidates. By understanding their platforms and potential support for the cultural community in San Francisco, we can play an active role in shaping the future of our City and its vibrancy.

Event Goal: The forum will bring lead mayoral candidates together to share their arts and culture platforms, inform and engage voters, and connect and convene the broader arts and culture community to grow support and form a coalition of arts and culture advocates.  Questions posted to the candidates will be gathered from the community. By engaging our future leaders and policymakers early on, we gain more opportunities to continue to dialogue with them to proactively shape the future that includes a strong arts vision for San Francisco.

The event is brought to you by Arts for a Better Bay Area, SF Arts Alliance, ArtSpan, SOMArts Cultural Center, Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center, SAFEHouse Arts, SFJAZZ, San Francisco Symphony, San Francisco Opera, SF/Arts and a broad coalition of arts and culture organizations.

 

JOIN US – SFJAZZ Center - 9/18/24*

• 3:00 PM - Doors
• 3:30 PM - Program Starts
• 5:15-6:30 PM - Happy hour & Networking

 

SFJAZZ Center - 201 Franklin St., San Francisco

* Please register to attend. Thank you

 

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List of Endorsers:

Organizations	Individuals
6th On 7th Photography Workshop	Alexandra Blum, Artist, Activist, Educator
48 Hills	Aliza Schnayer, Arts Supporter
7GEN ArtHouse Artist & Curator	Amy Schoening,  Independent Arts Worker
ABADA-Capoeira San Francisco	Anna Lisa Escobedo, Independent Arts Worker
AfroSolo Theatre Company	Bianca Lago, Artist
American Bookbinders Museum	Bryan Pangilinan, Artist
American Conservatory Theater	Cristina Ibarra, Artist
The American Indian Cultural Center of San Francisco	Elizabeth Rubenstein, Arts Educator
Americans For Safe Access (A.S.A.)	Emma Logan, Composer, Arts Administrator
Arts for a Better Bay Area	Heather Jain, Independent Curator
Arts Education Alliance of the Bay Area	Irene Bee Kain, Artist
ArtSpan	JD Beltran, Artist and Writer
Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center	Jeff Jones, Development Consultant
BATS Improv	Jenifer Wofford, Artist and Arts Educator
BAVC Media	Jennifer Brooke Stuart, Artist
Brava! for Women in the Arts	Jonah Parsons, Lead Sourcing Agent
California College of the Arts	Joshua Simon, Arts Consultant
California Symphony	Juliana Koo, Independent Arts Worker
Center for Creative Sustainability	Katherine Hisako Kodama, Independent Arts Worker
Center for New Music	Kathryn Vercillo, Artist-Writer-Researcher
Children's Creativity Museum	Kenneth Sakatani, Artist
Chitresh Das Institute	Lex Leifheit, Independent Arts Worker
Community Arts Stabilization Trust	Lisa Edsall Giglio EdD , Educator, Co-creator and Consultant
Community Music Center	Lou Dematteis, Artist
CounterPulse	Mary Newson,  Independent Arts Worker
Creativity Explored	Paz de la Calzada, Artist
Dancers' Group	Paul S. Flores, Theater Maker & Writer
E.A.R.T.H. Lab SF	Roko Kawai, Artist
Edge on the Square	Sean Leonard, Independent Arts Worker
Elevation XR / Pier 70	Shannon Amitin,  Independent Arts Worker
EVENT ORGANIZERS	Torange Yeghiazarian, Theater Artist
Exploratorium	Valerie Weak, Actor
Flyaway Productions
Friends of Ruth Asawa School of the Arts/FOSOTA
Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture
Freedman Art Advisory
Friends of Sharon Art Studio
Galeria de la Raza
Gray Area
Holy Love Presents
Independent Arts & Media
Ingleside Gallery at Ballast Coffee
InterMusic SF
Intersection for the Arts
Keehn On Art
KOHO SF Japantown
Kultivate Labs
Litquake
Litquake Foundation
Mannakin Theater & Dance
Marshall Lamm Public Relations
Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts
Museum of Craft and Design
MYSTIC MIDWAY
National Japanese American Historical Society
New Performance Traditions.org
ODC Theater
Peacock Rebellion
Pelican Media
Proud Stutter
Rova:Arts
SAFEHouse Arts
San Francisco African American Chamber of Commerce (SFAACC)
San Francisco Arts Alliance
San Francisco Ballet
San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Company
San Francisco Conservatory of Music
San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus
San Francisco Opera
San Francisco Parks Alliance
San Francisco Shakespeare Festival
San Francisco Symphony
San Francisco Unified
Second District of the California State PTA
SF Urban Film Fest
SF/Arts
SF Arts Alliance
SFFILM
SFJAZZ
simplyMuzing Enterprises
SOMArts Cultural Center
SPEAKEASY STORYTELLERS
Susan Mernit Consulting
Tenderloin Museum
The Contemporary Jewish Museum
The Drawing Room Inc
The Litquake Foundation
The Sheridan Prize for Art
Theatre Bay Area
Video Vision
Viva Concha Productions
Voices of the Community
WomenArts
World Arts West
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
Youth Speaks, Inc
Z Space

On Oct. 7th, 2021 Arts for a Better Bay Area and SAFEHouse Arts initiated the 3rd Rebound - ARTS Equity & Recovery series: BIPOC Voices & Reflection on Local Arts & Culture. The event was designed and planned by an influential and thoughtful steering committee of local BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) arts and culture leaders. Click 'continue reading' for a recap and materials, and to share your thoughts on reopening arts & culture!

On 12/17/20, Arts for a Better Bay Area and SAFEHouse Arts initiated the 2nd Rebound: ARTS, Equity & Recover series, Re-Imagine San Francisco Through the Arts. The event was realized through a significant collaboration between several arts organizations, cultural centers, cultural districts, and leaders. Click 'continue reading' for a recap, materials, and to share your thoughts on the event and topic!

Arts for a Better Bay Area and SAFEhouse Arts were proud to host this panel and discussion on 9/24/20 to connect with several local arts leaders working at the forefront of recovery efforts. We shared candid conversations about what we know, discussed what we wish we knew, and considered what we can be doing in the short and long-term. Two themes surfaced during the event; there are still many questions and a need to advocate for our venues, organizations, and sector. Please click below to access recordings and resource documents.

Are you confused about the arts reopening in San Francisco? You are not alone. Join us to hear from and connect with local arts leaders working at the forefront of recovery efforts, now.

Due to the Covid-19 Crisis Artists, Workers, and Organizations Are Struggling.

The cancelation and closure of events, performances, and programs are having a drastic effect on the arts and culture sector and its workers.

Please help by donating to the Bay Area Arts Worker Relief Funds, NOW.  

Arts for a Better Bay Area has joined with several local Bay Area arts service organizations to establish funds to aid cultural workers (sector-wide) during the crisis.

Thanks to the following organizations for stepping up to develop this initiative to assist arts workers in need: Artspan, Dancer's Group, Emerging Arts Professionals, Independent Arts & Media, Intersection for the Arts, and Theatre Bay Area 

AB-5 went into law on January 1, 2020. While it intends to protect workers, there is much concern from many sectors of the economy and workforce about the possible negative impacts the law will have on businesses, nonprofits, and independent workers.

Assembly Member Gonzalez’s (author) is now reviewing and considering amending and clarifying the law, now called AB-1850. Continue reading to learn how to send your messages, opinions, and requests to lawmakers.

If You Are an Arts and Culture Organization that Retains Independent Contractors, or, You Are an Independent Contractor -- Make Sure You Are Informed About State Law AB-5 and How it can Affect You

AB-5 Will Go Into Effect on January 1, 2020, So There Is No Time to Waste!

AB-5 tightens up the rules used to determine whether a worker can be classified as an independent contractor. While the bill intends to advance worker rights, benefits, and protections (only available to employees), the law will have an impact on arts sector organizations and individuals. Use this page to access a variety of materials and opportunities to learn more!

Also, please take this short survey by Californians for the Arts and share so arts advocates can learn more about your interests and concerns to share with lawmakers!

Proposition E, Hotel Tax Allocation Initiative Ordinance for Arts and Culture in San Francisco WINS at 74%

On November 6th, 2018, Election Day, San Francisco voters chose to prioritize and claim arts and culture as essential to the City – with the passing of Proposition E.

Proposition E requires 2/3rds vote to pass and needs the community's support to inform, educate and engage the public on the importance of passing the measure. Proposition E, if passed will benefit the entire City and all who visit by increasing arts and culture opportunities for all.

Here are some ideas on how you or your organization can get involved to support the Proposition E campaign. The sky's the limit, you can recommend some ways to inform, and engage your networks, too!

Dr. Anne Huang, Development Director, World Arts West (Heritage)

Bio: Dr. Anne Huang is the Development Director of World Arts West, producers of the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival, which supports Bay Area dance companies that are sustaining and celebrating the world’s cultural legacy.  Anne is the former Executive Director of Oakland Asian Cultural Center, where she transformed a struggling arts organization into a thriving cultural institution serving 50,000 people a year, and forged innovative partnerships such as 100 Families: Art and Social Change and Oakland Chinatown Oral History Project with StoryCorps...

Arts Enabler Awardees 2018 Spotlight Series - Dr. Anne Huang
Posted by Arts for a Better Bay Area · September 20, 2018 1:56 PM · 1 reaction

Arts Enabler Awardees 2018 Spotlight Series - Michelle Holdt
Posted by Susie McKinnon · July 17, 2018 1:28 PM

Arts Enabler Awardees 2018 Spotlight Series - Tracy Camp
Posted by Arts for a Better Bay Area · May 17, 2018 2:13 PM · 1 reaction

Proposition E - Arts for Everyone, Doesn’t Raise Taxes Passes!
Posted by Susie McKinnon · November 08, 2018 10:45 AM · 1 reaction

Proposition E Campaign Support Ideas
Posted by Susie McKinnon · September 21, 2018 11:17 AM · 1 reaction

Measure E: Arts for Everyone, Doesn’t Raise Taxes - General Information
Posted by Arts for a Better Bay Area · August 22, 2018 1:12 PM · 1 reaction

Bay Area Arts Worker Relief Fund Begins Second Wave of Grants ~ July 22, 2020
Posted by Arts for a Better Bay Area · July 22, 2020 3:02 PM · 1 reaction

Bay Area Arts Worker Relief Funds - (Please Donate)
Posted by Susie McKinnon · April 01, 2020 2:29 PM · 1 reaction

STATE of the ARTS: A Bay Area Arts Blog Forum
Posted by Abba Media · May 22, 2017 10:58 PM

November 2022 Election ~ San Francisco D6 Candidates on Arts & Culture
Posted by Arts for a Better Bay Area · October 26, 2022 3:15 PM · 1 reaction

CALL TO ACTION: Continued Support to Hotel Tax Arts & Culture Allocation
Posted by Arts for a Better Bay Area · February 16, 2022 6:17 PM · 1 reaction

REBOUND - ARTS Equity & Recovery Series (#4) 2/17/22 - Rising from the Ashes
Posted by Arts for a Better Bay Area · January 23, 2022 12:20 PM · 1 reaction

Take Action Toolkit - Regarding AB-5 (CA law on worker classification)
Posted by Susie McKinnon · March 02, 2020 11:50 AM · 1 reaction

State Law AB-5 - How Does It Impact Arts & Culture Nonprofits and Independent Contractors?
Posted by Susie McKinnon · November 15, 2019 4:14 PM · 1 reaction

Ballot Resources (2016)
Posted by Susie McKinnon · October 26, 2016 1:23 PM

Welcome to the Arts Commons, an online resource that includes posts and blogs to help you gain insightful information and arts and culture advocacy guidance. Here you will find posts, articles, and publications from prominent local leaders and trusted sources that include significant information, data, and resources for the arts and culture community and arts advocates.

Please find information on the following topics/categories: Policy, Advocacy & Resources, Resources for Arts & Culture, Artist & Community Spotlights.

Policy - Current and past information on local policy initiatives and efforts

Advocacy & Resources - Information, guidelines, and events to educate individuals and organizations on advocacy work and actions

Arts & Culture Resources - Blogs, articles and informative articles on a variety of arts and culture focused topics of interest. Topics include cultural space, real estate guidance, arts equity, and more

Artist & Community Spotlights - Posts highlighting exceptional arts leaders and advocates from the 2018 State of the Arts Event and other sources

We encourage you to share a post to the Arts Commons, here's how, or contact us at [email protected] to learn more.

Arts for a Better Bay Area's (ABBA) objective is to develop a network of artists, advocates, and supporters dedicated to building community-wide solidarity to increase support and equitable access to the arts. As a coalition of individuals and organizations we inform and mobilize the arts community through community-driven action.

Want to know more about ABBA's history, accomplishments, and work? Visit our History page.

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