Performing Arts

The arts are a powerful means for individuals and communities to understand and express themselves, and to create connections across differences. We believe that communities across the region should have the opportunity to engage with art that is meaningful to them. The Bay Area’s demographic composition and economic opportunities influence who, how, and where the arts are created, experienced, and practiced. We support a broad range of performing arts forms and practices that are relevant to and reflective of people living throughout the region.

Artists and culture bearers are the authors and facilitators of creative acts, education, and experiences that deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world. Increasing challenges around housing and space affordability, wages, labor protections, transportation, among others, are threatening both the financial stability and the creative agency of artists. Our grantmaking strategy aims to increase assets for Bay Area artists to advocate for their needs, with durable models of self-governance and a robust network of support for innovative ideas. This support helps create a more inclusive and properly resourced environment, where artists and culture bearers have greater control of their working conditions and can realize their full potential.

Participating in the arts enables young people to find their voice; learn about their own and others’ cultures; and draw upon their creativity as a resource for learning, self-expression, and social navigation. We aim to ensure that all Bay Area youth, ages five to 25, have access to high-quality, sequential, multidisciplinary arts education. This work is realized through two approaches: delivery of arts education programming for youth in the Bay Area, and support for arts education policy and advocacy work by grantee partners to encourage public investment at the state and local levels.