The San Francisco Bay Area has a long history of being a welcoming place for artists.
Are we still?
"The Bay Area arts scene is disappearing."
Prior to the pandemic, existing market pressures had already placed the arts sector at risk of immediate displacement. A high cost of living doesn’t just hamper the ability of an artist to make a living wage, but can also take a toll on the viability of art spaces, which often struggle to compete with the competitive set by other neighborhood tenants, like for-profit companies and businesses. (photo credit: M. Hammoutene)
“Most likely I will have to give up my creative workspace.”
65% of organizations who rent or own space reported only being able to afford space for another 1-6 months (photo credit: M. Hammoutene)
“Will theater return as we know it? Will people feel safe to gather to see others perform?"
Many art spaces have closed to the public as part of shelter-in-place orders. Organizations debate how to use existing equipment and space capacity to generate income for artists. Shifting to PPE fabrication is one strategy. Art nonprofits are concerned about how to generate revenue from online events, and the quality of the experience is often compromised. (photo credit: M. Hammoutene)
