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.

Want to join us as an OFFICIAL arts advocate member? Become a donating member today as a supporting individual or organization!

By becoming a founding member of Arts for a Better Bay Area, you are participating in building public will for the arts as an essential, valued, and expected resource.

Your membership and support help to sustain this young organization and expands the reach of balanced, thoughtful information on arts policies and investments.

Benefits to Organizational Membership include but not limited, to:

• Trusted advocacy information about policies affecting the arts
• Invitations to civic engagement opportunities
• Recognition on ABBA website (name/logo)
• Social media recognition upon membership commitment

* Suggested amounts based on organization budget size -- (please choose a monthly amount that's best for your organization)-- one-time payment option available.

• $3 million +: please contact us: [email protected]
• $2 million – 3 million: $75/mo. (or $900/yr)
• $1 million – 2 million: $50/mo. (or $600/yr)
• $750,000 - 1 million: $40/mo. (or $480/yr)
• $500,000 – 750,000: $30/mo. (or $360/yr)
• $250,000 - 500,000: $20/mo. (or $240/yr)
• $100,000 - 250,000: $15/mo. (or $180/yr)
• $0 - 100,000: please contact us: [email protected]

** Prefer to make a one-time payment as an organizational member? No problem, visit this page.