Artists Live Here February convening, photo courtesy of Beth LaBerge
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 7, 2026 MEDIA CONTACT |
SOMArts Hosts “Artists Live Here: Community Convening”
to Mobilize San Francisco Creatives
SAN FRANCISCO, CA–On Friday, April 17, 2026, from 5–8 PM, SOMArts Cultural Center will host the second iteration of Artists Live Here: Community Convening, a free, drop-in event designed to empower local creatives through collective action, resource sharing, and civic engagement at a critical moment for the city’s arts ecosystem.
As San Francisco artists continue to face economic pressure and displacement, Artists Live Here serves as a vital hub for connection, advocacy, and organizing. The convening blends
social networking with hands-on opportunities to engage in civic processes and prepare for upcoming collective actions, including a planned Arts Advocacy Day rally organized by Arts for a Better Bay Area on the steps of City Hall on Tuesday, April 21 at 11:30am.
“After the success of the inaugural Artists Live Here, the artistic community wanted to keep the momentum going,” said SOMArts Creative and Executive Director Maria Jenson. “This gathering is about more than just conversation; it’s about equipping artists with the tools and knowledge to claim their space in San Francisco’s future.” Jenson continues, “San Francisco supervisors are approaching key decisions that will shape the November ballot with a series of legislative milestones leading up to a critical deadline of July 6. This convening provides artists and cultural workers with timely tools and information to participate in the policymaking process and advocate for sustainable arts infrastructures in the coming weeks and months.”
GATHERING HIGHLIGHTS
Resource Fair, (Drop-in, 5–8 PM)
- Sign-Making Station: Create materials for the April 21 City Hall rally
- Write to your Supervisor: Participate in letter and postcard writing campaigns supporting arts policies and protections (materials provided)
- Resource Tables: Connect with organizations advocating for artists and cultural workers
Policy Briefing, (6 PM)
- Overview of charter reform and commission streamling ballot measures
- Key civic deadlines and decision points
- Guidance on delivering effective public comments at City Hall
- Insights into arts funding protections and policy priorities
Performance & Protest Planning (Drop-in)
- Collaborate on creative protest strategies and public actions
Community Conversations & Workshops
- Practice and refine public comment with experienced advocates
- Share perspectives on cultural policy and contribute to ongoing conversation about art in San Francisco
What Participants Will Gain
- Materials for the April 21 rally
- Direct engagement with civic advocacy efforts
- Clear understanding of current policy developments
- Key dates for upcoming hearings and actions
- Opportunities for ongoing involvement in advocacy campaigns
- Connections with fellow artists, organizers, and community groups
- Opportunity to create and share your own message about the value of the arts in a video reel as part of the arts advocacy campaign
Gathering Details
- What: Artists Live Here: Community Convening
- When: Friday, April 17, 2026 | 5:00–8:00 PM
- Where: SOMArts Cultural Center, 934 Brannan Street, San Francisco, CA
- Cost: Free (artist-friendly bar and light refreshments available)
Participating Organizations
- Arts for a Better Bay Area
- Artist Space Trust
- Eager Artist and Culture Hub
- MCCLA
- Muni Raised Me
- California College of the Arts Union
- SOMArts
- PROPELSF
- THEYFRIEND
- and more!
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ABOUT SOMARTS CULTURAL CENTER
SOMArts Cultural Center, founded in 1979, cultivates access to the arts within the Bay Area by collaborating with community-focused artists and organizations. Together, we engage the power of the arts to provoke just and fair inclusion, cultural respect, and civic participation.
SOMArts is located at 934 Brannan Street—between 8th and 9th—within 2 blocks of 101, I-80, Muni lines, and bike paths. For public information call 415-863-1414 or visit somarts.org. Stay connected by following us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
