• In Solidarity: Queer and Trans Artists for a Free Palestine Opening Reception

    SOMArts Cultural Center 934 Brannan Street, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Join the Queer Cultural Center on Friday, June 7, 6–9 PM PST for the opening reception of In Solidarity: Queer and Trans Artists for a Free Palestine.  As part of their 27th Annual National Queer Arts Festival, this year’s installation affirms that queer and trans liberation are fundamentally intertwined with Palestinian and Indigenous liberation, and global land back movements. This collaborative mural offers space to gather in solidarity and mourning to remember, honor, and call the names [...]

  • In Solidarity: Teach-In for a Free Palestine

    SOMArts Cultural Center 934 Brannan Street, San Francisco, CA, United States

    As part of QCC's National Queer Art Festival visual exhibition, BLOOM Collective and xtal azul will host In Solidarity: Teach-in for a Free Palestine on Sunday, June 16, 12–5 PM PST. Featuring a day of intensive workshops, participants will learn how to collectively fight intersecting oppressions by building power, strategy, and creating art.  Mx. Yaffa, Executive Director of the Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity (MASGD), will lead the first hour followed by breakout [...]

  • In Solidarity: Queer and Trans Artists for a Free Palestine Closing Reception

    SOMArts Cultural Center 934 Brannan Street, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Join the Queer Cultural Center on Thursday, June 27, 6–8 PM PST, all ages for the closing reception of In Solidarity: Queer and Trans Artists for a Free Palestine. Performances will start at 7 PM PST. Guests are required to wear K/N95 masks indoors and are available on-site. Food and nonalcoholic beverages will be provided in the garden patio. Event ticket information: The closing reception is free for Palestinians and others directly impacted by the [...]

  • A Soft Place to Land Opening Reception

    SOMArts Cultural Center 934 Brannan Street, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Across the country, we’ve witnessed an unprecedented number of legislative actions threatening trans, immigrant, and reproductive rights, the growing criminalization of dissent, and the continued funding of genocide abroad. As many brace themselves for another politically charged election year, A Soft Place to Land defiantly centers joy as a relational and embodied practice worthy of archiving and passing on. Join us on Friday, July 19, 6–9 PM PST for the free, all ages opening reception of A Soft Place to [...]

    Free
  • A Soft Place to Land Community Day

    SOMArts Cultural Center 934 Brannan Street, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Across the country, we are witnessing an unprecedented number of legislative actions threatening trans, immigrant, and reproductive rights, the growing criminalization of dissent, and the continued funding of genocide abroad. As many brace themselves for another politically charged election year, A Soft Place to Land defiantly centers joy as a relational and embodied practice worthy of archiving and passing on. As part of the exhibition programming, join us for Community Day on August 3, 1–5 [...]

    $10
  • Bearing Witness Exhibition Unveiling and Opening Reception

    SOMArts Cultural Center 934 Brannan Street, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Join us for the all-ages exhibition unveiling and opening reception on Friday, October 11, 6–9 PM PST. As the world watches and responds to the genocide of the Palestinian people, this year’s exhibition theme, Bearing Witness: An Expression of Love, Solidarity, and Justice for the People of Palestine, reflects on the impact of this ongoing trauma on personal, national, and international levels. Participating artists center creation as resistance by mounting traditional and contemporary altar installations [...]

  • Huesitos y Recuerditos: Dia de Los Muertos Drag Show

    SOMArts Cultural Center 934 Brannan Street, San Francisco, CA, United States

    As part of Día de Los Muertos 2024: Bearing Witness' exhibition programming, join us for a sepcial evening of drag and remembrance. Curated and hosted by beloved nightlife and community icon Per Sia, Huesitos y Recuerditos: Día de Los Muertos Drag Show features new and returning drag artists as they embody their experiences of queer resilience, love, and individuality through a night of tender, powerful performance. Tickets: $15 suggested donation Drag [...]

  • 2024 Murphy Cadogan Art Awards Ceremony and Opening Reception

    SOMArts Cultural Center 934 Brannan Street, San Francisco, CA, United States

    SOMArts is proud to partner with the San Francisco Foundation to present the 2024 Murphy and Cadogan Contemporary Art Awards Exhibition, a focused look at the future of the Bay Area visual arts. Join us for the opening reception and awards ceremony on Friday, November 1, 6–9 PM. Murphy Awardee Elina Frumerman, Stanford University Cadogan Awardees Gabrielle Anderman, California College of the Arts Damon Casarez, Stanford University Priyanka D’ Souza (Resting Museum), University of California, [...]

  • Día de Los Muertos 2024 Bearing Witness Closing Reception

    SOMArts Cultural Center 934 Brannan Street, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Join us on Friday, November 8, from 6–9 PM PST, for the closing reception of Bearing Witness. This all-ages event marks your final opportunity to experience this powerful expression of love, solidarity, and justice. The evening includes a Día de Los Muertos artist market and more. Tickets $12 Suggested donation Free for youth 16 and under No one turned away for lack of funds at the door Accessibility SOMArts is wheelchair accessible and in proximity [...]

  • SOMArts presents Artist As Witness

    SOMArts Cultural Center 934 Brannan Street, San Francisco, CA, United States

    NOTE: This event is sold out; Tickets are required for entry. SOMArts presents Artist As Witness, showcasing the works of filmmakers of color followed by an artist conversation moderated by A-lan Holt, Director of Stanford's Institute for Diversity in the Arts on Saturday, January 25, 7:30 PM PST. Hosted by Adrian L. Burrell with introductions by SOMArts’ Creative & Executive Director Maria Jenson and Jonathan Carver Moore, and a poetry reading by Mimi Tempestt, the featured [...]

  • From the River to the Bay Opening Reception

    SOMArts Cultural Center 934 Brannan Street, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Join us in celebrating the opening reception of From the River to the Bay, Thursday, January 30, 6–9 PM PST! Curated by Chris Gazaleh, a San Francisco-based Palestinian visual artist, musician, writer, organizer, and educator, this multidisciplinary exhibition features the works of 11 Palestinian and solidarity artists. The exhibit delves into the Bay Area’s enduring legacy of social movements, affirming that everyone—from community organizers to studio artists—has a role in the struggle for freedom. The opening [...]

  • From the River to the Bay Artist Conversation

    SOMArts Cultural Center 934 Brannan Street, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Join us for From the River to the Bay Artist Conversation on Thursday, February 20th, from 7–9 PM PST. This free, all-ages event invites you to dive into the creative process behind this thought-provoking exhibition. Chris Gazaleh kicks off the evening with curatorial remarks followed by an artist conversation moderated by Kathy Zarur and featuring Asma Ghanem, Tarik Kazaleh, and SPIE.

  • From the River to the Bay Closing Reception

    SOMArts Cultural Center 934 Brannan Street, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Join us in community and celebration as we close From the River to the Bay on Thursday, March 27, 6–9 PM PST. The closing reception is a free, all ages event featuring performances by A-1, Lara Aburamadan, and The Shadow Band, and an artist vendor market. Featured Performers A-1 A first generation American, half Italian, half Senegalese, Bay Area rap phenom A-1’s roots run deepest [...]

  • BODY HIGH Dance Party

    SOMArts Cultural Center 934 Brannan Street, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Joy is resistance. Celebration is power.We believe that making space for joy is a radical act—one that strengthens both our individual and collective resolve. That’s why we’re thrilled to partner with BODY HIGH, a house music party where everyone, in every body, is celebrated.Join us Friday, April 11, from 9 PM–2 AM for an electrifying night of music and movement, featuring DJ sets by DJ Lady Ryan, VARSHA, and Blu Moon. Together, we’ll honor the resilient [...]

  • Brown Palms, Yellow Balms Closing Reception

    SOMArts Cultural Center 934 Brannan Street, San Francisco, CA, United States

    To close out the exhibition, join us for a culinary ritual of serving daal chawal by artist Zara Ahmed. ASL interpretation will be provided during the program. The AAWAA Merch Shop will be open with products for sale benefitting the artists in the exhibition alongside a pop-up by health and wellness company Malaya Botanicals. Other light refreshments will be provided and includes a cash bar. Free and open to the public with registration. The gallery will [...]

  • 2025 SF Open Studios Exhibition ArtLaunch

    SOMArts Cultural Center 934 Brannan Street, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Celebrate the abundant creativity of the SF Bay Area, connect with the ArtSpan community over light bites and drinks, enjoy words from the ArtSpan Team, and have the opportunity to purchase art that directly supports our nonprofit’s mission and exhibiting artists. The SF Open Studios Exhibition features the work of 300+ participating SF Open Studios artists, providing a preview to help guide your studio visits. As you browse work of diverse mediums, begin planning your [...]

  • 2025 SF Open Studios Art Tasting

    SOMArts Cultural Center 934 Brannan Street, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Join us for an evening of stimulating discussion within ArtSpan's SF Open Studios Exhibition. The SF Open Studios Exhibition provides a stunning survey of the incredible artistic talent in the San Francisco Bay Area right now. Our dynamic showcase features hundreds of small-format works—each no larger than 20 inches—by artists participating in this year’s SF Open Studios (Sept. 19 - Oct. 19). To celebrate standouts in the exhibition, ArtSpan invites influential Bay Area art and culture leaders [...]

  • Día de Los Muertos 2025: We Love You Opening Reception & Unveiling

    SOMArts Cultural Center 934 Brannan Street, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Join us in celebrating the opening and exhibition unveiling of Día de los Muertos 2025: We Love You on Friday, October 10, 6–9 PM PST! The evening features a Día de los Muertos–inspired artist market with local vendors and makers, along with a special musical performance by Louda y Los Bad Hombres, known for their “melismatic melodies, inventive arrangements, and dynamic instrumentation, blending nostalgic original compositions with unforgettable renditions of popular favorites for audiences worldwide.” Get your tickets for this all-ages [...]

  • 2025 Murphy & Cadogan Art Awards Ceremony and Opening Reception

    SOMArts Cultural Center 934 Brannan Street, San Francisco, CA, United States

    SOMArts is proud to partner with the San Francisco Foundation to present the 2025 Murphy and Cadogan Contemporary Art Awards Exhibition, a focused look at the future of the Bay Area visual arts. Join us for the opening reception and awards ceremony on Thursday November 6, 7–9 PM. Murphy Award Gabrielle Severson, California College of the Arts Cadogan Award Eleni Berg, University of California, Berkeley Alexa Christine Burrell, Stanford University Kristiana Chan 莊礼恩, University [...]

  • Día de Los Muertos 2025: We Love You Closing Reception and Drag Show

    SOMArts Cultural Center 934 Brannan Street, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Celebrate the closing of this year’s Día de Los Muertos exhibition with a special evening of drag and remembrance curated by beloved icon Per Sia. The evening features an artist market and drag performances from new and returning artists embodying love and queer resilience. Día de Los Muertos 2025: We Love You closing reception and drag show will be held on Friday, November 7, 6–9 PM PST. Tickets are $15 suggested donation, youth 16 and under [...]

  • The Luminesce Ball: An Evening of Fashion, Runway, and Vogue

    SOMArts Cultural Center 934 Brannan Street, San Francisco, CA, United States

    SOMArts, in collaboration with Oakland To All presents The Luminesce Ball: An Evening of Fashion, Runway, and Vogue showcasing the talent of the Bay Area’s House and Ballroom community, including a culminating pre-show performance from our all-levels workshop series. The Luminesce Ball is all ages; tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Get Your Tickets Commentator, Icon Dashuan BasquiatBeats by DJ SpiderPre-Show Hosted by Aurris Garçon [...]

  • Tabi Tabi Po: Come Out with the Spirits! You Are Welcome Here Opening Reception

    SOMArts Cultural Center 934 Brannan Street, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Join us on Thursday, January 29, 6–9 PM for the opening reception in celebration of Cece Carpio’s landmark solo exhibition, Tabi Tabi Po: Come Out with the Spirits! You Are Welcome Here.Through Indigenous oral traditions and narratives, both autobiographical and imagined, this exhibition highlights the power and necessity of storytelling. As a cultural, political, and relational practice shared across cultures, storytelling brings attention to the sacred and often overlooked spaces essential to understanding how all things [...]

  • Artists Live Here: Community Convening

    SOMArts Cultural Center 934 Brannan Street, San Francisco, CA, United States

    San Francisco’s arts ecosystem is at a breaking point. With the recent announcement that the California College of the Arts will shutter in 2027 and the indefinite closure of the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts,  cultural spaces are disappearing and the infrastructure that sustains creative life is eroding faster than policy and philanthropy can respond. Like many organizations, we are feeling the impact directly. At SOMArts, we are facing the loss of approximately $90,000 [...]