Established as a nonprofit in 1979, SOMArts was born from the passionate activism of the Neighborhood Arts Movement—a trailblazing initiative in San Francisco that demanded art for and by the people, outside the circles of high culture, and supported financially by the city. In the early years of Neighborhood Arts, the city’s program provided performance space and much-needed technical support such as sound, lighting and poster printing to arts and cultural groups who did not have access elsewhere.

Today, as one of four city-owned cultural centers, SOMArts continues to provide essential services and large, affordable space in the heart of the city. If you are an artist living and working in San Francisco, you will have an opportunity to exhibit or perform at SOMArts. SOMArts is supported by the San Francisco Arts Commission’s Community Arts and Education Program with funding from The Hotel Tax Fund.

SOMArts currently offers affordable rental space to seven groups who use the center’s classrooms, darkrooms and administrative offices. These include APICC and QCC, the city’s two virtual cultural centers, as well as ArtSpan [largest and first open studios program in the country.] Chrysalis Printmaking Studio, and Sixth Street Photography Workshop,  SOMArts also provides fiscal sponsorship to more than a dozen organizations and individual artist projects.

SOMArts’ Technical Services Program offers stage, sound, lighting and consultation for major street fairs and festivals in San Francisco.

EVENT RENTAL

SOMArts spaces are available to rent for theatrical productions, community meetings, benefits, social and cultural events. The Cultural Center has 3 large areas available for public use as well as several smaller meeting areas. We also have studio, dance, classroom and rehearsal space available.