How We Work

Vital Arts is about advocacy, intervention and solutions.

We operate as an advocate and catalyst, drawing attention to the issues and leveraging cross-sector partnerships to share information to identify solutions and magnify impact. The issues are complex and strong regional collaborations are essential to combat the housing and space crisis for artists in the Bay Area.

We focus on:

1. Directly supporting projects that prevent loss and displacement of artists.

2. Acting as resource and connector for artists, organizations, officials, and property owners seeking knowledge, partners and ideas.

3. Advocating for artists with agencies and funders addressing the housing crisis.

Our strategies:

• Stimulate partnerships and efforts between leaders in the innovation economy, social finance, and the public sector to secure safe, affordable live, work and performance spaces for artists.

• Assist protection and conversion of existing spaces to long-term, affordable use.

• Promote opportunities to develop new artist space and identify existing properties for adaptation and re-use.

• Advocate, advise and work with public agencies on changes to regulations and policies to support nontraditional housing and creative space.

• Empower and connect artists with the information, resources, and technical support to overcome resolve space-related challenges.