Arts - Kenneth Rainin Foundation
Zaccho Dance Theatre's "Picture Bayview." Photo credit: Jamie DeWolf

Arts

The Rainin Foundation envisions a world where Bay Area artists thrive. Our work is rooted in the belief that we can achieve greater impact when we partner with others, share knowledge and leverage resources.

We believe that visionary artists push the boundaries of creative expression, tell diverse stories and reflect on contemporary issues relevant to ourselves and the world around us.

By seeding innovative ideas, investigating practices, examining new models of support and collaborating across sectors, we hope to remove barriers to unleash creativity. Our partnership with grantmaking intermediaries allows our funding to operate closer to the ground, as we share power and decision-making with trusted aligned partners in the community.

Arts Program Snapshot

Arts Grants

We fund artists working in dance, film, public space and theater, and encourage experimentation that boldly moves the field forward.

Audience members raising their hands to engage with an artist presentation at the Exploring Public Art Practices Symposium.

Arts Initiatives

We aim to support artists in ways that will sustain their creative practice in the Bay Area and serve our communities.

Three young Black female dancers performing on Lake Merritt in front of a band including a keyboardist, guitarist and drummer.

Arts Learnings

We invest in research to better understand the Bay Area arts landscape and what artists are facing.

Arts News & Stories

A 24-square grid featuring a collage of headshots.
2024 Filmmaking Finalists Announced

11/13/2024 | Arts

SFFILM is thrilled to announce the finalists for the 2024 SFFILM Rainin Grant, the flagship artist development program offered by SFFILM Makers in partnership with the Kenneth Rainin Foundation. Twenty-three filmmaking teams have been shortlisted as contenders to receive funding and professional support for their narrative projects at different stages of production. The SFFILM Rainin […]

Four dancers are arm in arm wearing colorful fluorescent feathered headwear and one and two piece leotards. In the background a person with blue and white flared jumpsuit plays the guitar.
Rest And Care Awards Honor Bay Area Arts Leaders

10/29/2024 | Arts

The Foundation awarded $617,970 to 16 arts organizations through the Rest and Care Awards for Arts to support a six-week sabbatical for their executive leader.

illustration with a group of people assembling human-sized puzzle pieces vertically using ladders and physical strength
Report Reexamines Capacity Building Grant Programs

09/04/2024 | Arts

This report explores the experience of grantees, identifies systemic issues that affect capacity building work and offers recommendations for how similar programs can better support small arts nonprofits.