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

The headshots of the three grantees against a pink background.
2023 SFFILM Rainin Filmmakers With Disabilities Grantees Announced

03/06/2024 | Arts

Vivien Hillgrove, Andrew Reid and Daniela Muñoz have been selected to receive funding through the SFFILM Rainin Filmmakers With Disabilities Grant.

Two people smiling toward the camera and holding a three-dimensional c-shaped object printed with black and white photos and text on it.
Engaging Community To Preserve A Neighborhood’s Rich History

01/24/2024 | Arts

Jena Dominique shares strategies that supported community engagement and consensus on an ambitious public art piece that will commemorate the legacy of the Black Panther Party.

group of people in dark clothing leaning backward while holding onto an upside down step ladder.
Rainin Foundation Awards $810,000 In Arts Grants

01/11/2024 | Arts

The Kenneth Rainin Foundation awarded $810,000 to 32 small and mid-size arts organizations through our New and Experimental Works (NEW) Program.