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.
Arts Initiatives
We aim to support artists in ways that will sustain their creative practice in the Bay Area and serve our communities.
Arts Learnings
We invest in research to better understand the Bay Area arts landscape and what artists are facing.
Arts News & Stories
04/29/2025 | Arts
The Kenneth Rainin Foundation invites applications for our Open Spaces Program from May 21 through June 17, 2025.
04/29/2025 | Arts
In May, the Kenneth Rainin Foundation, along with Left Bank Co. and World Cities Culture Forum, will welcome 20 cities to the inaugural Creative Land Trust Summit in San Francisco.
04/23/2025 | Arts
Meet the 2025 Rainin Fellows—Brenda Wong Aoki (Theater), Christy Chan (Public Space), Vanessa Sanchez (Dance) and Kyle Casey Chu AKA Panda Dulce (Film). Photos courtesy of the artists.
