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

People shown on two sides of a staircase, raising multi-colored flags and smiling at the camera.
Rainin Foundation Awards Over $810,000 For Temporary Public Art

01/09/2025 | Arts

The nine funded projects feature generative collaborations between artists, communities and nonprofit organizations.

Collage of headshots
2024 Filmmaking Grantees Announced

12/06/2024 | Arts

SFFILM has announced the 17 recipients for the 2024 SFFILM Rainin Grant and the three recipients of the SFFILM Rainin Filmmakers with Disabilities Grant.

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

11/13/2024 | Arts

Twenty-three filmmaking teams have been shortlisted as contenders to receive funding and professional support for their narrative projects.