Current programs designed to combat the displacement of artists and preserve their essential contributions to their communities’ culture and economy include:

Artist Space Trust (AST): Partnering with the Northern California Land Trust, AST provides permanently affordable housing and creative spaces for artists, using a community land trust model to facilitate intergenerational transfers of property, ensuring affordable ownership and control. (www.artistspacetrust.org)

Artist Displacement Prevention Grant: A one-time grant offering up to $2,500 to artists facing urgent financial emergencies and displacement risks, serving artists in Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Francisco counties.

Trust-Centered Mutual Aid and Technical Assistance: We support the most historically underserved artists including LGBTQ+, disabled, unhoused, and BIPOC artists, collectives, and small organizations in operational, development, and financial stabilization.

Bay Area Artist Census (BAAC): A 3-year initiative gathering data to support the local artist community, focusing on BIPOC, trans, and disabled artists. The first year emphasizes community engagement, educational outreach, and gathering input on census design.

Advocacy: Collaborating with regional and statewide agencies to draft and propose legislative policies supporting artist housing and workspace, partnering with organizations like Safer Spaces DIY to adapt legal structures for artist spaces.

Artist Displacement Data & Information: As a regional hub, Vital Arts combines data on artist displacement with quarterly stakeholder meetings to formulate and implement strategies preventing displacement.

Resource & Information Sharing: Networking with local stakeholders to share knowledge and resources tackling housing and economic challenges for artists. Supported by a team of volunteer experts in various fields.

AB 812 Community Toolkit Development: Assisting in developing resources to implement CA Bill AB 812 for artist housing near cultural zones, enhancing the availability of affordable housing for artists statewide.