ACSF brings high-quality, culturally authentic Afro-Brazilian arts to streets, schools, and stages throughout the Bay Area. Its programs center on Capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian cultural practice created by enslaved Africans in Brazil as a response to oppression and a tool for liberation. Blending self-defense, dance, ritual, acrobatics, and music, Capoeira fosters a dynamic dialogue between body, mind, and spirit and is recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Grounded in resilience, Capoeira’s legacy of uniting diverse communities in pursuit of freedom and justice informs ACSF’s mission and programming. The organization offers year-round arts education; cultural festivals and performances; artist residencies and exchanges; apprenticeships; and employment opportunities, annually serving approximately 12,000 participants, primarily from under-resourced communities. Classes for children, teens, and adults span Capoeira, dance, music, and fitness, creating accessible pathways to engage with traditional arts.
ACSF’s programs build artistic and physical skills while supporting cultural practitioners and emerging artists. They promote cultural awareness, conflict resolution, civic participation, and overall wellness, fostering connection and belonging.

The Capoeira Arts Center serves as a vibrant cultural hub in San Francisco’s Mission District, housing the performance company, hosting internationally attended festivals, and providing daily classes alongside affordable space for artists and community organizations.

ACSF advances equity and access through free and sliding-scale programs, inclusive and culturally relevant curriculum, leadership development opportunities, and outreach in under-resourced communities—strengthening social connection, supporting intergenerational engagement, and amplifying underrepresented artists while advancing gender equity worldwide.