BBAC’s arts and cultural programs and services focus on creating an inclusive and accessible multigenerational creative community, centered on culturally relevant traditions from the African diaspora and folkloric art forms from Latin America.

We offer a comprehensive arts-based curriculum at several coordinated venues in South East San Francisco, including Community Well (a holistic wellness center in the Excelsior neighborhood), Southeast Community Center (community hub in Bayview neighborhood) and San Francisco Community School (public K-8 school in the Excelsior). 6 free classes each week for youth and families, provide opportunities for creative expression, empowerment, and social connection.

These educational programs culminate in our annual production in the San Francisco Carnaval Parade. Throughout a nine-month development process, our multigenerational artist collective meets weekly. Youth participants take leadership roles in all aspects of our production, including overall concept/planning, design and creation of costumes/visual arts, and performance of music and dance. Rehearsals for all participants start in January and run until Carnaval at the end of May.

We also offer our Artist-in-Training Youth Leadership Program. Each year, our master teaching artists mentor 12 youth ages 14-21 in a range of artistic practices. Participating youth receive a stipend while receiving intensive arts training, job readiness, wellness, and communication skills.