Grantee Database

SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL INC

Grant Year

2023-24

Grant Program

General Operating Support

Award Amount

$38,499.00

Project Description

With support from the California Arts Council, the San Francisco International Arts Festival will continue to build on its commitment to cultural diversity, anti-racism, and economic equity. This commitment has been central to our mission and values throughout our 20-year history, and it is practiced throughout our organization in our working relationships with historically under-served communities, our board, hiring practices, and programming.

A CAC grant would support:

· Our cornerstone annual performance and educational International Festival in June 2024 with a theme “IN DIASPORA: I.D. for the New Majority”, featuring over 100 events by 50 artists;

· The Last Supper Party, a monthly spoken-word and music series;

· Support services for a diverse group of independent artists and ensembles that includes strategic planning, fundraising, and fiscal sponsorship.

Organization Summary

The annual Festival
Our largest program each year features approximately 100 performances and educational activities by 50 to 60 artists. In 2025, it was attended by over 3,500 audience members in 20 venues throughout the Mission District.

The Last Supper Party
In its fourth season, a free, spoken-word and music series presented at Temo’s Cafe in the Mission District. Artists are from a kaleidoscope of cultures, united by a shared commitment to cultural exchange and community engagement. Curated by Kimi Sugioka (see bio), the series has become an anticipated monthly event with a core and growing audience.

Women in Jazz & World Music (WJWM)
A vocal training course for 15 – 24 year-olds, at the Community Music Center. Led by Dr. Dee Spencer (see bio ) with choir director, Michelle Jacques. Free, 10 two-hour classes culminate in a community-wide concert.

Lift Every Voice
A newly established music series (also led by Dr. Spencer), co-presented with SFJAZZ to honor MLK Jr Weekend. This free program for aspiring community singers pairs them with professional vocalists to learn historically important compositions of jazz and blues.

Artist Support Services
Guidance and tailored services for artists at pivotal points in their careers includes fiscal sponsorship, grant writing, and marketing.

Produced Projects
An outcome of our Artist Support Services is to also produce work, which establishes even longer-term relationships with artists and audiences.

Examples include:

2024-2026 “Wong Wei’s Legacy”, written by William Roper, music by Francis Wong, choreography by Lynn Huang.

2020-22 “Daughters of the Delta”, composed by Michelle Jacques and Cava Menzies with arrangements by Bryan Dyer.

2016-18 “IYA: The Esselen Remember” (staged readings), written by Luis Juarez in collaboration with the Ohlone Costanoan Esselen nation, directed by Kinan Valdez.

2009-16 “PLACAS: The Most Dangerous Tattoo”, written by Paul Flores, directed by Michael John Garces, starring Ricardo Salinas.

Organization

SFIAF

Address

1471 Guerrero St, #3

San Francisco

94110-4371

County

San Francisco

Region

Bay Area – San Francisco

Phone

(415) 399-9554

Congressional District

California's 12th congressional district

State Assembly District

District 17

State Senate District

District 11

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