Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Empowering Youth Through Arts Education
Founded in 1965, Performing Arts Workshop has dedicated over six decades to equalizing access to arts education for underserved youth in the Bay Area. Our BIPOC-led organization partners with Title I schools, transitional housing facilities, and juvenile halls to deliver transformative programs in music, dance, theater, and visual arts. Through our partnership model, we place experienced Teaching Artists in classrooms to cultivate critical thinking, creative expression, and socio-emotional learning. Our Geneva Powerhouse venue in San Francisco's District 11 serves as both a community arts space and a catalyst for youth empowerment. We prioritize immigrant youth and LGBTQIA+ communities, fostering growth through play-based learning and ancestral healing practices.With a legacy rooted in Gloria Unti's visionary work, we continue to challenge systemic inequities through anti-racist policies and community care initiatives. Our programs have impacted over 2,000 students annually, providing essential life skills and creative outlets. As a fiscal sponsor, we support emerging artists while maintaining rigorous standards of accountability through our Anti-Racism Committee. Our Community Care Collective ensures staff well-being aligns with our mission-driven work. We remain committed to evolving our practices through feedback from those most impacted by systemic racism.
Services
Youth Art Programs
Event Rentals
Artist Residency
Community Workshops
Anti-Racism Training
Details
- Year established: 1965
Highlights and features
- BIPOC-led organization with 60+ years of arts education experience
- Partners with Title I schools and transitional housing facilities
- Specializes in anti-racist, trauma-informed teaching practices
- Offers free youth programs funded through community partnerships
- Maintains dedicated arts venue for community engagement
What people say
Transformative youth programs
Community-centered approach
Diverse artistic offerings
Strong anti-racism commitment
Services
Youth Art Programs
Our youth programs provide comprehensive arts instruction in music, dance, theater, and visual arts. We partner with Title I schools and community centers to deliver curriculum-aligned programming that develops critical thinking and creative expression. Serving over 2,000 students annually, our Teaching Artists use trauma-informed practices to support socio-emotional learning and media literacy.
Artist Residency
The Artist Residency Program commissions 1-2 artists per cycle to create community-centered work. Selected artists receive a $5,000 stipend, rehearsal space, performance opportunities, and marketing support. The program prioritizes Black, Indigenous, and LGBTQIA+ artists while fostering connections between creators and local youth through collaborative projects.
Event Rentals
Geneva Powerhouse offers event space rentals in San Francisco's District 11. Our ADA-compliant venue accommodates performances, exhibitions, and community gatherings. Rental fees directly support youth arts programs, with discounted rates available for local residents. The historic 1901 building features flexible spaces for creative events while maintaining strict safety and accessibility standards.
Anti-Racism Initiatives
Our anti-racism work includes policy development, staff training, and community accountability frameworks. The Anti-Racism Committee guides structural changes while the Community Care Collective supports staff well-being. We implement feedback loops from impacted communities to ensure equitable practices across all programs and operations.
Community Workshops
We offer specialized workshops like 'Bodies and Binaries' that affirm youth identities through dance and ancestral healing. These play-based learning sessions prioritize immigrant youth and LGBTQIA+ communities. Classes integrate media literacy and creative expression to develop essential life skills while celebrating cultural diversity.
People
Gloria Unti
Founder
Visionary dancer and educator who established Performing Arts Workshop in 1965. Developed innovative teaching methods that transformed youth arts education through creative expression and social justice principles.
Ahsha Safa
Former District 11 Supervisor
Community leader and advocate who supported the organization's development of the Geneva Powerhouse venue. Championed arts access for underserved populations in San Francisco's District 11.
Questions
What youth programs do you offer?
We provide music, dance, theater, and visual arts programs in Title I schools and community centers for critical thinking and creative development.
How can I rent the Geneva Powerhouse?
Submit a rental form through our website. Local District 11 residents receive discounted rates, with proceeds supporting youth arts programs.
Do you offer artist residencies?
Yes, our Artist Residency Program commissions creators with stipends, rehearsal space, and performance opportunities focused on community engagement.
How does the organization address equity?
We implement anti-racist policies through dedicated committees and prioritize underserved communities in all our programming and operations.
Can I volunteer with your programs?
Yes, we welcome volunteers to support youth arts education. Contact us through our website to learn about current opportunities.
How are donations used?
Contributions fund free youth programs, venue maintenance, and artist support. Donors receive recognition and event access based on contribution levels.
Videos
Reviews (1)
Dilcia Gonzalez
Dec 02, 2013
Report
I love Performing Arts workshop. It is probably one of the best working environments for artists who wish to work with young people who are in need of comforting int heir education. The staff team is superb, and the programs offered are wonderful.
