Business Details
19 Years
experience
Your Home for Performing Arts in San Francisco
SAFEhouse Arts is a cooperative community arts organization dedicated to supporting contemporary dance and Bay Area artists through residencies, workshops, and performances. Founded in 2007, we operate a 501(c)3 nonprofit with a mission to promote arts education and build an inclusive San Francisco arts community. Our programs include RAW (Resident Artist Workshop), AIRspace (queer performance residencies), and the West Wave Festival, the longest-running dance festival in the Bay Area.We provide creative spaces for diverse artists and offer venue rentals at our 145 Eddy St. location. Our staff consists entirely of working artists supported by a dedicated board, ensuring our operations remain deeply rooted in artistic practice and community needs.
Services
Residencies
Workshops
Performances
Venue Rentals
Community Programs
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We have supported over 800 artist groups since 2007 through our RAW program.
- Our staff consists entirely of working artists with deep industry expertise.
- We operate the longest-running dance festival in the Bay Area since 2013.
- Our 15-year lease at 145 Eddy St. ensures stable creative spaces for artists.
- We offer free rehearsal space in exchange for volunteer hours to support artists.
Services
Artist Residencies
Our residency programs provide dedicated space and resources for artists to develop new work. Artists receive rehearsal time, technical support, and opportunities to showcase their creations. These programs prioritize emerging and underrepresented voices in contemporary dance and performance art.
Community Workshops
We offer skill-building workshops covering dance techniques, choreography, and performance training. Workshops are led by professional artists and designed for participants of all skill levels. These programs aim to make dance education accessible to diverse community members.
Venue Rentals
Our 145 Eddy St. venue offers flexible spaces for rehearsals, classes, and performances. Rental packages include technical support options and staff assistance. The venue accommodates both artistic and community-focused events in San Francisco's Tenderloin district.
Performance Festivals
We produce annual festivals showcasing new works by local artists, including the West Wave Festival and RAW showcases. These events provide professional presentation opportunities and audience development support. Festivals feature diverse contemporary dance and performance styles from Bay Area creators.
Co-productions
Artists can co-produce events with us, receiving 50% box office income and production support. We provide marketing, ticketing systems, and lighting design assistance for independent productions. This program supports artist-led initiatives while sharing production responsibilities.
People
Joe Landini
Founder/Director of Giving
Founder of SAFEhouse Arts with 30 years of Bay Area choreography experience. Holds MA in choreography from Laban Centre and received Sustained Achievement award from Isadora Duncan Dance Awards in 2022.
Jesselito Bie
Director of Artist Relations
Lead Artist in Residence with extensive performance credits across Bay Area companies. Director of STEAMROLLER Dance Company and recipient of multiple local dance awards for choreography and performance.
Colin Johnson
Director of Technical Operations
Technical director with experience in lighting/sound design and theater tech since 2010. Also serves as Technical Director for Dreams on the Rocks Productions and Performers Under Stress.
Lydia Clinton
Director of Marketing
Bay Area native with BA in Modern Dance from Point Park University. Experienced dancer with PUSH Dance Company and Zaccho Dance Theatre, specializing in social media content creation for arts promotion.
Questions
What types of performances does SAFEhouse Arts support?
We support contemporary dance and performance art through residencies, festivals, and showcases. Our programs prioritize emerging artists and experimental works.
How can artists apply for residency programs?
Artists can apply through our online application portal. Visit our Current Applications page for deadlines and submission requirements for RAW, West Wave, and co-productions.
Are rehearsal spaces available for rent?
Yes, our 145 Eddy St. venue offers rehearsal space rentals. We also provide free rehearsal space in exchange for volunteer hours through our work exchange program.
Does SAFEhouse Arts offer volunteer opportunities?
We offer volunteer opportunities in house management, event support, and administrative tasks. Volunteers gain access to free rehearsal space and event participation benefits.
What is the West Wave Festival?
The West Wave Festival is the Bay Area's longest-running dance festival, featuring new works by local artists. It has been produced annually since 2013 at our venues.
How is SAFEhouse Arts funded?
We receive funding from grants, individual donations, and venue rentals. Major supporters include Grants for the Arts and the SF Arts Commission.
Reviews (3)
Dwayne Worthington
Dec 27, 2020
Report
Gonna be a Co-oper there. Come check out our shows and join my community based performance group "the MOB" where you'll get to perform along side professional dancers and be apart flash mobs throughout The City. Look forward to seeing you there!1
EMotion Arts Mariana Sobral
Jun 09, 2019
Report
Neat performance space that offers a variety of dance and movement arts performances through their Residence program.
Dee S.
Feb 20, 2019
Report
What a great place to showcase dance and arts. Director is amazing and have been there for a few shows now.
