Artists Gather: A Community Launch for the Bay Area Artist Census

Join artists and creatives from across San Mateo County for a free afternoon of food, art, community, and conversation as we help shape the Bay Area Artist Census before it launches.

This gathering is a chance to share what it is actually like to be an artist in San Mateo County. What helps you sustain your creative practice? What makes it difficult? Where do you find community, resources, and opportunities? What is missing? And what would help artists here create and thrive?

Together, we’ll participate in a community listening session, build a collaborative Creative Ecosystem Map of San Mateo County, connect with artists across disciplines and communities, share food and resources, and enjoy a short performance by a local artist.

Whether you are a musician, writer, dancer, visual artist, performer, filmmaker, teaching artist, multidisciplinary artist, or creative working in another form, you are welcome. You do not need to be a full-time or professional artist to participate.

Your experience should shape the research. Your voice belongs at the table.

Free to attend. Registration required.

TIMELINE
2:00 | Doors Open + Community Gathering
Food, networking, Creative Ecosystem Map + community resources
2:15 | Welcome + Introduction to BAAC
With BAAC speaker and Vital Arts Executive Director Sharmi Basu
2:30 | Featured Performance
Ballet Folklórico México Vivo
2:50 | Artist Conversations: What Should BAAC Know?
Small-group conversations about artists’ experiences, challenges, resources, and needs
3:20 | Mapping Our Creative Ecosystem
3:35 | Open Gathering + Connection
3:50 | Closing + What Comes Next

Can't make it to this event?

Join us for another BAAC event happening in your county!

August 28: Solano County
September 26: Santa Clara County
October 1: Contra Costa County
October 8: Alameda County
October 22: Alameda County

About the Bay Area Artist Census

The Bay Area Artist Census (BAAC) is a first-of-its-kind, artist-led initiative designed to gather critical data on the material conditions, needs, and challenges facing artists across the region. As one of six participating Bay Area counties, Contra Costa plays an essential role in ensuring the voices of our local creative community help shape a more equitable and sustainable future for artists.