"When the community comes together, organizes, advocates, makes noise, and has a plan, we can change systems” - Richard Raya

Join host George Koster for part two of our Arts for a Better Bay Area highlights as ten visionary guests tackle some of the big issues facing San Francisco and our arts organizations and creative workforce; Such as downtown vacancies, converting offices into affordable artist homes, changing Hotel Tax Funding of the arts via reforms ensuring transparent hotel‑tax dollars, and showcasing the impact of arts in economic development of neighborhoods like the Mid‑Market along with providing direct grants to artists that revive the city’s cultural heartbeat.

Guests:

• Joshua Simon, Senior Advisor, Community Arts Stabilization Trust
• Kathryn Reasoner, Executive Consultant, Vital Arts
• Richard Raya, Chief Strategy Officer, Mission Economic Development Agency
• Fernando Pujals, Deputy Director,Mid‑Market Business Association
• Jacob Bintliff, Mgr of Economic Recovery Initiatives, SF Office of Economic & Workforce Development
• Laura Poppiti, Program Director, Center for Cultural Innovation
• Meredith Winner, Co-Founder & COO, Building 180/Paint the Void
• Joe Landini, Director / Founder, SafeHouse Arts
• Vinay Patel, Executive Director, Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center
• Denise Pate, Director Community Investments, SF Arts Commission

Don't just be a listener; Be a doer!

For more information, guest details, and resources from this episode, visit our episode web page.  Dive deeper into these vital discussions and access the California Arts & Culture Summit Resource Guide today

Make a Donation: Support Voices of the Community, fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and enjoy tax deductions for your contributions. 

Newsletter: Sign up  to stay updated on future episodes and events 

🎧Explore Our Award-Winning Special Series

If you enjoyed this episode, dive deeper into our 4-part legacy of impact:

• Where Art Meets Impact: How creativity drives systemic change. Season 1 and Season 2
• From Bankruptcy to Reinvention: The story of Stockton’s resilience. 
• COVID-19’s Impact Series: Navigating the pandemic's effect on our community.
• Making the Invisible Visible: Discover the untold stories of finding home.