Business Details
19 Years
experience
Community Arts Space for Residencies, Workshops & Performances
Founded in 2007, Be Safehouse is a cooperative community arts organization dedicated to fostering contemporary dance and creative expression in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our mission focuses on providing accessible residencies, workshops, and performance opportunities for diverse artists while building an inclusive arts community. Over 15 years, we have established programs like RAW (Resident Artist Workshop), the West Wave Festival, and AIRspace, supporting over 800 groups and becoming a cornerstone of local arts education. Our staff, composed entirely of working artists, operates from a newly secured 15-year venue at 145 Eddy St., offering technical resources, collaborative spaces, and volunteer-driven rehearsal exchanges. We prioritize community empowerment through initiatives like youth classes, free rehearsal space in exchange for volunteer hours, and partnerships with organizations such as the SF Arts Commission. Our history includes pioneering projects like the Central Market NOW festival and sustaining the longest-running queer artist residency program in the U.S.As a 501(c)3 non-profit, we rely on grants, donations, and community support to maintain affordable access to arts resources. Our leadership team brings decades of experience in choreography, technical operations, and arts education, ensuring our commitment to artistic innovation and accessibility. We collaborate with local artists, educators, and cultural institutions to create dynamic programming that reflects the Bay Areas creative diversity. From guerrilla performances addressing social issues to large-scale festivals, SAFEhouse remains a vital platform for artistic experimentation and community engagement.
Services
Artist Residencies
Workshops
Performances
Venue Rentals
Community Programs
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We offer free rehearsal space in exchange for volunteer hours to support accessibility.
- Our staff consists entirely of working artists with decades of experience in dance and theater.
- We host the longest-running queer artist residency program in the United States.
- Our 15-year history includes pioneering community-driven festivals like Central Market NOW.
- We provide technical support and production resources for emerging and established artists.
Services
Artist Residencies
Our residency programs provide free creative space for Bay Area artists, including technical support and volunteer-driven rehearsal exchanges. Artists gain access to performance opportunities, mentorship, and collaborative resources. These programs prioritize emerging talent and underrepresented voices in contemporary dance and interdisciplinary arts.
Venue Rentals
Our 145 Eddy St. venue offers rehearsal and performance spaces with lighting and sound equipment. Rates start at $10/hr for weekdays and $500 minimum for one-night events. Rentals include staff support for technical needs and house management.
Community Workshops
We host skill-building workshops focused on dance, theater, and interdisciplinary arts. Programs emphasize accessibility, with free and low-cost options for local communities. Workshops are led by professional artists and educators.
Performance Festivals
Our festivals, including RAW showcases and the West Wave Festival, feature new works by local artists. These events offer paid performance opportunities, audience engagement, and marketing support to promote Bay Area talent.
Volunteer Exchanges
Artists earn free rehearsal space by volunteering for tasks like house managing or venue maintenance. This program fosters community involvement while reducing costs for emerging creators.
People
Joe Landini
Director of Giving/Founder
Founder of SAFEhouse Arts, Joe Landini has 30 years of Bay Area choreography experience and received the Isadora Duncan Dance Award for Sustained Achievement in 2022.
Jesselito Bie
Director of Artist Relations
A founding member of STEAMROLLER Dance Company, Jesselito Bie specializes in community-focused choreography and has received multiple awards for queer dance work.
Colin Johnson
Director of Technical Operations
Colin Johnson oversees technical operations with expertise in lighting, sound, and theater production, supporting SAFEhouse Arts' events since 2010.
Lydia Clinton
Director of Marketing
Lydia Clinton, a Bay Area native, combines dance education with digital marketing to promote SAFEhouse Arts' programs and community initiatives.
Alma Esperanza Cunningham
Early Childhood Educator
Alma Esperanza Cunningham brings expertise in early childhood education and dance instruction to SAFEhouse Arts' youth programs and community outreach efforts.
Questions
What types of programs does SAFEhouse Arts offer?
We offer residencies, workshops, performances, and community programs including RAW showcases, the West Wave Festival, and AIRspace.
How can artists apply for residencies?
Artists can apply through our Current Applications Page, with deadlines like July 31 for West Wave and RAW showcases.
Are rehearsal spaces available for rent?
Yes, rehearsal spaces are available at 145 Eddy St. with rates starting at $10/hr, or free via volunteer exchanges.
Does SAFEhouse Arts support community events?
We host community days, youth classes, and volunteer-driven initiatives to foster local arts engagement and inclusivity.
How is SAFEhouse Arts funded?
We rely on grants, donations, and partnerships with organizations like Grants for the Arts and the SF Arts Commission.
Can I volunteer at SAFEhouse Arts?
Yes, volunteer opportunities include house managing, venue maintenance, and event support in exchange for rehearsal space or community involvement.
