Description
Kearny Street Workshop (KSW) is the nation's oldest Asian Pacific American (APA) multidisciplinary arts organization.
From its founding in 1972 on the battleground of the International Hotel to its current home in the South of Market (SOMA) District of San Francisco, KSW is dedicated to using art to express political activism and community identity.
Mission
The mission of Kearny Street Workshop is to produce, present, and promote art that empowers Asian Pacific American artists and communities.
Vision
We envision a more just society that fully incorporates APA voices informed by our cultural values, historical roots, and contemporary issues.
Programs
Through our programs, Kearny Street Workshop:
- nurtures the creation of new and innovative artwork inspired by the APA experience
- brings forth the stories of diverse communities
- develops artists and leaders in the Bay Area
- encourages inclusivity through collaboration and community involvement
- promotes cross-cultural and intergenerational understanding and
- celebrates the spirit of our community
KSW serves the community as an information resource and through the following areas of arts programming:
Adult arts education
Through KSW’s many educational workshops, students of all levels are able to develop their individual voices through artistic expression. Check out our calendar for upcoming workshops in writing, music, theatre, film and career development.
Emerging artist support and training
KSW’s APAture festival annually showcases the work of nearly 100 local emerging artists of all disciplines. For many, this is their first experience presenting their work in a public setting and KSW helps them through this process. Through our LOCUS at Kearny Street Workshop program, emerging artists can connect with each other and present their work at quarterly events.
Multidisciplinary arts presentations
Often in collaboration with partner organizations, KSW regularly produces and presents visual art exhibitions, literary readings, spoken word showcases, theatrical performances, film screenings, and other interdisciplinary presentations.
