San Francisco Hosts First-Ever Creative Land Trust Summit to Address Global Affordability Crisis for Artists

Global cultural leaders to convene in the Bay Area to explore long-term solutions for preserving affordable creative space, inspired by CAST’s groundbreaking model.

This May, cultural leaders, funders, and developers from more than 15 global cities will gather in San Francisco for the inaugural Creative Land Trust Summit—a landmark event inspired by CAST’s approach to securing permanent, affordable creative space. The Summit, taking place May 27–30, 2025, is a recognition of what many in the Bay Area already know: long-term investment in creative spaces is essential to preserving the cultural fabric of our cities.

Organized by the Kenneth Rainin Foundation in partnership with Left Bank Co. and the World Cities Culture Forum, the Summit brings international attention to the urgent need for permanent solutions to the growing affordability crisis threatening arts and culture communities worldwide.

As real estate costs continue to rise, cities are seeing a rapid loss of artist studios, rehearsal halls, and performance venues—spaces that are not just workplaces but hubs of community connection and innovation. Creative Land Trusts offer a powerful, tested solution: a legal structure that protects creative workspaces for the long haul, ensuring that cultural communities aren’t pushed out by market pressures.

The concept took root here in San Francisco when, in 2013, the Kenneth Rainin Foundation partnered with Community Vision to launch CAST. Since then, we have helped over two dozen arts and community groups access stable, long-term creative space—stewarding over 86,000 square feet of studios, theaters, and cultural spaces in 2024 alone, with another 100,000 square feet in development.

“For us, sustainability means looking decades ahead,” said Ken Ikeda, CEO of CAST. “Our model considers what’s needed to help artists stay rooted through leadership transitions, real estate shifts, and neighborhood change. Because the space to stay—and the space to dream—are essential to any thriving city.”

Our model is now being adapted by cities across the globe, including London, Austin, Helsinki, and Sydney. Ahead of the Summit, World Cities Culture Forum will release a new Creative Land Trust Toolkit to help other cities follow suit. After the event, key takeaways and resources will be made available to the public.

As the original inspiration for this global movement, we are proud to welcome fellow change makers to the city where it all began—and to continue advancing a shared vision for permanently affordable space for artists and cultural workers everywhere.

Please note: The Creative Land Trust Summit is an invitation-only event.