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StewardingSpace

Reaching stability is half the battle. Once a space is acquired, we can help with operating the real estate asset for long-term sustainability.

With a stable affordable space, your programs may no longer be at risk, but the demands of a building can introduce a whole new dimension to the work.

PUSH Dance’s BASE Residency Showcase at the Parks at 5M neighboring 447 Minna. Photo by Cesar Rubio

 

What happens after you have achieved stability?

We’re done with short-term fixes, band-aid solutions, and the “starving artist” scarcity mindset. Artists and cultural workers should be invited to bring to the table their unique perspectives as leaders and business owners. When equipped with real estate and financing knowledge, artists and cultural workers can be agents of change for themselves and their communities.

We are currently developing services focused on operating and positioning real estate assets for long-term sustainability, including:

Performing Arts Workshop youth class at Geneva Powerhouse, an asset managed by CAST. Photo by Fox Nakai

Asset Management

Asset Management is the art of monitoring how your facility relates to the overall opportunities and issues for your facility. This includes monitoring ways to protect your facility from increasing operating and financing expenses, how to take advantage of financing tools to reduce operating expenses, and new uses of your facility to adapt to changes in the field or unexpected issues.

We maintain a 1% ownership interest in projects that we work on to ensure that each of our partners benefits from both the lower operating costs that can be achieved from a larger portfolio of assets and the experience, capacity, systems and other benefits of being part of a network of arts and cultural facilities.

Holding Moses film screening in 447 Minna black box theater. Photo by Pat Mazzera

2nd floor flex space set up for artist studios at 447 Minna. Photo by Cesar Rubio

Arts Activation

We know that not every arts group wants to own or is in a position to manage a building. That’s why we developed our hub at 447 Minna–to provide affordable space to arts groups without the added pressure or responsibilities of ownership.

447 Minna is an example of a space that CAST is stewarding for use by the SoMa community and greater Bay Area through arts activation and rentals. We hold the “container” so artists and cultural organizations can focus on bringing valuable programs to the community, whether that be a short-term use for rehearsals, screenings, or exhibitions, a quick access point for a workshop or meeting, or a pop-up to help grow a small business.

Learn More About Activations

Our Partnerships

Learn about our projects that are stewarding spaces for artists, cultural workers, and arts organizations.

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