March 7, 2026 • Posted by Design Bay Area
ArtSpan’s Equity Grant awards complimentary Premier level SF Open Studios Registration to 10 Bay Area-based artist applicants from underserved communities. The Equity Grant was developed to increase the accessibility and inclusivity of our SF Open Studios program, and to draw attention to the under-recognized contributions of BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and disabled visual artists to the San Francisco Bay Area’s artistic landscape.
SF OPEN STUDIOS EQUITY GRANT
The SF Open Studios Equity Grant serves artists of all levels—from emerging, to rising, and established—from underrepresented communities and of intersectional identities. In reviewing applications, we take into consideration the applicant’s commitment to their creative practice and to presenting an SF Open Studios event.
IMPORTANT DATES:
EXTENDED Entry Deadline: March 30, 2026 by 11:59PM
Grantee Notifications: mid-April
ELIGIBILITY:
- You must be a current ArtSpan Artist Member to be eligible for consideration: Login to check your status or register as a new member
- Identify as a BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and/or disabled visual artist. (Multiple intersectional identities welcome and encouraged to apply)
- Be experiencing financial hardship that makes paying for SF Open Studios Premier registration challenging.
- Must not have been an Equity Grant recipient within the last 3 years (2023-2025).
ABOUT SF OPEN STUDIOS
A beloved annual tradition since 1975, ArtSpan’s citywide SF Open Studios connects local artists to San Francisco’s residents and visitors. Now in its 52nd annual production, ArtSpan’s SF Open Studios is a testament to the enduring power of art to bridge communities, and to the unyielding spirit of the artists who have been at the forefront of shaping San Francisco’s cultural identity.
ArtSpan’s SF Open Studios program mobilizes hundreds of artists, who are members of ArtSpan, to publicly open their studios from 11AM-5PM according to geographic regions that align with weekend dates. 2026 SF Open Studios will run from September 18 through October 25, 2026 (full schedule below).
SF Open Studios is ArtSpan’s flagship program and is accompanied by the SF Open Studios Exhibition at SOMArts Cultural Center and a printed Guide catalog (more info below).
In addition to SF Open Studios, ArtSpan provides year-round artist support. Learn more at artspan.org/artists/artist-membership
ArtSpan’s 2026 SF Open Studios Season • September 18-October 25
September 18 — ArtLaunch: The SF Open Studios Kick-Off Celebration A spirited evening to launch the SF Open Studios season within the SF Open Studios Exhibition featuring over 300 works of art.
September 19-27 — SF Open Studios Exhibition The expansive SF Open Studios Exhibition presents artworks of diverse mediums created by Premier-level participating open studios artists.
September 26 – October 25 — Artist-Hosted SF Open Studios Weekends | 11AM-5PM | View Map
Each weekend focuses on different neighborhoods, providing the opportunity to explore the city through art.
View SF Open Studios Artist details at artspan.org/sfos-artist
Awarded artists will receive all the benefits of Premier level registration:
- Inclusion in the Printed Guide & Map widely distributed throughout the SF Bay Area
- Eligibility to participate in the SF Open Studios Exhibition at the SOMArts Cultural Center (one artwork not exceeding 20 inches on the longest side)
- Eligibility to be considered for the AMPLIFY: Juror’s Choice Awards with recognition in the SF Open Studios Exhibition
- Broad promotion within ArtSpan’s city-wide campaign
- Access to the Venues Seeking Artists list that provides contact information for San Francisco spaces seeking to host SF Open Studios artists on select weekends
- Eligibility to purchase advertising space in the Printed Guide
- Access to ArtSpan’s branded Media Kit to help promote your participation
- Inclusion in the Online Guide & Map
PLUS:
- Inclusion in a dedicated 1/2 page Printed Guide ad promoting the open studios events of Grant recipients
- Assistance from ArtSpan staff with registration, exhibition space reservation, and accessing the Venues Seeking Artists list
- May be further selected for the honor of serving on ArtSpan’s Equity Committee to help advance more opportunities like this one
AND immeasurable benefits of being an SF Open Studios artist:
- Practice professionally presenting yourself and your artwork to the greater public—you never know who may be walking through your studio doors!
- Grow your network and stay connected with your admirers—SF Open Studios offers the opportunity to build your mailing lists and online following to keep both new and dedicated and potential patrons engaged with you and your work
- Receive feedback from potential collectors and art professionals on your work—speak with your visitors; find out what resonates with them, what pieces draw them in, why?
- SF Open Studios primarily offers the opportunity to nurture direct connections with the community. Visitors range from avid collectors, to curious passersby, and professionals in the art and design industries.
Questions? Contact [email protected]