Empower Artists. Shape the Future

Are you a Bay Area artist passionate about equity, justice, and building a stronger arts community? Vital Arts’ Bay Area Artist Census Fellowship is an 18-month leadership opportunity for 6 artists (one from each of the 5 Bay Area counties—Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Solano—plus one overseeing the entire initiative) to lead the
Bay Area Artist Census (BAAC).

As a fellow, you’ll help shape the future of the Bay Area arts ecosystem by leading outreach, data collection, storytelling, and advocacy efforts—all while gaining skills in financial literacy, civic engagement, and wellness.

Why Apply?

• Flexible commitment (~5 hours/week)

• Professional development in advocacy, data analysis, and community organizing

• Networking & mentorship from Vital Arts and industry leaders

• Make an impact by amplifying artists’ voices and driving systemic change

• You will receive a $1,000 a month stipend for your leadership and expertise
  

Who Should Apply?

• Artists living in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, Santa Clara, or Solano Counties

• Creatives from historically marginalized communities (BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled, low-income, etc.)

• Those passionate about arts advocacy, data justice, and community building
  

What You’ll Do:

• Lead community engagement events and workshops for the BAAC in your county

• Help design survey questions that reflect artists’ real needs

• Envision solutions for data security and data sovereignty for our most vulnerable artists

• Advocate for solutions for Bay Area artists around housing, fair wages, healthcare, and more

• Develop storytelling tools to share census findings

• Build a coalition of artists to drive long-term change

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the Bay Area Artist Census (BAAC)?

The BAAC is a first-of-its-kind, artist-led initiative that will collect and utilize data on the needs and challenges faced by Bay Area artists. The goal? To advocate for better policies, resources, and support—from affordable housing to fair wages—using real stories and data.

How is this fellowship structured?

• 18 months of part-time leadership (~5 hrs/week)

• Hybrid (virtual + in-person) meetings and workshops

• Skill-building in financial literacy, advocacy, and data storytelling

• Collaboration with a cohort of 6 fellows
  

Who is eligible?

Artists residing in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, Santa Clara, or Solano Counties, with a focus on uplifting historically underrepresented communities.

What’s the application process?

• Online application

• Work samples

• CV/resume

• References

• Interview (for finalists

How will the data be used?

The findings will be compiled into an interactive report and an artist-designed toolkit to advocate for change among policymakers, funders, and arts organizations. This will be YOUR data and YOU will choose who is prioritized for access and what it will be used for.

Join Us in Building a More Equitable Arts Ecosystem:

If you have questions about data security during these difficult times please reach out to sharmi@vitalarts.org