Kenneth Rainin Foundation

“I’ve lived a life in servitude to the theater because the theater was everything to me. It was the reason why I was here on this planet.” – Danny Duncan, 2026 Rainin Arts Fellow in Theater Throughout his six-decade career, Danny has written, composed and directed numerous productions, including the acclaimed musicals “Uhuruh,” “Billie’s Song” and “Go Down Garvey.” As a teaching artist and youth theater director, he has dedicated the last 30 years of his career to ensuring the next generation of artists has a place to grow in the Bay Area. The Rainin Arts Fellowship, which is administered by @unitedstatesartists , supports artists who have grounded their practices in the Bay Area, building on and investing in their legacy and leadership to create a vibrant and supportive arts community—one that honors the region’s history as a cultural hub. This year’s Fellows share a dedication to strengthening the Bay Area’s creative and cultural infrastructure, embedding their work in collaboration and care. Video credit: @fox_nakai #Theater #BayAreaArt #BayAreaArtist #RaininArtsFellows #RaininArtsFellowship #2026RaininArtsFellows

“I use the body as a medium for social justice and change.” – Sarah Crowell (@sarahcrowell65 ), 2026 Rainin Arts Fellow in Dance Sarah is a Black/biracial queer woman whose work explores identity, justice and the power of bridging across differences. As Artistic Director Emeritus of Destiny Arts Center and now Artistic Director of Dance Mission Theater, she has dedicated over 35 years to inspiring communities through arts-based social change. The Rainin Arts Fellowship, which is administered by @unitedstatesartists , supports artists who have grounded their practices in the Bay Area, building on and investing in their legacy and leadership to create a vibrant and supportive arts community—one that honors the region’s history as a cultural hub. This year’s Fellows share a dedication to strengthening the Bay Area’s creative and cultural infrastructure, embedding their work in collaboration and care. Video credit: @fox_nakai

Are you seeking funding for your Oakland or San Francisco based temporary public art project? We’ll be accepting applications through our Open Spaces Program from May 13–June 10. Follow the link in our bio to learn more about this grant opportunity. You can hear directly from our Arts Program Officer, Sarah Williams, by attending a pre-application webinar today, May 5, from 12-1 PM, or signing up for her office hours. 📸: Nicholas Lea Bruno [Image description: A teal graphic with white text that reads, “Funding Opportunity | Open Spaces Program | Temporary Public Art Grants | Apply May 13-June 10.” It features an image from Laurus Myth’s “The Junction Keep,” which brings illumination and interactive performances that aim to increase pedestrian safety in crosswalks in San Francisco. The photo captures zig zags of neon light along a crosswalk.]

“If we can dream it, we can paint it. And if we can paint it and we can see it, we can make it happen. So make us be seen, make us be heard, make our story be the center of the world that we’re creating.” – Cece Carpio (@cececarpio ), the 2026 Rainin Arts Fellow in Public Space Cece’s practice is rooted in social justice and cultural empowerment. As an Indigenous immigrant artist, she is committed to amplifying the voices and stories of marginalized communities. Through public art, workshops and collaborative community projects, she fosters spaces for dialogue, healing and celebration. The Rainin Arts Fellowship, which is administered by @unitedstatesartists , supports artists who have grounded their practices in the Bay Area, building on and investing in their legacy and leadership to create a vibrant and supportive arts community—one that honors the region’s history as a cultural hub. This year’s Fellows share a dedication to strengthening the Bay Area’s creative and cultural infrastructure, embedding their work in collaboration and care. Video credit: @fox_nakai

Jazmyne Woffard-Jones, Administrative Coordinator, is leaving the Foundation effective April 30 to attend graduate school and become a special education teacher. Over the past few years, Jazmyne has introduced meaningful improvements to our office systems, and created a more organized and centered workplace experience for all. Please join us in wishing Jazmyne well as she steps into this new opportunity. Follow the link in our bio to read more about Jazmyne’s contributions. [Image description: A brown graphic with white text that reads, “Farewell & Thank You | Jazmyne Woffard-Jones | Administrative Coordinator.”]

Please join us in celebrating the 2026 Rainin Arts Fellows! - Cece Carpio (Public Space) @cececarpio - Sarah Crowell (Dance) @sarahcrowell65 - Danny Duncan (Theater) - Cheryl Dunye (Film) @cheryldunye @jingletown_films The Rainin Arts Fellowship, which is administered by @unitedstatesartists , supports visionary artists working in dance, film, public space and theater with unrestricted grants alongside tailored resources to sustain and strengthen their work. The Fellowship supports artists who have grounded their practices in the Bay Area, building on and investing in their legacy and leadership to create a vibrant and supportive arts community—one that honors the region’s history as a cultural hub. The 2026 Fellows share a dedication to strengthening the Bay Area’s creative and cultural infrastructure. From mentorship to choreography and movement, public murals and film, their intergenerational practices embed collaboration and care. Video credit: @fox_nakai

We’re hiring an Education Program Officer! The Foundation seeks someone analytical to support grantmaking strategies and relationships in Oakland’s early literacy ecosystem. Follow the link in our bio to learn more about this opportunity to join the team. [Image description: An orange graphic with white text that reads, “Join the team | We’re hiring | Education Program Officer | Visit our website for details.”]

We’re hiring! The Rainin Foundation seeks an Administrative Coordinator who will ensure a welcoming, organized and well-functioning hybrid office. This role is responsible for delivering exceptional service to staff, guests and stakeholders as well as overseeing office vendors and partnering with building staff to support a positive office experience. Follow the link in our bio to learn more and apply to join the team. [Image description: A metallic blue graphic with the words “We’re Hiring” and “Join the Team” stacked along the left side. White text highlights that you can visit our website for more details on the Administrative Coordinator position that we have open.]

Postdocs: We’ll be accepting applications April 13 through June 1 for the Rainin Visionary Scientist Award. This one-time program responds to current challenges facing postdoctoral investigators by supporting their work and accelerating their transition toward independent research careers. Grants of $300K each over two years will support three early career scientists conducting innovative biomedical research relevant to IBD. Follow the link in our bio to learn more and RSVP for a pre-application webinar on April 21 to hear directly from our Health Program Staff. [Image description: A blue graphic announcing the Rainin Visionary Scientist Award, a funding opportunity for postdoc IBD research grants with applications open April 13-June 1. It features a photo of Veronika Horn, MD, Postdoctoral Associate at Weill Cornell Medical College, presenting a digital poster at our 2025 Innovations Symposium.] 📸: Mitch Tobias

Artists need to have permanently affordable places to live and work, a stronger voice in the policies that affect them, and shared service models that unlock access to capital. That’s why our systems change grantmaking prioritizes Space, Policy and Alternative Models. Follow the link in our bio to read how three grantees—Julie Baker of California for the Arts, Zakiya Harris of BLACspace Cooperative and Meg Shiffler of Artist Space Trust—are using radical imagination to help diverse artists have the resources to live and create abundantly. [Image description: A teal graphic with white text featuring the blog title, “Bringing Radical Imagination To New Systems That Support Bay Area Artists.” The graphic also features three headshots of Julie Baker, California for the Arts; Zakiya Harris, BLACspace Cooperative; and Meg Shiffler, Artist Space Trust.]

We are pleased to announce the promotion of Lorena Gomez-Barris to a newly created role, Director of Administration and Workplace Experience. This title recognizes the integral part she has played in building and shaping the Foundation’s internal culture. She will continue fostering a people-centered workplace through her values-driven leadership and thoughtful implementation of team-building initiatives. Follow the link in our bio to read more. 📸: Mitch Tobias [Image description: A blue graphic featuring Lorena’s headshot and overlapping text offering “congratulations” on her promotion to Director of Administration and Workplace Experience.]

In January, we were thrilled to partner with Zellerbach Family Foundation, Fleishhacker Foundation (@fleishhacker_foundation ) and San Francisco Grants for the Arts on the Bay Area Arts & Culture Collaboration Summit. The event brought together funders, organizational leaders, artists and advocates to collectively envision a future rooted in collaboration. Topics included fiscal sponsorship, sharing space and resources, mergers and cooperatives, public/private partnerships and group advocacy. It was a pleasure to be in space together and explore models that help Bay Area artists have the resources to live and create for the long term. The day sparked new connections, new ideas and a celebration of being in solidarity to face our shared challenges together. 📸: Cheshire Isaacs