ArtSpan's Art for City Youth programs connect local working artists with under-served youth in San Francisco. ArtSpan believes that visual arts are an integral part of a child's education and works to support the next generation of San Francisco artists and art appreciators.

Youth Open Studios

The goal of Youth Open Studios is to provide a platform for young artists to thrive through participation in SF Open Studios, the oldest and largest open studios event in the country. Youth Open Studios participants receive free registration in the event, promotional and program support from ArtSpan, and the chance to join ArtSpan's community of over 800 professional working artists in San Francisco. Through working directly with Artist Mentors, students also gain leadership skills, practice in public speaking, and a chance to show their creativity to a vast audience of art appreciators! Classes and programs with five or more youth artists are encouraged to apply. Contact [email protected] for more information. 

Tours for Youth

Explore works of art made by artists living and working in San Francisco! During the months of October and November, ArtSpan invites youth programs to plan an art-filled journey through the SF Open Studios Exhibition at SOMArts Cultural Center. ArtSpan can provide Visual Thinking Strategies to encourage discussion, build critical observation skills, and nurture art appreciation.  Contact [email protected] to learn more.