- What do you do that makes a difference in the world?
At Sketchboard, our mission is to actively resist cultural homogenization in San Francisco during times of economic uncertainty by fostering an anticapitalist, intergenerational, and accessible artistic community. We strive to create a space where diverse voices, perspectives, and artistic expressions flourish, challenging the dominant narratives and structures that threaten the vitality and diversity of our city.
We believe that during a recession, cultural preservation becomes even more crucial as economic pressures often prioritize profit-driven ventures that erode the unique fabric of San Francisco. Through our initiatives, we aim to combat the forces of gentrification and commercialization that contribute to cultural homogeneity.
We are dedicated to promoting an anticapitalist ethos, rejecting the commodification of art and artists. By prioritizing artistic integrity over financial gain, we foster an environment where creativity and personal expression are valued above market demands. Our goal is to provide artists with a platform to freely explore their artistic visions without compromising their artistic integrity or conforming to mainstream expectations.
Intergenerational collaboration lies at the heart of our community. We believe in the power of bridging generational gaps and fostering meaningful connections between emerging artists, seasoned practitioners, and established figures. By encouraging dialogue, mentorship, and knowledge sharing across age groups, we foster a rich tapestry of artistic experiences and perspectives, ensuring the preservation of traditional practices while embracing innovative approaches.
Accessibility is a cornerstone of our organization. We are committed to breaking down barriers that prevent marginalized communities from accessing and participating in the arts. By creating inclusive spaces, providing affordable or free opportunities, and actively seeking out diverse voices, we ensure that everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, gender, or ability, can engage with and contribute to our community.
Through these core principles of anticapitalism, intergenerational collaboration, and accessibility, Sketchboard serves as a beacon of hope and resistance against cultural homogenization. We strive to be a catalyst for change, fostering a vibrant and diverse artistic landscape that celebrates the unique identity and cultural heritage of San Francisco.
- Briefly recap your history as an organization.
Started in 2013 between 2 femme identifying individuals, and later, the baton was passed onto Natalie and Alida. 2023 is the first year with more than 2 organizers on the team.
- How do you make decisions? How many people are involved?
We make decisions democratically, between 3 organizers: Natalie, Alida, and Ben.
- Please include links to any organizing documents you may have: bylaws, mission statement, etc.
Our mission statement: Sketchboard serves as a creative act of resistance against cultural homogenization. Born from a shared, community-driven interest in creating art with both friends and strangers, creating community and supporting the artistic culture of San Francisco, Sketchboard is the only known workshop series in the Bay Area reflecting the full vibrancy of San Francisco, featuring the bodies of people existing at the intersection of multiple identities, including those who are BIPOC, Queer, Trans, Intersex, and Disabled. Celebrating diversity and offering living-wage rates, Sketchboard seeks to honor, uplift, and increase visibility for people from traditionally marginalized communities. (currently working on bylaws as we transition to a 501c3/c7)
- State your goals for becoming an Omni member collective. How would your presence in the Omni contribute to its purpose and Statement of Solidarity?
Our goals as an Omni member collective is to spearhead more visual arts workshops and classes within the space, and join BOGGS to ensure diversity within Omni. Our presence contributes to the purpose and statement of Omni, as we center the perspectives and experiences of poor, BIPOC, women, and transgender individuals - who have been marginalized from capitalism's chokehold.
- What dedicated space do you need? What will you do in it? (For example: office, work space, etc)
We would just need space to store our art supplies, which would include 1-2 portable platforms for our models, which would be made and manageable on wheels. It would be used once a month (said DIY platform). And to have a plastic storage full of our art supplies, which wouldn't be any bigger than a 20 quart flat bin. Possibly some horse chairs included, no more than 4.
- What shared space do you need? What will you do with it?
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- Will you need to modify the building? (Include floor plans if that makes your proposal clearer.)
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- How much are you able to pay?
From our conversation with Silver, we are able to pay $465 for weekly use of the disco room, and monthly use of the ballroom. We would use the space every First Sundays from 2-5pm, and Second to Last Thursdays of every month, between 630-830pm. Each event requires 30 minutes of set up before and clean up after.
- (Budget, balance sheet, P & L), size, incorporation status, space needs, and reach an agreement with you about your financial contribution and legal relationship to Omni Commons.
Our incorporation status is currently an LLC, S-Corp, with Natalie Gvidia as the sole owner. We are willing to be fiscally sponsored by Omni, as it would help us reach our goal to become a nonprofit within the next 2 years. Willing to discuss further about the legal relationship to Omni and Sketchboard.
- If you need to make modifications to the building, Finance may ask you to get preliminary inspections, consult with the Building Working Group, or provide other information to determine if the changes are possible and advisable.
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Looking forward to the next delegation meeting and securing ourselves with y'all.