- San Francisco
- SoMa
447 Minna – Dempster Building
At 447 Minna, we welcome a range of arts and cultural practices spanning from visual arts to performing arts, contemporary…
Our Work
In deep partnership with local communities, we model new ways to secure and steward affordable, inclusive spaces for creative and cultural expression.
- Read more about 447 Minna – Dempster Building
- Read more about CounterPulse
- San Francisco
- The Tenderloin
CounterPulse
CounterPulse, a staple in San Francisco’s art scene for over 30 years, has long been a catalyst for experimental and…
- Read more about Black Cultural Zone – Liberation Park
- Oakland
- East Oakland
Black Cultural Zone – Liberation Park
The Black Cultural Zone, conceived in 2014, addresses the disparate impact of decades of disinvestment in East Oakland and more…
What We Do
We are building a new real estate paradigm in the Bay Area — a better system that recognizes the essential role of arts and culture in communities and creates a long-term engine for ensuring artists and cultural workers can stay anchored where they create.
We enter communities with care, build relationships with people to understand the diversity of each community, and share knowledge to strengthen the capacity of people to help them find agency in whatever path they choose, be it ownership or a long-term lease.
Our creative and community-centered perspective on real estate, coupled with our community development and real estate expertise, enables us to build a bridge between arts and culture and real estate.
Not every arts group wants to own or is in a position to manage a building. We provide a stable “container” so artists and cultural organizations can focus on what matters most–bringing their valuable programs to the community. Access affordable space at 447 Minna for short-term rentals like rehearsals, screenings, art exhibitions, workshops, or popups that help grow your business.
Carolyn Johnson
CEO
Black Cultural Zone
CAST is an essential partner because they center arts and culture, and the resources and expertise that they bring will make sure that we don’t lose that focus. We could not do this project without CAST.
Ready to get involved with CAST?
Explore our partnership, co-creation, and volunteer opportunities.
News & Events
- Community Engagement
Dreaming Together: 5 Takeaways from a Season of Conferences & Events
The CAST team reflects on recent gatherings with cultural space leaders across North America and beyond—sharing key takeaways, ongoing questions, and what it means to build for collective ownership.
- Real Estate Solutions
Port Commission Approves Lease with CAST to Create City’s Largest Combined Artist Studio and Exhibition Space at Pier 29
This newly envisioned cultural hub will house dynamic exhibitions, artist residencies, public performances, and skill-sharing events.
- Real Estate Solutions
San Francisco Hosts First-Ever Creative Land Trust Summit to Address Global Affordability Crisis for Artists
Global cultural leaders to convene in the Bay Area to explore long-term solutions for preserving affordable creative space, inspired by CAST’s groundbreaking model.
- Real Estate Solutions
CAST & KALW acquire the historic Warfield building, spurring a renaissance for Mid-Market
CAST joins forces with KALW to establish Warfield Commons, a permanent home for independent media, arts, and cultural organizations at 988 Market Street.
