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A Year of Possibilities for Our Community
As we enter the new year, we reflect on the incredible progress achieved across our vibrant San Francisco Cultural Districts in 2024. The program has made great strides in addressing critical community needs—providing education, health, and entrepreneurship resources, advocating for residents through town halls, and organizing free cultural events that celebrate the unique identities and experiences that make San Francisco so special. These activities continue to shine a light on the diversity and richness of our city, fostering inclusion and cultural preservation.
We are excited to build upon this work. Together, we will continue to create opportunities for connection, empowerment, and cultural expression in every corner of San Francisco. We are proud of the accomplishments of our Cultural Districts and eagerly anticipate the meaningful work that lies ahead. Here's to another year of thriving communities!
Building on Last Year’s Success
A highlight of some of the transformative work of the Cultural Districts in 2024 and a glimpse into what's to come for 2025.
Looking Back: Juneteenth at Gilman Park in the Bayview District was a lively and meaningful event, celebrating freedom and cultural heritage. Highlights included performances by local musicians, traditional dance showcases, and speeches by community leaders addressing social justice issues. Attendees explored booths featuring Black-owned businesses and participated in workshops on Black history. The event fostered unity and empowerment within the community, inspiring ongoing advocacy for change and support, while reinforcing resilience and the importance of equality in today's society.
Looking Ahead: In 2025, the district's beautification and tourism goals aim to enhance public spaces through art installations, improved landscaping, and vibrant murals that reflect the community’s heritage. These initiatives will attract visitors, support local businesses, and boost the economy. By creating a welcoming environment that fosters cultural pride and encourages community engagement, SFAAACD aims to strengthen local ties and enhance the district's identity, ultimately creating a more vibrant and cohesive community.
Looking Back: At the AICD 4th Annual Town Hall & Anniversary Celebration on March 29th, 200 guests gathered to reflect on the year’s achievements, including progress on the Community Visions Gathering Series, placemaking and place-keeping activations, land stewardship efforts, and legislative initiatives. The AICD Native American Heritage Month Indigenize SF Celebration on November 19th brought together over 140 attendees to celebrate key projects, including the unveiling of murals, the installation of culturally meaningful crosswalks, and the debut of the AICD BART sign—all designed to honor and amplify Native culture in San Francisco.
Looking Ahead: In 2025, AICD will host the 5th Annual Town Hall & Anniversary Celebration to report on the Community Visions Planning Series, celebrate the fourth year of the AICD Gardening & Land Stewardship Program, and highlight its five-year accomplishments. The district will also host the Second Annual Indigenize SF Celebration in November, focusing primarily on Mapping Genocide of the Civic Arts Collection, along with mural activations and cultural basket lanterns. In partnership with the San Francisco Arts Commission and SFMoMA, AICD will continue to spotlight Native artists and cultural district activations.
Looking Back: This year, Calle 24 Latino Cultural District launched the Fall in Love en el Corazón de la Misión campaign to attract more foot traffic to the corridor by highlighting local businesses and offering the audience an immersive experience through the Calle 24 lens. The campaign has garnered significant attention, with people enjoying and engaging with the programming. In addition, through the Business Mixer program held at La Placita, Calle 24 Latino Cultural District offers workshops to guide local vendors and businesses on essential aspects of running a successful operation, including permits, marketing, and financial management. La Placita also provides a safe and supportive space for vendors to sell their products, fostering a sense of community and empowering entrepreneurs to thrive.
Looking Ahead: The district plans to expand La Placita’s offerings by introducing additional services, such as health programs, support for unhoused neighbors, and community-wide classes. Calle 24 is also excited about the upcoming Business Mixers, which will be hosted at local businesses. These events aim to foster unity among entrepreneurs while providing essential resources and support to help them thrive in their ventures.
Looking Back: The Castro LGBTQ Cultural District curated and hosted an art show at Queer AF, featuring work commissioned by Tanya Wischerath that highlighted eight "Living Lesbian Legends," as well as works by Serge Gay Jr. and Justin Hall. The event included a panel with some of the artists and subjects as guest speakers.
Looking Ahead: The district is excited for Tanya Wischerath to paint a mural in the Castro, alongside Serge Gay Jr.'s work. Castro LGBTQ Cultural District is also looking forward to the approval of their CHHESS report.
Looking Back: The Japantenna SHODO/traditional Japanese calligraphy pop-up was held at the Japantown Cultural District Visitor Center October 19-20. The event showcased calligraphy by children from the historic Kinmon Gakuen Institute, the nation’s oldest independent Japanese language school. It also featured free workshops with local master calligrapher Goyo Morimoto and her students, as well as name-writing sessions with local master calligraphers Reverend Masato Kawahatsu and Yayoi Sengoku. The Visitor Center hosted a total of 417 guests during this special weekend of Japanese culture.
Looking Ahead: The Japantown Cultural District Visitor Center will continue to serve as a venue for significant cultural events. In late February/early March, a pop-up exhibit focused on the Osaka Expo 2025 will be held in collaboration with the Consulate of Japan. Another key initiative will be continued efforts to strengthen personal and professional relationships between members of the Black, Japanese, and Jewish communities through the "Reconnecting the Western Addition" Roundtable initiative.
Looking Back: The LeatherWalk march for visibility fundraiser was a huge success and was attended by more than 250 people. This was the second year producing the event, which has a 30-year history and serves to activate the SOMA neighborhood and its businesses, creating visibility and a space for the community to gather. The district also hosted a highly successful Kinky Holiday Market in December, featuring over 40 vendors, including artists and artisans selling a wide variety of goods. The market also offered performances, a naughty Santa with an Elves photo booth, and a food truck, creating a safe community space for all.
Looking Ahead: The district looks forward to moving ahead with the projects outlined in the CHHESS Report, which includes 32 strategies. The district will focus on expanding community safety initiatives, building on programs such as Overdose Prevention and Narcan training, as well as adding physical safety training for individuals and businesses. Additionally, after four years of planning, the district is excited to launch a sidewalk plaque initiative to commemorate historic and iconic locations, with the first installations planned for Spring 2025.
Looking Back: PICD proudly installed street signs throughout the cultural district, serving as important geographic and cultural markers. They also successfully hosted their first Holiday Market, drawing over 200 attendees. The event allowed local small businesses to showcase cultural merchandise and food dishes, engage with a new audience, celebrate their cultural offerings, and create a memorable experience for everyone involved.
Looking Ahead: The PICD is excited to officially launch in May, aligning with Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. In addition, with more residents visiting the Pacific Islander Resource Hut in San Francisco for services such as education enrollment, housing, employment, and violence prevention support, PICD has been able to connect with the community, share their initiatives, and provide PI residents access to resources that were previously unavailable. They look forward to continuing this work throughout 2025.
Looking Back: SOMA Pilipinas welcomed over 10 new murals, including the restoration of the historic Ang Lipi ni Lapu Lapu, and launched the Jeepney Tour to promote the community’s permanent imprint, sharing its history and stories. On December 14, the district hosted over 30 Filipino community organizations, groups, and families in a festive celebration of parol lanterns, featuring a community stroll through Jessie Square and Yerba Buena Gardens.
Looking Ahead: SOMA Pilipinas looks forward to prioritizing language access and continuing to share and tell the history of Filipinos in the South of Market neighborhood.
Looking Back: In May, the SCCD unveiled a new mural on 22nd Avenue at Taraval in the Parkside neighborhood, created through months of community engagement. The mural reflects beloved local people, places, and icons. In addition, the SCCD revived the Sunset Autumn Moon Festival in September, a community tradition for over 20 years. The event featured local performances, bilingual emcees, and a lantern festival on the Great Highway, attracting over 6,000 attendees throughout the day. Lastly, in collaboration with private and public organizations, the SCCD helped bring back and expand the Sunset Night Market. A longtime goal for the district, the market highlighted local culture, featured a food tour of local businesses, and offered activities for all ages, enriching the Sunset community.
Looking Ahead: The SCCD looks forward to passing the CHHESS Report in 2025, which is the result of numerous community meetings, data from past reports, and expert interviews. The report reflects the district's vision for the Sunset, highlighting what they cherish and want to preserve, as well as aspirations for the future. In addition, in partnership with the Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Center (TNDC), the SCCD will have dedicated office space at the new 2550 Irving Street family housing site! The district is excited to collaborate with residents and neighbors and are currently working with TNDC on developing public art for the site, which will involve a public engagement process.
Looking Back: The Transgender District celebrated California's inaugural Transgender History Month at the State Capitol in Sacramento and marked its third Trans History Month in San Francisco through cultural events, including the Expansive and Riot Party. The district helped over 200 individuals complete their Name and Gender Marker Change through clinics, enabling community members to align their legal documents with their true identity, empowering them with greater autonomy and self-determination.
Looking Ahead: As the district enters unprecedented times, it is excited to build and strengthen the community and allyships. In February, for Black History Month, the district will highlight Trans history and elders, host a 3-day TGNC Health and Wellness Fair (Feb. 4-6), offer empowerment through Name and Gender Marker Change Clinics (Feb. 19), and collaborate with community partner Lyric SF to host Self-Defense Classes (Feb. 27) to ensure the community feels safe and empowered.
Strengthening the Community
Check out opportunities to take action and create positive change.
Help shape the future of SoMa!
The SoMa Community Stabilization Fund is connecting with people who live, work, and play in SoMa to create a collaborative plan for what you want to see the City invest in over the next five years! In five minutes or less, share what you wish to see more of in SoMa and help shape the future of Stabilization grants in the community. You can also be entered to win cool SoMa swag! After you finish, please share this link with your friends, family, and coworkers!
Upcoming Events and Celebrations
From art festivals to fundraisers to cultural celebrations, there's always something new and exciting happening in San Francisco's Cultural Districts.
*Click the image for more information*
The Transgender District CHHESS Town Hall
The Transgender District is in the final stages of producing their CHHESS Report. Join the town hall to hear their preliminary findings, provide input, or help support what others want to see in the future.
When: Thursday, January 30, 5:30-7:30pm
Where: 1067 Market St., SF
Black History Month
February marks the start of Black History Month, which is a time to honor and celebrate the rich history, achievements, and contributions of Black individuals and communities. It serves as an opportunity to reflect on the ongoing journey toward equality and social justice, while recognizing the impact of Black culture, innovation, and resilience in shaping society.
The Cultural Districts program recognizes the SF African American Arts and Cultural District for their distinct mission to advance, cultivate, enrich and advocate for African-American equity, cultural stability, vibrancy, and economic vitality in the community.
TGNC Health and Wellness Fair
Hosted by the Transgender District in partnership with the SF Public Library, the Health and Wellness Community Fair is an opportunity to connect with local organizations supporting transgender and LGBTQ+ individuals and discuss decolonizing health and wellness through open conversations with activists and healers.
When: Tuesday, February 4, 11am-3pm
Where: SF Public Library, Main Branch - Koret Lobby and Latinx Room (100 Larkin St., SF)
Come Get Your Healing
Hosted by the Transgender District in partnership with the SF LGBT Center's Queer & Well program, join for a transformative, free two-day event focused on health, wellness, and breaking down barriers within our communities. Enjoy yoga, sound bathing and energy work, fitness workouts, and more.
When: Wednesday, February 5, 4-7pm and Thursday, February 6, 4-7:30pm
Where: SF LGBT Center (1800 Market St., SF)
Sunset Lunar New Year Festival
Presented by the Sunset Chinese Cultural District and the Sunset Mercantile, the Sunset Lunar New Year Festival will welcome the new year with activities, makers and vendors, and performances.
When: Sunday, February 9, 9am-2pm
Where: Outer Sunset Farmers Market and Mercantile (1994 37th Ave. @ Pacheco St., SF)
For more events and inspiration to celebrate the Year of the Snake in San Francisco, click here.
Japantenna Osaka Expo Pop-up Exhibit
Join Japantown Cultural District in celebrating the launch of the Japantenna Osaka Expo pop-up exhibit, featuring Expo mascot Myaku-Myaku in a rare in-person appearance!
When: Friday, February 28, 11am
Where: Japantown Cultural District Visitor Center, Japan Center East Mall, 2nd Floor (1737 Post St., SF)
Volunteer and Career Opportunities
Stay tuned for more information on future opportunities!
The Cultural Districts program is a place-making and place-keeping program that preserves, strengthens and promotes cultural communities. There are ten Cultural Districts located across the City, each embodying a unique cultural heritage.
The program is a partnership between community and City and is coordinated by the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development, in collaboration with the Office of Economic and Workforce Development, SF Planning, and Arts Commission.
