Empower Artists. Shape the Future.

Are you a Bay Area artist passionate about equity, justice, and building a stronger arts community? Vital Arts’ Bay Area Artist Census Fellowship is an 18-month leadership opportunity for 7 artists (one from each of the 6 Bay Area counties—Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Solano, and San Mateo—plus one overseeing the entire initiative) to lead the Bay Area Artist Census (BAAC).

As a fellow, you’ll help shape the future of the Bay Area arts ecosystem by leading outreach, data collection, storytelling, and advocacy efforts—all while gaining skills in financial literacy, civic engagement, and wellness.

Fellows will be required to attend a workshop on the 1st Wednesday of every month between 4-6PM for the18th months of the fellowship.

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS JULY 23RD, 2025

Selected fellows will be notified via email by mid-August 2025

What is the Bay Area Artist Census (BAAC)?

The BAAC is a first-of-its-kind, artist-led initiative that will collect and utilize data on the needs and challenges faced by Bay Area artists. The goal? To advocate for better policies, resources, and support—from affordable housing to fair wages—using real stories and data.

Why Apply?

• Flexible commitment (~5 hours/week)
• Professional development in advocacy, data analysis, and community organizing
• Networking & mentorship from Vital Arts and industry leaders
• Make an impact by amplifying artists’ voices and driving systemic change
• You will receive a $1,000 a month stipend for your leadership and expertise

Who Should Apply?

• Artists living in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, Santa Clara, San Mateo or Solano Counties
• Creatives from historically marginalized communities (BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled, low-income, etc.)
• Those passionate about arts advocacy, data justice, and community building
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What You’ll Do:

• Lead community engagement events and workshops for the BAAC in your county
• Help design survey questions that reflect artists’ real needs
• Envision solutions for data security and data sovereignty for our most vulnerable artists
• Advocate for solutions for Bay Area artists around housing, fair wages, healthcare, and more
• Develop storytelling tools to share census findings
• Build a coalition of artists to drive long-term change