DECENTERED
ARTS
About Us
MISSION
Decentered Arts is a San Francisco non-profit organization dedicated to building community through art of all mediums
VISION
Decentered Arts is building an accessible and interconnected arts scene in San Francisco. Whether you create or appreciate poetry, visual art, comedy, or music, Decentered Arts promotes spaces for people to learn from, inspire, and support each other. We envision a San Francisco art scene that can interface with an increasingly complex world, wielding art as a tool and way of thinking.
VALUES
Reliable
We hold space and promote the scene through quality programming and are steadily diversifying the pool of local talent.
Accessible
Our events and digital tools are free or volunteer-based, for all ages, and all levels, skewing sober.
Supportive
We grow artists through mentorship, teaching, and opportunities. Empowering diverse artists to be teachers and facilitators.
APPROACH
Nurturing Talent
Encouraging emerging and underrepresented artists by facilitating their development through workshops, performances, and community
In-Person Experiences
Holding curated community events such as open mics, readings, fashion shows, and exhibitions with multimedia appeal
Spreading The Word
Publishing and promoting the work of artists and local art collectives through our Eventracker, newsletter, publishing press, and culture hub
STORY
Since 2018 Decentered Arts has been holding space for artists of all mediums in the Bay Area. The team consists of a group of friends who connect over the power of "low key" environments to foster creative output, and unlock untapped potential in everyone who participates. In 2023, Decentered Arts was established as a 501(c)3 nonprofit co-founded by Liz and Theory and now serves as a roof over the head of existing projects, and opens up spaces for new endeavors within the vision. Our team and core collaborators continue to grow.
WHY DECENTERED?
San Francisco is a city shaped by world-changing technological and social movements and relentless displacement. Decentered Arts exists within that tension and believes communities have the power to resist erasure and create lasting change. Decentered is a mycelium network creating support and connection through free public programs, cultural infrastructure, and leadership pathways for underrepresented artists. Together, we're shaping a Bay Area where the arts don't just mirror the world around us, they transform it.
About
The Decentered Team
Liz Cahill
Co-founder & Executive Director
Liz leads the organizational and strategic direction of Decentered Arts. Outside of Decentered Arts, Liz is a founding member and resident of Uzay Gallery, a poet, event producer, and researcher. She is working on her first book of poems. Outside of arts she can be found cooking food for friends and biking with her tiny dog Rya in a back pack.
Theory
Co-founder
Theory leads the creative and strategic direction of Decentered Arts. Theory is a resident and volunteer at The Center SF, a recent MFA Graduate from the University of San Francisco, and is publishing his first novel. Professionally he’s a senior video editor for Vox.
Rhea Joseph
Head of Marketing and Operations
Rhea leads operations, marketing, and strategy for Decentered Arts. She is a poet, curator, and event producer who comes from a long line of artists and entrepreneurs. She is passionate about mental health, wellness, and technology. Rhea finds power through community and loves exploring global cultures.
Ben Draffin
Chairperson of the Board
Ben brings his extensive knowledge of running startups and nonprofits to Decentered Arts, implementing best practices within the leadership and guiding our technological infrastructure. In addition to being a published poet, Ben performs improvised bedtime stories, standup comedy, and teaches workshops on storytelling.
