About
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
Our 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?
Decentered aims to be a web between communities versus another silo.There are information gaps in the broader arts community which we hope to fill with reliable tools and information databases. We emphasize growing artists in addition to growing audiences. We value human connections over inorganic growth and content for the sake of content.
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
COO & CMO
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.
Harmonie Malengo
Communications & Marketing Specialist
Harmonie has joined DCA as the Communications and Marketing Specialist. She is a multi-hyphenate creative with expertise in digital marketing, photography, creative direction and production. Harmonie is also the Co-founder of Hotspot Creatives, an organization that empowers emerging creatives and strengthens community connections.
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.
Community Partners
Support the Arts
At Decentered Arts we believe in building resilient community through art of all mediums. To help achive this we produce Decentered Open Mic, Eventracker, Writers Group, Poolside Poets, curated events, and more to come!
Your support helps us keep this up and dream bigger.
Sign up for our newsletter
Tap into the Bay Area Art Scene, be the first to know of upcoming events, early access to books, merch, and more!