San Francisco’s Galleries Explore Alternative Routes for Survival
Amid a cost-of-living crisis and the closure of local arts organizations, some are turning to different models to foster community, from nonprofit status to retail businesses.
San Francisco's art galleries are grappling with an uncertain future, facing a cost-of-living crisis, a dwindling collector base and the closure of local art schools. Many artists and galleries have been forced to leave the city, but those who remain are exploring alternative ways to survive and build community. Cushion Works, located in the Mission District, is one such gallery that has taken steps to ensure its longevity.
Last year, Cushion Works acquired nonprofit status and introduced a membership program to keep its doors open. Founder Jordan Stein did not initially envision Cushion Works as a traditional gallery, nor did he have a specific business model in mind when he opened the space in 2018. Instead, he is fascinated by the stories behind the artists who have lived and created in the Bay Area.
The gallery hosts a diverse range of Bay Area artists, from established figures like R. Crumb and Dewey Crumpler, to newcomers such as Betty Bailey and BJ Newton, and even Whitney-exhibiting artists like Grace Rosario Perkins and Dionne Lee. The "Heavy Batter" exhibition at Cushion Works, which was recently on display, featured a variety of works by these artists, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich artistic history of the region.
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