The Finalley
. . . and another one bites the dust. We just can’t have nice things. What is it about the bureaucracy, that they always stamp out what we create? I’ve seen it happen over and over again here in the Bay Area. Over the last 17 years that I have resided in the bay I’ve watched as Oakland, San Francisco and San Jose have all threatened artists with their actions by prioritizing dollars over community. The artist community here is still reeling from the effects of the pandemic. So many galleries have closed for good since they couldn’t survive the pandemic shut downs. Yet, there are endless empty storefronts lining the streets of these cities just waiting for occupants to instill life on the streets. I know a few artists who would be willing to take over those spaces and turn them into vibrant centers of creativity. Just give us a chance.
No, the cities don’t want that. They are all falling over each other trying to recruit the next hot Tech Company, AI nerds or another smoke shop. Tax breaks and incentives abound for these Tech companies, but there is nothing for artists. Sure there are a few grants out there, but the process is demanding and most artists want nothing to do with the endless paperwork. Besides, these are short term fixes. Yes, there are incentives out there, like the 1% of construction budgeting for art, when new buildings are erected. This seems great, but it is a glossover. It makes for great press and whitewashes what is really going on. Artists are consistently losing our studio and gallery spaces throughout these cities in the name of “progress”. While an artist may receive a nice payday to create on site artworks in this building which will only be enjoyed by the occupants, this is a hindrance to the local art scene. This one time payout does not help the artist community. What’s the saying, “give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you’ll feed him for life”. This definitely applies here.
I’m not one to identify a problem without proposing a solution, so here we go. How about all these new buildings that are being erected start providing studio space for artists to create as well as gallery space to exhibit their works? Brilliant, right? And on top of that how about that 1% of construction budget goes towards supporting those artists by purchasing multiple artworks in an ongoing fashion over the life of a building. This solution, I witnessed in person on my previous trip to New York City. In stark contrast to the bay area, the art scene in NYC is thriving. I visited my friends Turtlecaps and Belowkey at the Time to be Happy Gallery in the Lower East Side and I witnessed this happening in real life. They had artist residencies in a building which provided 2 floors of studio space and gallery space to approximately 40 artists. The place was alive with people and creativity. It made me jealous to see what is happening here. They provide the space for artists to create and exhibit monthly shows. Oh, did I mention that Ron English was on site mentoring the artists? Guess what, the local community is all the better for it. The neighboring retail shops are visited by the artists who spend their days there and the monthly exhibits bring in the crowds. Neighbors are buzzing about what is going on in the space. This is the blueprint. Who else wants to join the party? Like I said, I know a guy that is willing to help organize the artist side of this. Just give us a space to operate in.
Why am I writing about this? And what is the Finalley? Well, as I returned to Oakland, I learned that 1Culture Gallery in San Jose is being forced to evacuate their space on short notice and are having their lease terminated a year early so that the owner can develop the building into more office space for Tech. uggh. Tech is a dirty word out here. Kicking out a pillar of the local community for more dead office space. 1Culture provided gallery space and put on monthly shows to help bring awareness to local artists. In addition they curated murals in what many would consider dead space. Back alley parking lots and pedestrian thruways in downtown San Jose. This art is shared with the community on a daily basis, enlivening peoples lives with the abundant creativity. I know the local community is in favor of this from all the messages I have received praising the works. Well, on to the Finalley. This Saturday, June 21st is the final show at 1Culture gallery. 1 night only since they have to be gone by Monday. Saturday night from 5pm - ??? who knows. So please, come out and support the artists and the community. I know Drew and the 1Culture crew are resilient and are going to find a new place to operate in, but for now, this sucks.
I hope to see you there!
p.s. If you can help or know of anyone who can help in these kinds of endeavors, please direct them my way. We need to create more space for artists.