Artists play a central role in defining the values, vibrancy, and evolution of a city but how does the city respond to the needs of artists? Films screening followed by panel discussion and audience Q & A.
Panelists
Tyra Fennell (Moderator)
Executive Director, Imprint City
Athena Kalkopoulou
Producer, “No Vacancy”
Jonah Strauss
Director, Oakland Warehouse Coalition
Sadaf Zahoor
Activist, Burnt Ramen
Films
In the Wake of Ghost Ship
USA | 2017 | 21 mins. | Directed by Jason Blalock
Last December, Oakland’s Ghost Ship warehouse fire claimed 36 lives, the nation’s deadliest fire in over a decade. It also set off a wave of scrutiny of live/work spaces across the country. Seven miles from Ghost Ship, a legendary punk collective called Burnt Ramen is fighting back against sudden eviction. This short film won the Golden Gate Award for Best Short Film at the 2017 San Francisco International Film Festival.
No Vacancy
USA | 2016 | 17 mins. | Directed by Abhi Singh
“No Vacancy” chronicles the experiences of local artists who strive to live in San Francisco while facing economic challenges and threat of eviction. Profiled artists include two who were part of a group of artists recently evicted from the art studio in the “Beast on Bryant” building, now being developed for new housing.