Root Division
Artists and WritersCalifornia, United States11-50 Employees
Root Division is a visual arts non-profit based in San Francisco, focused on connecting creativity with community through education, exhibitions, and studio spaces. Since its founding in 2002, the organization has built a system that offers subsidized studio access in exchange for artists providing training and volunteering, thereby expanding opportunities for emerging artists and fostering engagement with youth and neighborhood residents. The group positions itself as a hub that supports artists while delivering arts education to the public, with a notable track record of classrooms for neighborhood youth, onsite classes for students, and a dedicated venue that hosts exhibitions and serves as a gathering place for the community. In addition to providing space and programming, Root Division has cultivated partnerships with public schools, community centers, and local businesses, contributing to the Bay Area's visual arts ecosystem. Root Division operates in the artists and writers sector, emphasizing affordable workspace, exhibition opportunities, and professional experience for artists without relying on traditional for-profit models. The organization recently announced leadership changes, including the appointment of a new Executive Director in late 2024, reflecting a continued evolution of its governance as it maintains its mission to empower artists and enrich the community through visual arts.