Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA)?
Q: What makes YBCA a unique resource for the Bay Area?
Q: Where is YBCA?
Q: How long has YBCA existed?
Q: Is YBCA a City organization?
Q: Who designed the buildings?
Q: What is the Forum?
Q: Are the facilities available for rental?
Q: Is it possible to arrange a tour?
Q: I am an artist. How can I submit my work to YBCA for screening, exhibitions or performance consideration?
Q: What is the relationship between YBCA and other organizations in the Yerba Buena Gardens district, such as SFMOMA, Zeum and Metreon?
Q: What is Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA)?
A: Yerba Buena Center for the Arts is the Bay Area's premier venue for adventurous art. We are located at Mission & Third Streets in the Yerba Buena Gardens district of downtown San Francisco. A multidisciplinary art Center, we feature exhibitions, performance, film/video and community engagement programs.
- Visual Arts exhibitions at YBCA focus on contemporary art and popular culture and include the work of local, national and international artists. YBCA is not a collecting institution. We feature an eclectic program of overlapping exhibitions in our Galleries each year.
- YBCA Performance programs include year-round theater, dance, music and cross-disciplinary performances. With no resident companies, a wide array of experimental and traditional artists are supported. While emphasizing local artists and community partners, YBCA also features appearances by national and international artists and ensembles.
- Film/Video programs feature filmwork that pushes mainstream boundaries. Screenings include YBCA-curated film and video and co-presentations with community partners.
- Community Engagement Programs encourage patrons to explore the world of multidisciplinary art through tours, discussions, workshops and other events.
Q: What makes YBCA a unique resource for the Bay Area?
A: YBCA features multidisciplinary and contemporary art with frequent cross-disciplinary programming. Work exhibited at YBCA is fresh: we emphasize younger and emerging artists and their experimental work.
YBCA nurtures a special bond with the San Francisco Bay Area arts community. We exhibit local artists and have close ties with numerous community organizations, often co-presenting with community partners. Additionally, we rent space to community performing arts groups. Because of our community connections, our programming is broadly representative of the diverse cultures of the region.
Q: Where is YBCA?
A: Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Galleries and Forum Building is located at 701 Mission Street at Third in San Francisco. Novellus Theater at YBCA is located at 700 Howard Street at Third. Click on the Visit section for directions, parking and public transit information.
Q: How long has YBCA existed?
A: YBCA opened in October 1993.
Q: Is YBCA a City organization?
A: No, we are not a City organization. Although the buildings are owned by the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency, YBCA has an operating agreement to run them and is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization responsible for raising funds for its arts and educational programs.
Q: Who designed the buildings?
A: The Galleries and Forum Building (701 Mission Street at Third) was designed by Fumihiko Maki. James Stewart Polshek designed Novellus Theater at YBCA (700 Howard Street at Third).
Q: What is the Forum?
A: The Forum, a large multi-purpose space in the Galleries and Forum Building, is suitable for performances, special events, symposia and meetings.
Q: Are the facilities available for rental?
A: YBCA rents certain of its facilities to organizations and corporations at commercial rates as well as discounted community not-for-profit rates. Additionally, YBCA is available to individuals as a site for weddings and other personal celebrations. See the Facility Rentals section for more information.
Q: Is it possible to arrange a gallery tour?
A: Yes. See the Visit section for more information on gallery tours.
Q: I am an artist. How can I submit my work to YBCA for screening, exhibitions or performance consideration?
A: You may submit your work at any time for consideration by sending a résumé and supporting materials addressed to the appropriate curator (Film/Video, Visual Arts, or Performing Arts). Please be advised that due to the volume of submissions received, materials will not be returned and YBCA will only be able to contact those whose work will be considered for an upcoming program. Please send all submissions to:
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
701 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
Q: What is the relationship between YBCA and other organizations in the Yerba Buena Gardens district, such as SFMOMA, Zeum and Metreon?
A: While we often partner with our neighbors on particular projects, we are all separate, independent organizations and businesses.