Root Division

Root Division is an organization of Bay Area artists working for a livable existence in an arts and arts education community.

Root Division's mission is to improve appreciation and access to the visual arts by connecting personal inspiration and community participation. We provide subsidized studio space to working artists in exchange for their service in creating shared learning opportunities for the community. Artists develop creatively and professionally by teaching art to underserved youth, leading adult education classes, and producing exhibitions that showcase local emerging artwork. By combining multiple opportunities for creative exchange, Root Division cultivates an artistic ecosystem that enriches life throughout the Bay Area.

The organization was founded in 2002 by three MFA graduates of the San Francisco Art Institute. By combining forces with artists, teachers, curators, local schools, audiences, individuals, and foundations, our niche lies in our unique ability to bring various groups together. Root Division is a great model for how a cooperative system can transform a space into a bustling, affordable arts community & answer several community needs at once. Root Division not only nurtures creativity, but also fosters volunteerism & community engagement that is vital to the social, economic, & cultural health of the Bay Area.