Bay Area Arts Response Network (BAARN)))
BAARN, a new project launching in early 2025, will combine two important forces to build Bay Area artists’ resiliency: Readiness, and Networking. BAARN will engage artists in all disciplines throughout a ten-county region to provide preparedness training, networking and funding.
For artists and artist-run organizations, readiness planning means taking intentional steps to protect their assets and operations, and having a Plan B to get their creative and business operations back up and running after an interruption. Investing time in readiness planning can often reduce the impact and expense of recovering after a crisis.
Networks can offer a support structure which supports artists and their community in emergency management. Research indicates that social cohesion and connections through personal and professional networks make a difference in surviving and managing after a disaster*.
Those living and working in the Bay Area are familiar with risks posed by earthquakes and fire, as well as the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic – and are increasingly facing overlapping crises. BAARN will take a holistic approach, helping artists withstand not just these threats, but all types of unexpected and unwelcome events such as communications disruptions, financial upheavals, loss of space, and incidents of violence or civil unrest – as well as the “slow” disasters of climate change and gentrification.
Through funding from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, BAARN will deliver:
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A listening tour and surveys to understand the needs and challenges of working artists related to readiness
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Online and in-person readiness and crisis management training for artists and artist-run organizations
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Support for artist-focused networks
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Grants for individual artists and artist networks to develop readiness plans
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Engagement of the broad arts support and funding community in the Bay Area to support sustainable preparedness in the region
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Consulting services and case studies
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*Disaster Recovery via Social Capital, Nature Sustainability, 2022
the full press release here [link to PDF]
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