AST Housing Pathways for Artists
About AST’s Housing Pathways
Artist Space Trust supports Bay Area artists through multiple housing pathways designed to reflect different needs, life stages, and forms of stability. These pathways represent the ways artists may engage with the Artist Housing Commons over time.
Not all pathways are available at all times. Housing opportunities depend on funding, property availability, and stewardship capacity. This page offers an overview of the types of housing opportunities AST may offer as the Commons grows.
Homeownership Pathways
Photo credit: Flee Kieselhorst
Community Land Trust Homeownership
Artist Space Trust offers long-term, affordable homeownership opportunities through a community land trust structure. In this model, artists own their homes while the land beneath the home is held by AST, keeping the home affordable over time.
This pathway is designed for artists seeking long-term stability rather than for-profit real estate appreciation and who are interested in shared responsibility for preserving affordability for future artists.
Photo credit: Flee Kieselhorst
Buyer-Directed Homeownership
Through buyer-directed homeownership pathways, AST supports artists purchasing homes on the for-profit real estate market when funding allows. This may include down payment assistance and guidance for first-time homebuyers.
This pathway is designed for artists who are ready to purchase a home independently but need support overcoming upfront financial barriers.
Rental and Long-Term Stability Pathways
Photo credit: Flee Kieselhorst
Long-Term Rental and Live/Work Housing
AST works to steward affordable rental housing and live/work spaces designed to support long-term residency for artists and culture bearers. These homes are held outside the for-profit real estate market and prioritize stability, affordability, and continuity of practice.
Rental opportunities may vary by location, housing type, and funding source.
Photo credit: Flee Kieselhorst
Aging in Place
The Aging in Place pathway supports elder artist homeowners who wish to remain in their homes or plan for the future of their housing in ways that preserve stability, dignity, and legacy.
This may include support for artists who want to:
Remain in their homes as they age but can no longer afford homeownership expenses
Transition ownership to keep their homes affordable and off the for-profit marketplace
Align their home with long-term community benefit
Aging in Place pathways are rooted in mutual aid, intergenerational care, and the belief that artists should be able to remain housed in the communities they’ve helped shape.
Shared and Collective Housing Pathways
Artist Cooperatives and Shared Stewardship
Some housing opportunities may be designed for artist households, collectives, or cooperatives interested in shared ownership or stewardship. These pathways recognize that collective living and shared responsibility can offer affordability, resilience, and community connection. Availability and structure vary by property and opportunity.
Important Things to Know
Not all housing pathways are available at all times
Each opportunity has its own eligibility criteria
Participation in one pathway does not guarantee access to another
Current opportunities are listed separately
We encourage artists to stay connected, learn about different pathways, and prepare for opportunities as they arise.