Ways AST Can Help
Long-Term Housing Stability for Bay Area Artists
Artist Space Trust supports Bay Area artists and culture bearers seeking long-term housing stability. We focus on creating and stewarding affordable housing opportunities that reflect artists’ real lives, incomes, and practices — while recognizing that housing pathways are not one-size-fits-all.
Whether you are looking for housing now or preparing for future opportunities, AST offers pathways, preparation, and guidance to help you understand what may be available to you.
Photo: Artist Flee Kieselhorst and Realtor Julia Preston Bari by C. Wagner Photography
Who AST Serves
AST serves individual artists, artist families, and artist cooperatives living in the San Francisco Bay Area, across disciplines and cultural traditions.
Most AST housing opportunities are designed for artists who:
Maintain an ongoing artistic or cultural practice
Live in the San Francisco Bay Area
Earn below 80% of the Area Median Income
Eligibility requirements vary by program and opportunity.
How AST Can Support You
AST supports artists through a combination of housing opportunities, preparation, and education. Depending on availability and eligibility, this may include:
Photo: Supportive Housing Community Land Alliance gathering
Affordable Homeownership Opportunities
Down payment assistance and homes stewarded for long-term affordability.
Long-Term Rental and Live/Work Housing
Rental homes and live/work spaces designed to support stable residency and creative practice.
Preparation and Education
Free workshops and resources that help artists understand affordable housing, financial readiness, and homeownership requirements — even if you are not eligible yet.
Information and Referrals
Clear guidance on community-based resources that may be helpful.
What to Expect
Housing opportunities through AST are limited and become available over time. We encourage artists to:
Check current opportunities regularly
Sign up for AST’s newsletter for updates
Participate in educational workshops to prepare for future opportunities
Our goal is to support artists in building greater self-determination and long-term housing stability — even when immediate options are not available.
Photo: Artist Flee Kieselhorst moving in by C Wagner Photography
What AST Does Not Provide
AST does not provide emergency housing, eviction defense, or crisis services.
If you are facing urgent housing instability, we encourage you to visit our Resources page for community-based support and referrals.
Photo: Artists Kelly Tunstall and Ferris Plock by Shaun Roberts
