Artists on AST
Rafael Jesús González, Property Donor
“I refuse to let my home, my spaces consecrated by my art, my scholarship, my activism, my celebrations, my living be subject to ‘The Market.’ I will leave my home to Artist Space Trust instead so that it may house hard-pressed artists whose art, I hope, will be engaged in art dedicated to the Earth, justice, peace — beauty and healing.”
Mihee Kim, New Homeowner
“Artist Space Trust has drastically improved my quality of life through their down payment assistance program. Their significant support was the difference between remaining in taxing rental situations for the rest of my life vs. creating long-lasting stability and a home that I can rely on. This program deepens the community connections between artists in Alameda County and beyond in an unheard of way, leading artists towards home ownership when they otherwise would never have that opportunity. I have met deeply kind, understanding and helpful people throughout this process, and I am simply amazed at how my life has transformed in such a short amount of time because of them.”
Flee Kieselhorst, New Homeowner
“I’m a single woman, raising a child, and running a successful creative business - and now I own a house! I’m so proud of myself. I’ve built a life that focuses on what really matters.”
Photo credit: C Wagner Photography
Jaelynn Walls, New Homeowner
“Having the opportunity to own a home as a writer and artist in the Bay Area has been undoubtedly life changing. The stability of homeownership has allowed me to have a safe, comfortable place to create work and hold space for my community. I highly recommend Bay Area artists pursue this opportunity through Artist Space Trust and take advantage of this truly transformative program.”
Community Support of AST
Julie Baker | CEO, CA for the Arts and CA Arts Advocates
“CA for the Arts and CA Arts Advocates recognizes the struggle artists face in remaining in the Bay Area where they are close to opportunities. We celebrate AST's work to provide unique and necessary solutions to helping low-income artists become homeowners, a vital component of the current and future health of the Bay and its diverse communities.”
Ken Ikeda | Executive Director, Community Arts Stabilization Trust (CAST)
“In a field that is nascent yet operates to deliver outcomes that are generational, AST has forged a bold and innovative approach to securing affordable homes and space for artists. We are excited for AST’s emergence, ambitions and commitment to learning and growing with intention and transparency. We have so much to learn from each other.”