Since 1996, Art Works Downtown (AWD) has been a cornerstone of the arts in San Rafael, providing an environment where visual arts thrive for the well-being of our community throughout Marin County and beyond. We foster a sense of belonging, collaboration, and creativity, ensuring visual art remains a vibrant force in our community.

Located in an 1880s building in the heart of San Rafael’s downtown, AWD is rooted in creative place-keeping. Our space brings artists and the public together, creating a community that celebrates artistic expression. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, we depend on the generosity of supporters like you to keep our vital cultural hub thriving. This year, AWD’s 40,000-square-foot building housed over 22 below-market rate apartment tenants and 58 studio artists, supported 167 artist members, welcomed 4,500 visitors to 24 free exhibitions, and hosted 12 community Second Friday Art Walks—ensuring that art remains accessible to all.

Our leadership played a key role in securing San Rafael’s designation as a California State-Designated Arts District (DSRAD), placing our city among the top 14 arts and culture destinations in the state—advancing arts and cultural activities in downtown San Rafael. 

In 2024, AWD achieved several significant milestones:

• Completed our 2021-2024 Strategic Plan. Read it here.

• Secured capital funding to repair stormwater intrusion damage and completed phase three of our massive $1M+ electrical building upgrade.

• Formalized our IDEA (Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, Access) advisory committee to improve a stronger sense of connection and community.

• Transforming a vacant storefront at 1001 Fourth Street into a vibrant public art installation, bringing our mission to life on the streets of San Rafael.

• Awarded ‘Best of Marin’ from Marin Magazine, Marin IJ, and Pacific Sun.

• Increased public engagement by extending open hours to four days a week.

• Served our Artist Membership by facilitating community meetups, offering business and art classes and providing exhibition opportunities.

• Hired a program assistant to build capacity within our programs department.

• Secured approval and funding for a new mural installation on our building facing 3rd Street, further enriching our community with public art.

• Earned the highest-rated Platinum Financial Transparency badge from Candid Guidestar.

Additionally, we hosted our annual fundraiser, ArtRageous: Burning Bubbles Bash, which strengthened community engagement and raised essential funds to support our mission. Be sure to join us for an even bigger event in 2025!

Thanks to your invaluable participation and financial support, these exciting achievements have been made possible. By embracing Art Works Downtown’s mission with a generous, tax-deductible donation, you help creativity thrive in our community. Together, we have the power to shape a beautiful and meaningful future.