WHAT IS PAINT THE VOID (PTV)?
Paint the Void is a public art initiative that funds artists, bringing creativity to everyday urban spaces in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Through individual donations and grants, Paint the Void supports artists to use their artistic freedom for the public good.
Paint the Void was founded in the beginning of April 2020, at the height of the pandemic, to highlight that art is essential, especially during times of crisis. Initially started as a mural program, Paint the Void has now evolved into other mediums.
Since its founding, Paint the Void has facilitated the production of over 230 individual artist-led murals and over 30 community-led murals through the help of nearly 2,000 volunteers.
Paint the Void has built a team of artists, artist liaisons, project managers, community members, and city-wide stakeholders to collaborate on transformative public art murals.
We maintain that art positively transforms our shared environment through beautification, social connection and community involvement.
Through individual donations and grants, Paint the Void supports artists to use their artistic freedom for the public good.
Paint the Void was founded in the beginning of April 2020, at the height of the pandemic, to highlight that art is essential, especially during times of crisis. Initially started as a mural program, Paint the Void has now evolved into other mediums.
Since its founding, Paint the Void has facilitated the production of over 230 individual artist-led murals and over 30 community-led murals through the help of nearly 2,000 volunteers.
Paint the Void has built a team of artists, artist liaisons, project managers, community members, and city-wide stakeholders to collaborate on transformative public art murals.
We maintain that art positively transforms our shared environment through beautification, social connection and community involvement.
We support artists.
We support our communities’ mental health
We help keep our streets vibrant.
We bring art to public spaces.
WHAT IS OUR ORIGIN STORY?
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Paint the Void was founded in March of 2020 by three women: Shannon Riley and Meredith Winner from Building 180 and Inga Bard from Art for Civil Discourse. The initiative was a response to the physical and economic “void” left behind in the wake of COVID-19 around the Bay Area. As plywood boards shuttered beloved businesses and our community of artists lost their livelihoods, we knew we wanted to help..
We launched our first crowdsourced fundraiser to give artists grants to paint murals that highlighted messages of hope and beauty during this uncertain time. By matching local artists to boarded businesses, our goal was to keep our creative culture alive and to support artists.
We launched our first crowdsourced fundraiser to give artists grants to paint murals that highlighted messages of hope and beauty during this uncertain time. By matching local artists to boarded businesses, our goal was to keep our creative culture alive and to support artists.
WHO IS INVOLVED?
Paint the Void is the community arm of public art agency Building 180 who serves as curator, organizer and facilitator. Paint the Void is fiscally sponsored by the 501(c)(3) organization Intersection for the Arts.
Lisa Vortmans is our Media Director. For a complete list of our team and volunteers, please visit our About Page.
Nearly 3,000 artists filled out Paint the Void’s artist intake form. We collaborate with hundreds of local artists, businesses, community organizations and volunteers.
Building 180 is a women-led, full-service global art production and consulting agency. We specialize in public art, workplace design and placemaking. We design, curate and produce unique and complex art installations from conception to completion.
Our team of artists, curators and producers are professional problem-solvers with big ideas. We collaborate across industries to identify creative solutions. Our clients include cities, sensible brands, event producers, designers and developers. We facilitate consensus between stakeholders, then apply our methodology to bring your story to life–on schedule and within budget. We exclusively work with reliable artists and pride ourselves as safeguards of artistic integrity and freedom.
Paint the Void is fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts. Intersection for the Arts is a historic arts nonprofit that provides people working in arts and culture with fiscal sponsorship and resources to grow.
Fiscal sponsorship refers to the practice of non-profit organizations offering their legal and tax-exempt status to groups—typically projects—engaged in activities related to the sponsoring organization's mission. It typically involves a fee-based contractual arrangement between a project and an established non-profit, Intersection for the Arts takes a 10% processing fee for all donations to Paint the Void.
Lisa Vortmans is our Media Director. For a complete list of our team and volunteers, please visit our About Page.
Nearly 3,000 artists filled out Paint the Void’s artist intake form. We collaborate with hundreds of local artists, businesses, community organizations and volunteers.
Building 180 is a women-led, full-service global art production and consulting agency. We specialize in public art, workplace design and placemaking. We design, curate and produce unique and complex art installations from conception to completion.
Our team of artists, curators and producers are professional problem-solvers with big ideas. We collaborate across industries to identify creative solutions. Our clients include cities, sensible brands, event producers, designers and developers. We facilitate consensus between stakeholders, then apply our methodology to bring your story to life–on schedule and within budget. We exclusively work with reliable artists and pride ourselves as safeguards of artistic integrity and freedom.
Paint the Void is fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts. Intersection for the Arts is a historic arts nonprofit that provides people working in arts and culture with fiscal sponsorship and resources to grow.
Fiscal sponsorship refers to the practice of non-profit organizations offering their legal and tax-exempt status to groups—typically projects—engaged in activities related to the sponsoring organization's mission. It typically involves a fee-based contractual arrangement between a project and an established non-profit, Intersection for the Arts takes a 10% processing fee for all donations to Paint the Void.
HOW DO YOU PAIR ARTISTS AND BUSINESSES FOR A MURAL?
Artists and businesses are asked to fill out a quick form. Our team reviews these forms and reaches out to artists and businesses when we have both a “match” and available funding. To the best of our ability we pair artists with businesses in the same neighborhood. The artist and business or property owner are connected to discuss general content guidelines. We support the funding and logistics.
HOW DO YOU SELECT THE LOCATION?
Interested businesses or property owners are asked to fill out a quick form. We select locations based on how well-suited their boards or walls are for a mural in terms of size, texture, and timeline. Most of our funds are dedicated to small family-owned businesses. We also take into account accessibility to the community by selecting pedestrian friendly areas. Our early partnerships with Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association, Hayes Valley Art Works, Lower Haight Merchants Association and Union Square Business Improvement District have been essential in creating murals in these neighborhoods early on in our project.
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE AN ARTIST?
When selecting an artist we take many factors into account. First and foremost we look at their portfolio. We consider their aesthetic and how it matches the business, their geographical proximity to the business and their story as an artist. We strive to support a diverse group of artists related to the following criteria: gender, sexual orientation, race and level of experience. Once we have selected a business for a mural we then pass along a short list of artists in their neighborhood to choose from. Since the business is the one displaying the art we allow them to have the final decision for the artist. We are committed to uplifting marginalized voices.
DO YOU DICTATE THE DESIGN?
PtV started off recommending uplifting themes of positivity and hope for murals on business that closed down as a response to COVID-19 however we now strive for artistic and creative freedom of the muralist. The content ultimately decided by both parties. In the event of disagreement regarding content, we will reassign the artist to another business.
HOW IS PTV EVOLVING WITH THE TIMES?
Paint the Void is currently focusing on not only temporary murals, but also permanent murals. With the expertise of Building 180, our parent organization, we are well equipped to endure longer cycles of display. Previously more permanent installations were not a part of our mission due to the quickly evolving closures and openings happening with COVID-19. We are also exploring new channels for art on our streets, sidewalks, light posts and other publicly visible spaces. We see our world as a canvas and want to prioritize paying local artists full wages to work in the city they live.
WHAT IS PAINT THE VOID'S POSITION ON RACIAL JUSTICE?
In May of 2020, protests (rightfully) arose across the US in response to systemic racism, police brutality and economic disparity, which caused more businesses to board their storefront in Oakland and San Francisco.
Paint the Void stands in solidarity with the BIPOC communities against racism and inequality. We stand against all forms of inequality and the systems that perpetuate it. There is much work to be done and we are committed to being a part of the solution.
As an organization that secures funds to create murals and other public artworks, we recognize our position of privilege in choosing the artists and the locations that we engage. We realize that we can use our platform to promote a more equitable and just future, not only by selecting the artists we work with, but also by engaging with our communities, deeply listening to criticisms, and fostering a positive team culture. We are committed to evolving, understanding and complicitness.
Paint the Void stands in solidarity with the BIPOC communities against racism and inequality. We stand against all forms of inequality and the systems that perpetuate it. There is much work to be done and we are committed to being a part of the solution.
As an organization that secures funds to create murals and other public artworks, we recognize our position of privilege in choosing the artists and the locations that we engage. We realize that we can use our platform to promote a more equitable and just future, not only by selecting the artists we work with, but also by engaging with our communities, deeply listening to criticisms, and fostering a positive team culture. We are committed to evolving, understanding and complicitness.
ARE ALL THE MURALS CREATED ON PLYWOOD BOARDS AROUND THE BAY AREA CURATED AND SPONSORED BY PAINT THE VOID?
No. There have been many stunning murals popping up on plywood boards all across the Bay Area, some are officially affiliated to Paint The Void and others are not. Many artists are choosing to simply go out and pick an open wall to create a mural. Some artists that we have previously paid to create murals are continuing to paint more without our involvement. This is all wonderful however we can not and do not take all the credit. Some people are tagging images of murals not curated or sponsored by #PainttheVoid with our hashtag us on social media. We’re grateful that artists continue to create beauty in our streets, however much of it happens without our involvement.
Please note that we only send out artists to paint once we receive written permission from the business and/ or building owner via our permission slip. For a complete list of murals curated by Paint the Void please visit our map.
Please note that we only send out artists to paint once we receive written permission from the business and/ or building owner via our permission slip. For a complete list of murals curated by Paint the Void please visit our map.
WHAT ARE THE SAFETY MEASURES WE ADVISE?
We take the safety of our artists, businesses, and the community very seriously. To minimize risk of CV-19 exposure, artists are asked to work at home wherever possible. While outside, artists have to wear a mask, observe social distancing and other CDC guidelines. All projects are instructed to comply with the latest public health guidelines.
This effort is in support of our community and we ask residents not to congregate to view the work. There will be plenty of opportunity to do so once the social distancing mandate is lifted.
This effort is in support of our community and we ask residents not to congregate to view the work. There will be plenty of opportunity to do so once the social distancing mandate is lifted.
WHERE DO I FIND PAINT THE VOID ON SOCIAL MEDIA?
We want to virtually share what the artists are creating with everyone following along at home. Follow along:
We do our best to update social media as often as possible however have limited capability due the small size and voluntary capacity of our team.
- Hashtag: #paintthevoid
- Instagram: @paintthevoidproject
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/paintthevoid/
We do our best to update social media as often as possible however have limited capability due the small size and voluntary capacity of our team.
WHO CAN I CONTACT IF I HAVE A QUESTION?
FOR DONORS
HOW CAN I DONATE?
Please visit our donation page here.
You will get a confirmation receipt in your email that you can use as proof when filing your taxes.
Please consider making a recurring donation that will continue to allow us to support artists during this crisis. There is no amount too small for a donation, every dollar helps. At the same time we are looking for support from larger companies, institutions, charitable organizations and persons. If you know someone who can help on a larger scale please help us get in touch.
Here are the Paint the Void decks: About Deck, Fundraising Deck, Sponsorship Deck and Project Profile. Check them out and feel free to share!
You will get a confirmation receipt in your email that you can use as proof when filing your taxes.
Please consider making a recurring donation that will continue to allow us to support artists during this crisis. There is no amount too small for a donation, every dollar helps. At the same time we are looking for support from larger companies, institutions, charitable organizations and persons. If you know someone who can help on a larger scale please help us get in touch.
Here are the Paint the Void decks: About Deck, Fundraising Deck, Sponsorship Deck and Project Profile. Check them out and feel free to share!
CAN I DONATE BY WRITING A CHECK?
Yes! We are fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please make checks payable to Intersection for the Arts , and write PAINT THE VOID in the memo line. Send the check to:
Intersection for the Arts
1446 Market St
San Francisco, CA 94102
Writing “Paint the Void” on the check ensures that your donation will be directed towards our project.
When Intersection receives contributions, they send all donors who contribute $250 or more an acknowledgement letter which they may submit to the IRS to deduct the contribution from their taxes. If your donation amount is below $250 and you would still like a letter, Intersection can generate one by request, please let us know at [email protected]
Intersection for the Arts
1446 Market St
San Francisco, CA 94102
Writing “Paint the Void” on the check ensures that your donation will be directed towards our project.
When Intersection receives contributions, they send all donors who contribute $250 or more an acknowledgement letter which they may submit to the IRS to deduct the contribution from their taxes. If your donation amount is below $250 and you would still like a letter, Intersection can generate one by request, please let us know at [email protected]
IS MY DONATION TAX DEDUCTIBLE?
Yes! We are fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions.
On tax forms, the donors will need to provide the following information about our fiscal sponsor:
EIN: 94-1593216
Name: Intersection for the Arts
Address: 1446 Market Street, San Francisco, California 94102
On tax forms, the donors will need to provide the following information about our fiscal sponsor:
EIN: 94-1593216
Name: Intersection for the Arts
Address: 1446 Market Street, San Francisco, California 94102
SHOULD I MAKE A RECURRING DONATION?
Please consider it! The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to cause multiple months of economic disruption. As long as there is no effective nationwide policy change, it will only become harder to provide basic support to displaced professionals over the next 12 to 18 months. A donation made in the future will create greater impact than a donation made today.
Do you accept corporate sponsorship? Yes. Please reach out to us at [email protected]
Do you accept corporate sponsorship? Yes. Please reach out to us at [email protected]
FOR ARTISTS AND BUSINESSES
HOW DO I APPLY?
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?
Please fill out our form. Artists and businesses will be matched by proximity to the best of our ability to avoid unnecessary travel. Artists must reside in San Francisco or Oakland. Businesses must be located in San Francisco or Oakland.
WHAT IS THE GRANT AMOUNT FOR ARTISTS?
Each mural has its own fee. We charge by square footage, detail, length in time and access. There are many variables to each mural. Please contact us at [email protected] to schedule a consultation and we can create an estimate.
We believe that art is essential and that artists deserve a living wage for all the work they put in to beautify public spaces and support the spirits and mental health of our culture.
We believe that art is essential and that artists deserve a living wage for all the work they put in to beautify public spaces and support the spirits and mental health of our culture.
HOW DO I MAXIMIZE MY CHANCES OF BEING MATCHED WITH A BUSINESS?
Apply as soon as possible and make sure you share an up to date portfolio of your work.
I’VE APPLIED, NOW WHAT?
We are a small team reviewing the intake forms, matching artists with businesses and making sure this is done safely. We’ll reach out to you as soon as we have a match and funding for you. Thank you for your patience while we process all the forms.
WHO OWNS THE ART WHEN THE BOARDS COME DOWN?
The Artist!
Here is a PDF of our Permission Slip, the MOU between the business, artist and Paint the Void.
Here is a PDF of our Permission Slip, the MOU between the business, artist and Paint the Void.
CONTACT
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INSTAGRAM
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FACEBOOK
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PAINT THE VOID DECKS
SOCIAL MEDIA TAGS
#PaintTheVoid #SupportLocalArtists #SupportLocalBusinesses