Dance

The Christmas Ballet

Presented by Smuin Contemporary Ballet

December 18–28, 2025

The tradition returns to spread holiday magic.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Sanctuary City Print Shop

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, December 17, 2025, 2–4 PM

Join artists Sergio De La Torre and Chris Treggiari for a print-making workshop as part of their ongoing Sanctuary City Project.

Festival

23nd Annual Parol Lantern Festival

Presented by SOMA Pilipinas in partnership with YBCA

Saturday, December 13, 2025, 3–8 PM

This festival continues the tradition of the parol lantern–a quintessential Filipino symbol of hope, peace, and community during the holiday season.

Public Programs

Bay Area Then and Now Poetry Series

Presented by YBCA

Saturday, December 13, 2025, 12–1 PM

A midday poetry and spoken word reading by Bay Area poets Eeshan Kumar, Micah Ballard, and Evan Kennedy.

Public Programs

Bay Area Then Artist and Curator Panel

Presented by YBCA

Saturday, December 13, 2025, 1–3 PM

A candid conversation between Bay Area Then participating artists Nao Bustamante, Bill Daniel, Johanna Jackson moderated by curator Eungie Joo.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Parol Felt Ornaments

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, December 10, 2025, 2–4 PM

Experiment with color and texture by using soft materials such as felt to create a vibrant 3D parol felt charm.

Performances

Dance-Along Nutcracker® 2025: A Wicked Dance-Along Nutcracker

Presented by San Francisco Pride Band

December 6–7, 2025

Part comedy musical, part dance-it-yourself ballet, and part symphonic concert featuring holiday fun and tradition.

Music

Bay Area Then: Ovarian Trolley & Wife

Presented by YBCA

Thursday, December 4, 2025, 7 PM

Ovarian Trolley and Wife perform as part of the musical programming for Bay Area Then.

Workshops

Parol Lantern-Making Workshop

Presented by SOMA Pilipinas in partnership with YBCA

Thursday, December 4, 2025, 4–8 PM

Build your own parol–the iconic Filipino lantern symbolizing hope, blessings, and community.

Public Programs

Holiday Hangout with YBCA, COMPANION & Friends

Thursday, December 4, 2025, 12–2 PM

Kick off the holidays with an afternoon of art, music, treats, and neighborhood cheer!

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Woven Prints

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, December 3, 2025, 2–4 PM

Explore lines, textures, relief printing, weaving, and create personal symbols of protection.

Performances

The Velveteen Rabbit

Presented by ODC/Dance

November 29–December 7, 2025

The Velveteen Rabbit returns to the stage with the 39th anniversary of the beloved Bay Area holiday tradition.

Workshops

Parol Lantern-Making Workshop

Presented by SOMA Pilipinas in partnership with YBCA

Sunday, November 23, 2025, 12–4 PM

Build your own parol–the iconic Filipino lantern symbolizing hope, blessings, and community.

Tours

Tour of MAKIBAKA: A Living Legacy

Presented by SOMA Pilipinas in collaboration with YBCA

Saturday, November 22, 2025, 12–1 PM

Join Olivia Ongpin for this unique opportunity to learn more.

Event

Anti-Fascist Zine Fair

Presented by YBCA

Saturday, November 22, 2025, 11 AM–5 PM

A gathering of the underground press from the Bay Area and beyond.

Workshops

Parol Lantern-Making Workshop

Presented by SOMA Pilipinas in partnership with YBCA

Saturday, November 22, 2025, 12–4 PM

Build your own parol–the iconic Filipino lantern symbolizing hope, blessings, and community.

Workshops

Parol Lantern-Making Workshop

Presented by SOMA Pilipinas in partnership with YBCA

Sunday, November 16, 2025, 12–4 PM

Build your own parol–the iconic Filipino lantern symbolizing hope, blessings, and community.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Mini Nutcracker Ornaments

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 2–4 PM

Create miniature nutcracker ornaments inspired by the upcoming holiday season. This workshop is inspired by the SF Pride Band’s Dance-Along Nutcracker.

Music

Perla Batalla – A Letter to Leonard Cohen: A Tribute to a Friend

Presented by San Francisco Leonard Cohen Festival and Conspiracy of Beards

November 8, 2025, 7:30 PM

Featuring Batalla’s powerful voice, powerful band, emotional honesty, and boundary-defying songs, blending interpretations of Cohen’s iconic lyrics with two of her own compositions.

Public Programs

Bay Area Then and Now Poetry Series

Presented by YBCA

Saturday, November 8, 2025, 12–1 PM

A midday poetry and spoken word reading by Bay Area poets Patrick James Dunagan, Sarah Menefee, and Yenia Jimenez.

Music

The Unified Heart of Leonard Cohen with Conspiracy of Beards, The Crux, and Genny Lim

Presented by San Francisco Leonard Cohen Festival and Conspiracy of Beards

November 7, 2025, 7:30 PM

San Francisco’s Conspiracy of Beards perform their new show, The Unified Heart of Leonard Cohen.

Music

Bay Area Then: Erica Dawn Lyle & Brontez Purnell

Presented by YBCA

Thursday, November 6, 2025, 7 PM

Erica Dawn Lyle and Brontez Purnell perform as part of the musical programming for Bay Area Then.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Velveteen Rabbit Pop-up Book

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, November 5, 2025, 2–4 PM

Create an imaginative pop-up book inspired by The Velveteen Rabbit. Meet cast members and join a dance-along presented by ODC.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Pop-up Mini Haunted House

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 2–4 PM

In light of Halloween, learn how to construct a pop-up mini haunted house.

Events

The Haunt: An Artistically-Twisted Haunted House

Presented by Bat Witch Ghost & YBCA

October 25–November 1, 2025

An artist-made haunted house. Spooky yet campy, scrappy but full of wonder, DIY and open to everyone.

Public Programs

Bay Area Then Artist and Curator Panel

Presented by YBCA

Saturday, October 25, 2025, 12–2 PM

A candid conversation between Bay Area Then participating artists Arnold Kemp, Alicia McCarthy, and Rigo 23 moderated by curator Eungie Joo

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Mixed Media Collage

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, October 22, 2025, 2–4 PM

Assemble a collage featuring your neighborhood and community, while highlighting the essence of “kapwa” (shared identity).

Workshops

Photo Portfolio Review with Erina Alejo

Presented by SOMA Pilipinas in partnership with YBCA

Wednesday, October 22, 3:30–4:30 PM

A workshop bringing together community photographers for dialogue and review.

Workshops

Sanctuary City Print Shop

Presented by YBCA

Sunday, October 19, 2025, 2–4 PM

Join artists Sergio De La Torre and Chris Treggiari for a print-making workshop.

Public Programs

Bay Area Then and Now Poetry Series

Presented by YBCA

Saturday, October 18, 2025, 12–1 PM

A midday poetry and spoken word reading by Bay Area poets Maw Shein Win, Julien Poirier and Yates Cessna.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Folded Story Book

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, October 15, 2025, 2–4 PM

Create a folded story book inspired by your connections with community, family, friends, or draw a story entirely from imagination.

Events

Makibeki

Presented by SOMA Pilipinas in partnership with YBCA

Sunday, October 12, 12–5 PM

The SOMA Pilipinas Pride will include a short procession, mini pageant, program with a lineup of Filipinx performers, and resource fair.

Tours

Curator-Led Tour of MAKIBAKA: A Living Legacy

Presented by SOMA Pilipinas in collaboration with YBCA

Saturday, October 11, 2025, 12–1 PM

Join curator Trisha Lagaso Goldberg for this unique opportunity to learn more.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Paper Weaving

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, October 8, 2025, 2–4 PM

Learn how to weave with paper and incorporate personal narratives as a way to carry on the traditions of storytelling through weaving.

Events

Global Groove Remix

In partnership with MoAD, YBCA, Empire, and The Svane Family Foundation

Friday, October 3, 2025, 8 PM – Midnight

A one-night-only experience of art, music, and connection, honoring MoAD’s 20th Anniversary and kicking off Nexus Black Art Week across the Bay Area.

Events

Constellations of Care: On Creative Kinship

Presented by Nexus SF Bay Area Black Art Week

Thursday, October 2, 2025, 2–3:30 PM

Ashara Ekundayo, Ayana V. Jackson, and Key Jo Lee come together for a rare, intimate conversation.

Music

Bay Area Then: Tommy Guerrero & Space Time Solutions

Presented by YBCA

Thursday, October 2, 2025, 7 PM

Tommy Guerrero and Space Time Solutions perform as part of the musical programming for Bay Area Then.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Tracing Textures

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 2–4 PM

Combine colors, create layers, and evoke dreamlike imagery through additive and reductive processes.

Dance

Extremely Close

Presented by Smuin Contemporary Ballet

September 26–October 5, 2025

Smuin’s Season 32 kicks off with a trio of Smuin premieres.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Watercolor Postcard

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 2–4 PM

Paint a postcard celebrating your connection with friends, family, and/or community.

Dance

Fall Season 2025: “Deep River”

Presented by Alonzo King LINES Ballet

September 18–21, 2025

A powerful reflection on love, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Accordion Book

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 2–4 PM

Play with meaningful words, statements, or affirmations and transform them into a creative accordion book.

Screenings & Films

Superflip: 30th Anniversary Film Screening

Presented by SOMA Pilipinas

Sunday, September 14, 2025, 2 PM

A monumental short film exploring the life, love and labor of a Filipino immigrant couple, shot in iconic SOMA locations in 1995.

Performances

Let Her Sing® 2025: A Celebration of Female Voices

Presented by Diaspora Arts Connection

Saturday, September 13, 2025, 7 PM

Join us for an evening of exciting music and solidarity for the female voice.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Narrative Sculpture

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, September 10, 2025, 2–4 PM

Create intimate, freestanding sculptures using air-dry clay and wire.

Music

Bay Area Then: A V Linton & Tony Molina

Presented by YBCA

Thursday, September 4, 2025, 7:30 PM

A V Linton is one of the most unforgettable songwriters of the last 30 years. For this performance, Linton will be joined by Dan Lee, Alicia Vanden Heuvel and Tony Molina.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Shape Stamps

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, September 3, 2025, 2–4 PM

Learn how to make your own stamps using personal drawings.

Public Programs

Yerba Buena Neighborhood Meet-Up

Presented by YBCA & Yerba Buena Gardens Festival

Thursday, August 28, 2025, 9–10 am

Enjoy free coffee, light refreshments and get to meet and socialize with your neighbors and hear updates about the community!

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Landscape Painting

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, August 27, 2025, 2–4 PM

Paint expressive watercolor paintings, inspired by your personal landscape and identity, and explore compositional elements through color, space, and symbolism.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Silhouette Collage

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, August 20, 2025, 2–4 PM

Play around with shapes, color, and imagery by designing a figurative silhouette collage.

Theater

H.M.S. Pinafore

Presented by Lamplighters Music Theatre

August 16 & 17, 2025

Premiering in 1878, H.M.S. PINAFORE was Gilbert & Sullivan’s first smash hit and became the gold standard for light opera for generations to come.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Cityscape Paintings

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, August 13, 2025, 2–4 PM

Draw and paint a special place where you find meaningful connection.

Public Programs

Downtown First Thursday: Cellski

Presented by YBCA

Thursday, August 7, 2025, 7:30 PM

One of the true legends of Bay Area rap, Cellski has spent three decades perfecting a uniquely forceful, provocative, unforgettable sound.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Mini Bahay Kubo (Nipa Hut)

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, August 6, 2025, 2–4 PM

Join us in building and decorating a mini bahay kubo (nipa hut), inspired by the exhibition MAKIBAKA: A Living Legacy.

Exhibitions

MAKIBAKA: A Living Legacy

Presented by SOMA Pilipinas in collaboration with YBCA

August 1, 2025–January 4, 2026

Celebrating the culture, contributions, and presence of the Filipino community in the South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood and Bay Area.

Exhibitions

Bay Area Then

August 1, 2025–January 25, 2026

Work by 21 artists who forged a new creative legacy for the Bay Area in the 1990s—including Barry McGee, Alicia McCarthy, Chris Johanson, and Margaret Kilgallen.

Events

Opening Night Party: Bay Area Then & MAKIBAKA

Presented by YBCA

Friday, August 1, 2025, 6:30–9 PM

We’re celebrating two new exhibitions—Bay Area Then and MAKIBAKA: A Living Legacy—with a free opening night party.

Public Art

Sanctuary City Project

Sergio De La Torre & Chris Treggiari

2012–Ongoing

Sanctuary City Project is an ongoing public art and printmaking initiative that asks urgent questions about immigration, citizenship, and who gets to feel safe.

Performances

Pōpoloheno – Songs of Resilience & Joy

Presented by Mahea Uchiyama Center for International Dance & YBCA

August 1, 2025, 7:30 PM

An unprecedented musical initiative celebrating the often-overlooked contributions of African descended individuals in post-contact Hawaiian history.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Text Paper Weaving

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, July 30, 2025, 2–4 PM

Learn how to weave with paper. Participants are encouraged to incorporate personal writings in their artwork, as a way to carry on the traditions of storytelling through weaving.

Performances

Into the Woods

Presented by SFBATCO & SFArtsED

July 25 & 26, 2025, 7 PM

This bold reimagining features a dynamic cast of rising young performers and seasoned professionals, backed by a 15-piece live orchestra.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Drawing with Thread

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 2–4 PM

Participants will explore lines, patterns, binding, and drawing with embroidery, inspired by Ciriaco Sayoc’s SoMa Mahal Kita.

Public Programs

Creative Youth Celebration

Presented by Bay Area Creative Foundation

Saturday, July 19, 2025, 12–5 PM

See the artwork and performances of the 2025 Creative Youth Awards artists.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Sculpting Memories

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, July 16, 2025, 2–4 PM

Creating a special sculpture in their honor–a vessel for treasured memories

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Altar Diorama

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, July 9, 2025, 2–4 PM

Honor someone you love who passed by creating an altar diorama in their memory.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Yarn Weaving

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, July 2, 2025, 2–4 PM

Create vibrant yarn weavings using an array of colors, inspired by Michael Arcega’s public artwork When We Weave Waves.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Mosaic Patterns

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, June 25, 2025, 2–4 PM

Create mosaic patterns and compositions inspired by natural seascapes.

Events

Threads of Pride

Presented by San Francisco Pride

Tuesday, June 24, 2025, 6–10 PM

A powerful fashion show that does more than showcase style—it humanizes the LGBTQ+ community, educates the world about ongoing attacks on our rights, and highlights the beauty, resilience, and joy that define us.

Performances

The Bronx Revolution and the Birth of Hip Hop

Presented by Zaccho Dance Theatre & YBCA

June 20–21, 2025

An electrifying stage performance that brings the origins of Hip Hop to life through a fusion of dance, storytelling, visual arts and live DJing.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Graffiti Art Posters

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 2–4 PM

Spark your creative expression by designing personal statement posters.

Panel Discussion

The Art of the SPRAY from the Bronx to the Bay

Presented by Zaccho Dance Theatre & YBCA

Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 6–8 PM

In this rare, interactive conversation, BG183 and local spray artists discuss their journey, technique, and the cultural legacy of graffiti—bridging the gap between the Bronx and the Bay.

Public Programs

In Solidarity: Our Words Scale Walls II

Presented by Empowerment Avenue & YBCA

Saturday, June 14, 2025, 4–6 PM

An evening of poetry, radical expression, and a live mix with DJ Sandina “La Positiva”.

Workshops

Free Art Workshops: Clay Creatures

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, June 11, 2025, 2–4 PM

Make colorful, clay creature sculptures inspired by the Alebrijes & Nahuales Fantastic Animals from Mexico.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Rainbow Scratch Art

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 2–4 PM

Make vibrant rainbow scratch art in celebration of Pride.

Performances

Harvey Milk Reimagined

Presented by Opera Parallèle & YBCA

May 31–June 7, 2025

The powerful and tragic opera celebrates Milk’s enduring legacy.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Flores de Mayo Offering

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, May 28, 2025, 2–4 PM

Use watercolor paintings to create 3D offerings in the spirit of Flores de Mayo and Spring.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Floral Garland

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 2–4 PM

Create colorful tissue paper flower garlands in this workshop.

Public Programs

Playwright Reading of “Driving the Girls”

Presented by Playwrights Foundation

Saturday, May 17, 2025, 7:30 PM

Join playwright Cat Brooks for this in person reading.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Flower Painting

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 2–4 PM

Express yourself through watercolor by painting a beautiful flower still life.

Performances

Spring Season 2025

Presented by Alonzo King LINES Ballet

May 10–18, 2025

Featuring choreographer Alonzo King’s first-ever collaboration with American jazz trumpeter/composer Ambrose Akinmusire, who will perform live with the company.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Flower Pop-up Card

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 2–4 PM

Spread love and appreciation by designing flower-inspired pop-up cards.

Dance

Dance Series 2

Presented by Smuin Contemporary Ballet

April 25–May 4, 2025

New premieres and old favorites define Dance Series 2.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Flower Landscape Collage

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, April 23, 2025, 2–4 PM

Celebrate Earth Day by designing a lush flower landscape collage.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Cherry Blossom Origami

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 2–4 PM

Learn how to make various paper flower origamis.

Public Programs

Free Community Day

Presented by YBCA, MoAD & Empowerment Avenue

Saturday, April 12, 2025

Enjoy free access to our exhibition all day, with special programming from 2-4pm.

Dance

Dance Downtown

Presented by ODC/Dance

April 10-13, 2025

ODC/Dance returns with an exhilarating program of captivating works.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Felt Bouquet

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, April 9, 2025, 2–4 PM

Celebrate the beauty of spring by creating a bouquet of flowers made from felt fabric.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Floral Clay Sculpture

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, April 2, 2025, 2–4 PM

Find inspiration from flowers at the Yerba Buena Gardens and create colorful floral sculptures!

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Watercolor Dreamscape

Wednesday, March 26, 2025, 2–4 PM

Create a dreamscape watercolor painting, inspired by Cedar Annenkovna’s mural from the exhibit The Only Door I Can Open.

Screenings & Films

A Revolution on Canvas

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 2 PM

A hybrid political thriller and verité portrait documentary, A Revolution on Canvas examines the international controversy of Nicky Nodjoumi’s 120 missing artworks in Iran.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Healing Garden Tunnel Book

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 2–4 PM

Learn how to make an accordion book, inspired by Elizabeth Lozano’s painting in The Only Door I Can Open.

Screenings & Films

A Revolution on Canvas

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, March 12, 2025, 2 PM

A hybrid political thriller and verité portrait documentary, A Revolution on Canvas examines the international controversy of Nicky Nodjoumi’s 120 missing artworks in Iran.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Postcard Paintings

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, March 12, 2025, 2– 4 PM

Make a postcard painting inspired by artist Sarah Montoya’s work from the exhibition, The Only Door I Can Open.

Public Programs

Second Sunday: Nicky Nodjoumi & Nahid Hagigat

Presented by YBCA

Sunday, March 9, 2025, 11 AM-5 PM

Discover the work and lives of artists Nicky Nodjoumi and Nahid Hagigat during this documentary screening and curator-led tour.

Public Programs

Downtown First Thursday

Presented by YBCA

Thursday, March 6, 2025, 5–8 PM

See a documentary and experience a curator-led tour to go deeper with the work of Nicky Nodjoumi & Nahid Hagigat.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Shape Stamps

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, March 5, 2025, 2– 4 PM

Learn how to make your own stamps using fun and meaningful shapes.

Screenings & Films

A Revolution on Canvas

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, March 5, 2025, 2 PM

A hybrid political thriller and verité portrait documentary, A Revolution on Canvas examines the international controversy of Nicky Nodjoumi’s 120 missing artworks in Iran.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Music-Inspired Watercolor Painting

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 2– 4 PM

Create a watercolor painting inspired by music. Learn watercolor techniques such as applying wet-on-wet brush marks, creating streaks, masking, and mixing colors.

Screenings & Films

A Revolution on Canvas

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 2 PM

A hybrid political thriller and verité portrait documentary, A Revolution on Canvas examines the international controversy of Nicky Nodjoumi’s 120 missing artworks in Iran.

Workshops

Blue Bear’s Little Bear’s Popup

Presented by Blue Bear School of Music

Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 11 AM

A pop up music program for infants and toddlers hosted by Blue Bear School at YBCA.

Workshops

Blue Bear’s DJ Popup

Presented by Blue Bear School of Music

Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 4 PM

A fun, hands-on DJ workshop.

Performances

Siriya Ensemble and Sheenubb: A Journey Through Iran’s Soulful Southern Rhythms

Presented by Farhang Foundation & YBCA

Saturday, February 22, 2025, 6 PM

This one-night-only performance invites audiences to connect with the heart of southern Iranian culture while witnessing a groundbreaking reinterpretation of its rich musical traditions.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Portrait Prints

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, February 19, 2025, 2– 4 PM

Make portrait prints inspired by Nahid Hagigat. Learn how to pull prints using foam plates and pencil drawings.

Screenings & Films

A Revolution on Canvas

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, February 19, 2025, 2 PM

A hybrid political thriller and verité portrait documentary, A Revolution on Canvas examines the international controversy of Nicky Nodjoumi’s 120 missing artworks in Iran.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Valentine’s Day Cards

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 2– 4 PM

Spread some love by designing vibrant Valentine’s Day cards. Explore various materials such as watercolor, brush pens, and markers.

Screenings & Films

A Revolution on Canvas

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 2 PM

A hybrid political thriller and verité portrait documentary, A Revolution on Canvas examines the international controversy of Nicky Nodjoumi’s 120 missing artworks in Iran.

Public Programs

Second Sunday: Nicky Nodjoumi & Nahid Hagigat

Presented by YBCA

Sunday, February 9, 2025, 11 AM-5 PM

Discover the work and lives of artists Nicky Nodjoumi and Nahid Hagigat during this documentary screening and curator-led tour.

Public Programs

Downtown First Thursday

Presented by YBCA

Thursday, February 6, 2025, 4:30-8 PM

Join us for an art workshop, film screening and curator-led tour of current exhibitions.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Narrative Collage

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, February 5, 2025, 2–4 PM

Create a symbolic narrative collage inspired by Nicky Nodjoumi. Experiment using symbols, playing with scale and space in your compositions.

Screenings & Films

A Revolution on Canvas

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, February 5, 2025, 2 PM

A hybrid political thriller and verité portrait documentary, A Revolution on Canvas examines the international controversy of Nicky Nodjoumi’s 120 missing artworks in Iran.

Exhibitions

The Only Door I Can Open

Co-presented with Empowerment Avenue

February 1–June 22, 2025

Curated from within prison, this exhibition explores truths about women and incarceration.

Performances

If I Give You My Sorrows

Flyaway Productions presented by YBCA

January 31–February 2, 2025

An elegant and imaginative apparatus-based dance performance.

Screenings & Films

A Revolution on Canvas

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, January 29, 2025, 2 PM

A hybrid political thriller and verité portrait documentary, A Revolution on Canvas examines the international controversy of Nicky Nodjoumi’s 120 missing artworks in Iran.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Textile Memory Collage

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, January 29, 2025, 2–4 PM

Make a mixed media memory collage inspired by Nahid Hagigat.

Screenings & Films

Celebration of Iranian Cinema: Roxana

Presented by UCLA Film & Television Archive, Farhang Foundation & YBCA

Sunday, January 26, 2025, 2 PM

In Roxana, writer-director Parviz Shahbazi builds an arresting take on the experience of young Iranians struggling to find their way and start their lives in a world where one misstep can have the direst of consequences.

Screenings & Films

Celebration of Iranian Cinema: In the Land of Brothers

Presented by UCLA Film & Television Archive, Farhang Foundation & YBCA

Saturday, January 25, 2025, 2 PM

In the film In the Land of Brothers, directors Alireza Ghasemi and Raha Amirfazli tell a powerful story across three interconnected episodes of an Afghan refugee family’s generational struggle to make a home in Iran.

Screenings & Films

Celebration of Iranian Cinema: Empty Nets

Presented by UCLA Film & Television Archive, Farhang Foundation & YBCA

Friday, January 24, 2025, 6:30 PM

In Empty Nets, the rarefied but rough-and-tumble world of caviar smuggling is the milieu for writer-director Behrooz Karamizade’s feature debut.

Screenings & Films

A Revolution on Canvas

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 2 PM

A hybrid political thriller and verité portrait documentary, A Revolution on Canvas examines the international controversy of Nicky Nodjoumi’s 120 missing artworks in Iran.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Dreamlike Diorama

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 2–4 PM

Design your own dreamlike world through a fun, creative diorama, inspired by artist Nicky Nodjoumi.

Panel Discussion

Art of Resistance

Presented by Farhang Foundation & YBCA

Tuesday, January 21, 2025, 4–7 PM

An inspiring and thought-provoking panel discussion exploring the intersection of art, activism, and cultural identity through the lens of revolutionary creativity.

Screenings & Films

A Revolution on Canvas

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, January 15, 2025, 2 PM

A hybrid political thriller and verité portrait documentary, A Revolution on Canvas examines the international controversy of Nicky Nodjoumi’s 120 missing artworks in Iran.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Silhouette Pattern Collage

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, January 15, 2025, 2–4 PM

Create a vibrant silhouette pattern collage inspired by artist Nahid Hagigat.

Public Programs

Second Sunday: Nicky Nodjoumi & Nahid Hagigat

Presented by YBCA

Sunday, January 12, 2025, 11 AM-5 PM

Discover the work and lives of artists Nicky Nodjoumi and Nahid Hagigat during this documentary screening and curator-led tour.

Screenings & Films

A Revolution on Canvas

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, January 8, 2025, 2 PM

A hybrid political thriller and verité portrait documentary, A Revolution on Canvas examines the international controversy of Nicky Nodjoumi’s 120 missing artworks in Iran.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Statement Wire Sculptures

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, January 8, 2025, 2–4 PM

Spark your creative expression by designing personal statement wire sculptures

Exhibitions

Nicky Nodjoumi & Nahid Hagigat

October 6, 2024–March 23, 2025

The exhibitions tell the story of a family of artists shaped by revolution. 

Public Art

When We Weave Waves

Michael Arcega

2024–2025

Patterns from Philippine textiles are cut from transparent vinyl and layered on YBCA’s glass passageway along Mission Street.

Public Art

Woman, Life, Freedom

Taravat Talepasand

2024–2025

In recognition of this movement to recognize women’s rights, Iranian-American artist Taravat Talepasand developed this neon sculpture, featuring the phrase in both English and Farsi.

Public Art

What is Legacy Without Liberation?

Malaya Tuyay

2024–Ongoing

This mural is an altar offered to the SoMa community that invites passerby to honor their loved ones who have passed while commemorating community stories.

Public Art

Ceasefire Now!

Jeffrey Cheung

2024–2025

A public artwork meant to inspire a sense of communal solidarity.

Public Art

Hyakki Yagho, Night Parade of One Hundred Demons – One Million Years of Journey with Ruby Red Fox and Their Company

Masako Miki

2023–2025

This work takes inspiration from Japanese folklore and asks viewers to pause and reflect on the provocative narrative and their connection to it.

Public Art

Peace in the Middle East

Taravat Talepasand

2022-2025

This work refers to the translation of the word “peace” in Farsi “صلح” sculpted with neon.

Public Art

Let’s Build from Here

Innosanto Nagara

2022-2025

A site-specific public artwork highlighting the power of collaborative future-building.

Public Art

love @ first line

Anna Sergeeva

2021–2025

A new site-specific public artwork by Anna Sergeeva featuring the first lines of love poems.

Public Art

Statement marquee from Escuela de Arte Útil (School of Useful Art)

Tania Bruguera

2017–2025

YBCA continues to activate the marquee with timely and responsive messages generated from artists and community partners.