The I ❤️ San Francisco Arts Project

The I ❤️ San Francisco Arts Project exists to keep San Francisco’s soul alive — through irreverent, independent journalism that champions local artists, makers, small businesses, and the cultural fabric that makes the Bay Area unforgettable. We amplify the voices that get drowned out, ensuring culture thrives and community comes first.

After 20+ years, we’ve come to realize that no one wants write the words “broke” or “ass” on a donation check. So we’ve launched this arm of BAS to make it less embarrassing when you tell your boss who you’re donating to.

The project is a team of journalists & videographers at BrokeAssStuart.com in partnership with Independent Arts & Media that:

Elevates Voices – We amplify artists, writers, and cultural workers who rarely have access to the spotlight, ensuring diverse perspectives shape the city’s narrative.

Sustains Local Culture – Together we safeguard the visibility of artists, venues, and small businesses, keeping San Francisco’s cultural fabric strong in the face of displacement and change.

Strengthens Arts Infrastructure – We provide critical support for nonprofits, fundraisers, and cultural events, reinforcing the networks that sustain creative life in the Bay Area.

Counters Cultural Erasure – We hold space for San Francisco’s irreverence, weirdness, and artistry, ensuring its creative spirit endures despite corporate dominance and economic pressure.

Join us! Any donation amount is welcome!

“As a local independent artist of color, Broke-Ass Stuart team has been a massive support system for myself, other artists, and venues that would otherwise not have the means to promote themselves. BAS has kept the San Francisco Bay Area rich in arts, local news, and counterculture. Without their team, we would have lost even more shows and venues than we already have. BAS is an invaluable resource for the root cultural of the Bay Area.”
– Artist Luma Jaguar

“Working with Vita Hewitt from Broke-Ass Stuart is a true joy! She takes amazing photos, and is generous with her time and energy. You can feel her love for the arts, and it is meaningful to be supported by the Broke-Ass Stuart team, spreading the word about the art Megan Lowe Dances is making. We want to connect with as many folks as possible, and BAS is a great way to do that.”
– Artist, Megan Lowe Dances

“Thanks to Broke-Ass Stuart for paying attention to our programming. Our teens and mentors appreciate the interest and insightful commentary. You make our projects stronger and more impactful for everyone involved.”
– Artist, Amy Berk, Co-Director, City Studio

“Broke-Ass Stuart has been hugely helpful for The Box Shop this year! Their coverage of our search for a new permanent home reached hundreds of thousands, raising awareness of our campaign to secure our future, and drove an increase in community support. They regularly share our events to their readers, which has helped hundreds of people learn about and visit The Box Shop to experience our art and artspace firsthand.”
– The Box Shop, San Francisco

“Broke Ass Stuart’s promotion of Black Gold: Stories Untold helped bring new audiences to Fort Point National Historic Site this year. Their coverage helped us reach nearly 77,000 visitors and celebrate the transformative impact of Black communities on California’s history and culture. We’re so grateful for his genuine support of the arts and the stories that make San Francisco such a vibrant place.”
– FOR-Site Foundation

“Stuart, Alex and the whole team at Broke-Ass Stuart are more than just amplifiers of culture in San Francisco. They are a genuine part of the culture in their own right: engaging with, participating in, and shaping the tapestry that makes this city so special. The BAS team cares deeply about and are authentically connected to the creative communities that are driving our economic impact in Mid-Market and the city at large. The Broke Ass Stuart website and digital marketing channels helped us raise awareness and foot traffic to our first year event series. Their coverage and campaigns resulted in over 10,000 attendees to Mid-Market to experience UNSTAGED. Their endorsement lent credibility to this brand new event, not just encouraging the BAS audience to experience the Market Street Arts UNSTAGED events, but showing up themselves to support the cultural communities they’re passionate about elevating.”
– The Mid-Market Business Association & Foundation

Our mission is for the community and the world to see the work of Bay Area artists, in order to KEEP working artists IN San Francisco.

It costs roughly $40K a year to fund the photographers, videographers, and writers who spend hundreds of hours documenting the work of local artists and making sure their work is seen by the public.