Did you feel that?

It’s a seismic shift in the location of the creative center of San Francisco. It’s been slowly happening for decades but it’s picking up steam. 3RD ST is becoming SAN FRANCISCO’s CREATIVE ARTERY. The 5.25 mile stretch from head to toe, from Market to Bayshore, from SOMA to Dogpatch to Bayview Hunters Point is becoming a main channel in a branching system of art, culture, and creativity.

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Many have known the creativity in these parts for decades—the artists at Hunters Point Shipyard and Islais Creek, Public Glass, Yosemite Place, The Noonan Building, Zaccho Dance, and ART 94124. The Box Shop, The Flaming Lotus Girls, Cyclecide and Ace Junkyard. The Reclaimed Room at Building Resources and SCRAP. Bayview Opera House, Minnesota Street Project, Letterform Archive, Museum of Craft and Design, SFMOMA, MOAD, YBCA, ICA and the list goes on and on. But it really is starting to pick-up steam.

The primary intention of 3RD ST CREATIVE ARTERY is to highlight and amplify the efforts and output of artists, makers, writers, and creators in the vicinity of 3RD ST through engaging exhibits, curated events, and creative programming.

Since 2021 we’ve maintained an IG feed highlighting projects and passions of creative people and organizations in the area. Now we are exploring creating a place-based space to gather for unique experiences in the name of art, poetry, creativity, and community.

Part gallery.
Part museum.
Part shop.
Part salon.
Presented by 3RD ST CREATIVE ARTERY.

A cornerstone of the offering will be exhibiting visual artwork by Lawrence Ferlinghetti—our local icon known the world over as a poet, publisher, painter, activist, bookstore proprietor. We’d also feature books, objects, and artifacts from his personal archive.

Why Ferlinghetti?

In his red pick-up truck, brimming with poems and paintings, Lawrence Ferlinghetti beat a path up and down 3RD ST. From his City Lights bookshop in North Beach to his light-filled studio in Building 101 at Hunters Point Shipyard. For 40+ years.

We envision a space to highlight Ferlinghetti’s life and legacy, to showcase his creative work, and illuminate his connection to the area.

Why Ferlinghetti now?

Lawrence Ferlinghetti held a populist approach to art and literature, championing accessibility and social relevance. His poetry frequently addressed social and political issues, often criticizing corporate influence, moral decline, and the erosion of democratic values. His work often challenged the status quo, advocating for a more just and equitable society.

The goal of making Ferlinghetti’s artwork and artifacts accessible to all San Franciscans, is to keep his legacy alive and amplify his connection to the area, but also to insert the wisdom of his voice and vantage point into the current cultural conversation, for existing devotees and new audiences.

It would become a cornerstone of the offering. A guiding light that is in-line with the primary intention of 3RD ST CREATIVE ARTERY—to highlight and amplify the efforts and output of artists, creators, makers, writers in the southeast corner of San Francisco. Accessible, with diversity and inclusion for all.