The theme for SFIAF 2021 is IN DIASPORA: ID for the New Majority. There is more information on the theme AT THIS LINK.

COVID-19 Preparedness
In response to the coronavirus pandemic SFIAF held a successful outdoor prototype program in October 2020 to test health and safety protocols and to help establish practical industry guidelines for the 2021 spring-summer season. The event was the culmination of SFIAF’s advocacy and organizing throughout the summer that sought input from literally dozens of performing artists and ensembles to figure out a best step forward. More detail on the outreach work that has been conducted during 2020 can be viewed in an archived manifestation of this page AT THIS LINK.

Now, after evaluating the recent October event, the organization is planning a two-step outdoor summer season for 2021. In addition to the ID for the New Majority theme, we will start with a celebration of International Workers Day on Saturday May 1. The program will continue through May (the time period during which the Festival has traditionally taken place). SFIAF will work with partner organizations to stage safe performances at outdoor sites in different parts of the City. These will likely be single day-long events.

Then the plan (subject to funding) is to stage a more condensed two-week outdoor Festival program in the autumn. Either towards the end of September (e.g. September 23 – October 3) that optimally will conclude prior to Fleet Week (Blue Angels and outdoor matinee concerts do not mix). Or after Fleet Week and before the onset of the rainy season (e.g. October 14 – 24). All artists (for May and October) must be willing and able to comply with the rules for performers in our health and safety guidelines. The current draft of which can be viewed at THIS LINK. Note that these guidelines are subject to change.

We hope to live-stream as many of the concerts as we can. We are open to the idea of some work being presented virtually, but the main emphasis will be on live outdoor performances.

For May we are looking to present music concerts and shorter (60 minutes or less) existing repertory from dance ensembles, performance artists and theatre companies. If artists are creating new work, the piece must already be funded and in the final creation stages.

For the autumn (given the longer time frame) we will be in a better position to assist with fundraising for new work. We anticipate that we will still require that performances are less than one hour in duration without intermission.

Logistical Priorities

• Our priority for 2021 is for projects that can be presented well on an outdoor stage.
  
  
• Expressive, dynamic and logistically portable/simple. Not requiring visual technology (e.g. lights, video, projections) or large sets and props to make an impact.
  
  
• Site specific performances – with an emphasis on buildings, landmarks and/or objects that, through their attendance at the performance, the audience can re-imagine the symbolism, purpose and / or significance of the site.
  
  
• Mobile and “travelling” performances that have artists take audience members on tours and durational performance art that take place in non-conventional and open air settings.
  
  

If you are a Bay Area based performing artist and you have an idea for a project and / or if you are interested in being part of a working group that is further defining the priorities and ideas listed above, please send an email to [email protected] or call the SFIAF office at 415-399-9554.