Learning from the circles that already hold us.
Across the Bay, small groups of artists already gather to support one another's lives and work. Collectives, affinity groups, dance schools, cultural organizations, crews — these intimate formations nourish creative expression, belonging, mutual care, and shared economics. Some have been at it for decades.
EACH is conducting a community-engaged research project to learn what makes these circles work — the practices and values that sustain strong ties, what makes creative and cultural activation land, where circles get stuck, and what kind of support they wish they had.
This is a shared community offering from start to finish. Findings return to participants first, then to the wider field. The goal is to:
Honor what already works — surface and celebrate the best practices already sustaining artist circles across the Bay
Illuminate the gaps — name the needs, the challenges, the places where circles fall short or run out of steam
Share widely — publish findings as a free resource so more artists can build and sustain these kinds of formations
Build the case — advocate for additional resources and funding to flow to the circles already doing this work
We're beginning this process soon. If you're part of a circle, collective, or cultural formation — or if you want to follow the research and stay connected to what we find — we'd love to hear from you.
Join the mailing list to keep up with findings or share your perspective.
Join the ListAre you part of a circle? We'd love to learn from your experience.
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