DECENTERED
ARTS
Where community meets art
About Us
MISSION
Decentered Arts is a San Francisco 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to building resilient community through art of all mediums. We host 200+ public programs annually ranging from open mics, poetry readings, fashion shows, art exhibitions, writers group, songwriters group and more. We operate Decentered Studio, a community arts hub in SoMa. We publish Bay Area writers, support emerging artists, and partner deeply within the city’s cultural ecosystem.
VISION, WHY DECENTERED?
San Francisco is a city shaped by world-changing technological and social movements and relentless displacement. Decentered Arts exists within that tension and believes communities have the power to resist erasure and create lasting change. Decentered is a mycelium network creating support and connection through free public programs, cultural infrastructure, and leadership pathways for underrepresented artists. Together, we're shaping a Bay Area where the arts don't just mirror the world around us, they transform it.
STORY
We are a group of multidisciplinary artists with intersectional identities who saw gaps in the local art scene. We started filling those gaps by building stages and creating safe spaces through volunteering our time and resources. In 2023, we matured into a nonprofit organization. In 2024, we launched a curated art calendar to uplift more community events: Decentered Eventracker. In 2025, we opened an art gallery and community third space: Decentered Studio. Here we host free coworking, craft nights, open mics, and welcome independent artists and community groups to host their own unique events. Additionally, we launched a small press and record label: Decentered Press & Records.
Led by artists and women, Decentered programming forms a pipeline that nurtures every creative, providing artists with opportunities to grow their practice. This includes a supportive community, paid performance opportunities, curatorial roles, professional documentation, and publication. We host 200+ public programs annually (majority free), including:
- Decentered Open Mic: A weekly event that provides a fully equipped stage for multimedia performances
- Gen Blend: Intergenerational writers' program with music, potlucks, and an open mic.
- Poolside Poets: Large multimedia showcase providing paid opportunities for poets, musicians, and dancers as well as curational and hosting mentorship
- Sustainable Fashion Incubator: Production support and mentorship for emerging fashion designers
- Visual Art Shows: Gallery space and activations for local visual artists
- Writers Group: A weekly peer-led group for writers
- Songwriters Group: Biweekly workshop and feedback group for musicians
- Craft n' Chill: Biweekly craft night to bring out everyone's inner artist.
VALUES
Reliable
We hold space and promote the scene through quality programming and are steadily diversifying the pool of local talent.
Accessible
Our events and digital tools are free or volunteer-based, for all ages, and all levels, skewing sober.
Supportive
We grow artists through mentorship, teaching, and opportunities. Empowering diverse artists to be teachers and facilitators.
THE DECENTERED TEAM
Liz Cahill
Co-founder & Executive Director
Liz leads the organizational and strategic direction of Decentered Arts. A community builder, poet and artist she’s tirelessly scheming to make the Bay Area arts ecosystem more accessible and sustainable for artists to live and thrive. As an artist, she works with Piles Collective, transforming trash into fine art. Her first poetry book Garbage Age Lady, is forthcoming on Decentered Press. In her free time, Liz can often be found biking around San Francisco, exploring new parks, and quiet side streets.
Rhea Joseph
Co-founder & Head of Marketing and Operations
Rhea leads operations, marketing, and strategy for Decentered Arts. She is a poet, artist, curator, and event producer who comes from a long line of artists, activists and entrepreneurs. She is passionate about mental health, wellness, and sustainability. Rhea finds power through community and is currently working on her first book of poems and an upcycled fashion line. In her free time, she enjoys dancing and camping in California.
Theory
Co-founder
Theory leads the writing program and film of Decentered Arts. Theory is a former resident and volunteer at The Center SF, a recent MFA Graduate from the University of San Francisco, and is publishing his first novel. Professionally, he’s a freelance video editor. In his free time, he enjoys studying improv and comedy.
Ben Draffin
Chairperson of the Board
Ben brings his extensive knowledge of running startups and nonprofits to Decentered Arts, implementing best practices within the leadership and guiding our technological infrastructure. In addition to being a published poet, Ben performs improvised bedtime stories, stand-up comedy, and teaches workshops on storytelling.
Nasrin Maesha
Marketing Manager
Maesha supports the creative design and content strategy for Decentered Arts. She is based in Bangladesh and works across time zones. Maesha is based in Bangladesh and is a night owl. As a writer, designer, and former social worker, Maesha is driven by a passion for creating for impact. She is a Co-founder and Creative Director of Green & Beyond Mag, and an official member of the Film & TV Alliance of UNFCCC’s ECCA and Creatives For Climate. She loves traveling, photography, and pursuing creative side quests in her free time.
Shoummo Ahmed
Content Manager
Shoummo supports the execution and analytics of all website materials for Decentered Arts. Based in Dhaka, Bangladesh, he brings a unique background as a writer, journalist, and former engineer to the team. Shoummo is a Co-founder and Editor of Green & Beyond Mag, an official member of the Film & TV Alliance of UNFCCC’s ECCA and Creatives For Climate. He is deeply passionate about traveling, reading, writing, research, and video editing.
