Community Access is intended to create more flexibility for public-serving work while protecting the venue’s ability to operate sustainably. Availability is limited, and submitting an inquiry does not guarantee a reduced rate, donated use or a particular date.

It is designed primarily for independent artists and creative practitioners, grassroots arts and cultural groups, nonprofit and community-serving organizations, educational organizations and learning-focused programs, neighborhood and civic groups, and, when appropriate, fiscally sponsored projects and emerging organizations. Nonprofit status alone does not automatically qualify a project. We look at the purpose of the event, who it serves, how the room will be used and what kind of support is actually needed.

Projects we may consider include public-facing arts and cultural programs; performances, readings and artist-led events; workshops and educational programs; talks, pláticas and community conversations; exhibitions and creative presentations; neighborhood or community gatherings with a clear public-serving purpose; and other mission-aligned programs that create meaningful access or participation.
Community Access is not a general discount program for any event hosted by a nonprofit, artist or community organization. Private celebrations, standard corporate events and commercial brand activations should use the regular Private Events process. Fundraisers and galas are reviewed case by case, depending on the purpose, format, audience, timing and level of venue support requested. Political campaign events are not eligible for Community Access and require separate review under standard venue policies and pricing.

There is no single Community Access rate or package. Venue-rate support is determined case by case and may include a reduced venue rate, an adjusted facility allocation, a co-presenting structure or another arrangement developed with the organizer. Direct event costs remain the responsibility of the organizer unless specifically agreed otherwise, including staffing, security, A/V and production, rentals, insurance, alcohol-related requirements, specialized cleaning and other third-party expenses. The goal is to make a qualifying project more workable where we reasonably can, not to shift every event cost onto the venue.

Community Access generally works best on weekdays and other lower-demand dates. Prime Friday and Saturday dates may be considered when the project is strategically aligned and the calendar allows, but reduced-rate access on prime dates is not guaranteed. Requests may be submitted up to six months before the proposed event date, and the number of opportunities available at any given time is limited and managed against the venue calendar, operating capacity and the support already committed.