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Imagining Central Market was a pilot public art program launched by the Kenneth Rainin Foundation that supported the creation of a large-scale, interactive installation exploring the themes of identity and place in San Francisco’s Central Market district. The foundation offered a $100,000 grant for a project that showcased the vibrant culture of the neighborhood and encouraged art and technology collaborations.

The project selected was Light Up Central Market by 509 Cultural Center (Luggage Store Gallery), Nighthouse Studio & Hypae Design Studio (details below). I worked with the Foundation’s Board of Directors to design and launch the program, review and select proposals, and partner with the organization as well as city officials to support the project launch. The project became part of the Living Innovation Zones, managed by the San Francisco Planning Department, the Mayor’s Office of Civic Innovation, and the San Francisco Arts Commission. 

Date: Fall 2015
Location: San Francisco
Role: Strategic Planning, Grant Program Design, Proposal Review, Public Relations, Community Partnerships
Organization: Kenneth Rainin Foundation 
Links: Imagining Central Market, Light Up Central Market
Press: SFBay - Art Project Lights Up Market Street


Light Up Central Market from Kenneth Rainin Foundation on Vimeo.

Light Up Central Market was a collaborative effort of the Luggage Store Gallery, Nighthouse Studio and Hyphae Design Laboratory, funded by the Kenneth Rainin Foundation. The public art project encouraged interaction and dialogue around community identity, as well as celebrated and showcased the vibrancy and innovative spirit that infuses the neighborhood. Six site-specific installations—four murals, a building facade, and "Block by Block," a spectacular 10 x 24 foot interactive bench—came alive with light. Artists included Clare Rojas, Jenny Sharaf, Mark Bode OSGEMEOS, and more. The project reminded us how cross-sector collaborations and public art can help support places where people want to live, work and play.



The Foundation also supported five finalist projects committed to engaging community and featuring powerful light, sound, and media installations.

  • Heard/Unheard Communities by Center for New Music & Heisters Generative
  • Light Up Central Market by 509 Cultural Center, Nighthouse Studio & Hyphae Design Studio
  • Musical Peddles by Shape Up SF Coalition, The Radicand Lab & Avio Collective
  • Public Canvas by Madrone Studios, BANDALOOP and Illuminate the Arts
  • UN Plaza: Pause, Play, Connect by SF Beautiful & the Exploratorium