San Francisco Sun

San Francisco, CA – Today, Mayor London N. Breed announced the recipients of the City’s new Entertainment & Nightlife Revitalization Grant (ENRG) program. Fourteen local entertainment and nightlife businesses and neighborhood organizations will receive grants of up to $50,000 to produce a diverse array of weekend and evening programming Downtown.

Programming will launch later this month with activities ranging from concert pop-ups and theater performances to drag showcases and street parties in newly created Entertainment Zones. These designated areas will allow restaurants and bars to sell to-go alcoholic beverages during outdoor events. Events will take place across Downtown neighborhoods including Mid-Market/Civic Center, Tenderloin, SoMa, Financial District, Union Square, Yerba Buena, and The East Cut.

“In San Francisco, we are innovating and exploring every possible avenue to make Downtown an exciting and welcoming 24/7 destination that attracts more people and new business opportunities,” said Mayor Breed. “Entertainment Zones will bring a new energy to our City and these grants are going to the local businesses and organizations that understand what it takes to continue to make Downtown vibrant.”

Supported by the Office of Economic and Workforce Development and local nonprofit SF New Deal, the ENRG Grant program is the latest initiative under Mayor Breed’s Roadmap to San Francisco’s Future. These events aim not only to enhance San Francisco's cultural vibrancy but also act as catalysts for economic development. Each grantee is expected to attract new audiences while contributing collectively to efforts in fostering an arts and cultural hub Downtown.

In SoMa and Yerba Buena, projects by The Stud, Buena Vida Cantina, 1015 Folsom, Oasis, The Foundry with "How to Find an SF Apartment in 30 Days," and Executive Order Bar + Lounge will feature performances, murals, and educational programs.

“We are very excited to be bringing live music and a social explosion to Yerba Buena. Our neighbors have been asking for it, and now it's coming! Viva SF!” said Jeff Handy, Manager of Buena Vida Cantina.

"The Stud is beyond excited to be one of the Downtown ENRG Grant recipients -- independent venues like ours need all the help we can get right now as our industry is still recovering from the pandemic," said Rachel Ryan, Stud Collective President and General Manager.

In Mid-Market/Civic Center/Tenderloin/Union Square areas activations include Mr. Tipple’s collaboration with Dawn Club; Black Cat; Keys Jazz Bistro; 620 Jones; Harlan Records; Iron Horse which aim at introducing new music streetside along with creating a ‘jazz passport’ encouraging exploration of live music venues while supporting new Entertainment Zones.

“Harlan Records is excited about highlighting historical beauty alongside rising renaissance of entertainment within San Francisco,” shared Will Herrera owner Harlan Records. "Through Downtown ENRG we're launching new programming exploring creation fostering sustained neighborhood vibrancy."

In Financial District/East Cut projects NoisePop/Skylight Studios/Downtown SF Partnership/The Crossing at East Cut Community Benefit District will activate venues funding inaugural Front Street Entertainment Zone supporting theatrical/circus productions too.

Grants support various expenses including permitting costs/event planning/marketing/artists stipends/equipment/staffing reflecting broad creative endeavors responsive dynamic operational needs grantees aiming building long-term capacity nightlife entertainment sustaining growing operations futurewardly

“San Francisco’s arts entertainment scene world-class ENRG Grant enables tapping diverse vibrant creative community helping contribute revitalization Downtown,” stated Sarah Dennis-Phillips Director Office Economic & Workforce Development “We know success initiatives like SF Live/Bhangra & Beats real appetite these events strategy working renewed energy”

“Nightlife entertainment venues vital businesses shaping culture identity thrilled investing grantees collectively contributing ongoing efforts foster arts cultural hub downtown" commented Simon Bertrang Executive Director SF New Deal

The program builds recent entertainment initiatives transforming Downtown into leading 24/7 arts/culture/nightlife destination including:

Bricks Embarcadero Plaza launched August 7 presents weekly trivia nights/tango dance lessons Friday happy hours/music other arts activities/lunch-time professional networking/panel discussions/family days Saturdays Children’s Creativity Museum

Designating Front Street between California/Sacramento streets first Entertainment Zone City State Senate Bill 76 authored State Senator Scott Wiener

SF Live free concert series iconic open spaces such Union Square Plaza/Civic Center Plaza presented partnership leading entertainment/live music venues

Five Bhangra & Beats night markets drew approximately 50k attendees

Crossing East Cut features ongoing outdoor movie nights/screenings soccer pickleball variety food beverage vendors

Holiday seasonal programs Union Square Winter Walk annual Let’s Glow SF holiday light art festival

Series three complimentary Downtown concerts presented Another Planet Entertainment first concert featuring Dirtybird: Back Baysics July 21 drew approximately 5k people Embarcadero Plaza

Vacant Vibrant pairs creative entrepreneurs Downtown property owners transforming vacant spaces dynamic pop-up experiences fifteen storefronts open through program

The application for Downtown ENRG now closed future applications considered should funding become available More information awarded projects visit www.sfnewdeal.org/enrg contact press@sfnewdeal.org 

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