About Intersection for the Arts
Our Mission
Provide people in arts and culture with resources to grow.
About us
Intersection for the Arts is a bedrock Bay Area arts nonprofit that’s dedicated to helping artists grow. Through vital resources, including fiscal sponsorship, low-cost coworking and event space, and professional development programs, we empower people to continue creating, thinking big, and taking weird and wonderful risks.
We believe art and culture are necessary elements of wellbeing. That’s why we serve people working in the arts—from artists to educators to administrators to funders.
We take the stance that artists should be at the top of the systems that were originally created to support their work. Art institutions would not exist but for artists’ creativity, sweat, blood, tears, and enormously generous hearts. We support those who take matters into their own capable hands and make their own opportunities. We stand by artists every day in their efforts to make our communities better, healthier, more exciting and dynamic places to live our lives.
Our values
Community – Passion – Transparency – Professionalism – Diversity – Equity – Accessibility – Connection – Rigor – Humor
Our values in action
We strive to:
- Serve our community of artists and cultural workers and their respective communities in turn;
- Approach our work with passion, driven by the belief in the transformative, healing, and unifying power of arts;
- Act with transparency and professionalism in all matters of our organization;
- Reflect the diversity that makes the Bay Area arts sector so vibrant, compassionate, and innovative;
- Ensure the equity, inclusivity, and accessibility of our services and programs;
- Connect artists with resources and professional networks;
- Provide programs that are known for their rigor and that propel and challenge the arts sector to grow; and
- Find humor in every challenging situation.
OUR STAFF
Sheri Lucas
Interim Executive Director
She/her
Sheri Lucas, a committed member of Intersection’s Board of Directors for six years, and former Board Chair, is now Intersection’s Interim Executive Director. Sheri brings to the leadership role her extensive skills, knowledge, and expertise as a senior leader in the banking industry and as a professional coach. She has a bachelor’s in Multidisciplinary Studies from Boston University and a master’s in Business Administration from the University of Virginia, Darden School of Business. In her free time she is flamenco dancing and exploring and writing about the history of San Francisco, where she resides with her husband and two cats.
Sheri [at] theintersection [dot] org
Sloane Larsen
Professional Development and Communications Manager
She/Her
Sloane’s job is to support and develop Intersection’s programs and communications. She received a BA in Studio Art from Mills College and is a genre-fluid artist with a deep commitment to artists’ well-being, sustainability, and empowerment. Through thoughtful program development and storytelling across newsletters and social platforms, Sloane helps cultivate experiences where artists feel supported to connect and learn with and from one another.
Contact Sloane for questions about Intersection’s Artist Empowerment Programs, coworking or community rentals, promotional partnerships, and marketing or communications.
sloane [at] theintersection [dot] org
Liana Mier
Finance Operations Manager
She/Her
Liana’s job is to support Intersection’s Fiscally Sponsored Members with their outgoing payment requests. Within her role, she also assists the finance and administrative team with their day-to-day activities. Liana hopes to be a bridge between the worlds of art and finance. Outside of work, Liana considers herself to be a jack of all trades, with interest in a variety of hobbies and art forms. Her BA in Theater Arts from San Francisco State University has helped expand her love for the arts by allowing her to be a part of music, dance, acting, technical theater, and production management.
Reach out to Liana about Finance reports, Grant expenditure reports, RFPs, ROFs & Accounts payable:
liana [at] theintersection [dot] org
Vicky Cassis-Silyan
Director of Finance & Fiscal Sponsorship
They/She
Vicky directs the financial operations for Intersection and its fiscal sponsorship program. She is an artist and financial professional with 10 years’ experience helping individuals and groups manage their money. Through a constellation of experiences with nonprofits, cooperatives, and collectives, Vicky has learned how important it is to train ourselves and our collaborators on financial management so that everyone involved can make informed decisions and expand community access to financial empowerment. Outside of work, Vicky is a musician, writer, dog parent, DIY enthusiast, and overall multi-passionate goofball.
Contact Vicky for questions related to fiscal sponsorship or organizational finance:
vicky [at] theintersection [dot] org
Willie Caldwell
Operations Manager
He/Him
Willie’s job is to support the finance team in executing the day-to-day financial operations of our fiscally sponsored members. He was born in the Bay Area, refuses to leave, and is dedicated to bringing theater to unusual places. When he’s not on stage or behind a computer you can find him in Oakland staying up late and talking to interesting people. He holds a BA in Theater Arts from San Francisco State University.
Contact Willie for questions about membership status, income & fundraising updates, grant applications, & programming updates:
willie [at] theintersection [dot] org
Sarah Chou
Fiscal Sponsorship Manager
She/Her
Sarah manages the lifecycle of fiscally sponsored projects at Intersection, from the initial application to graduation to 501(c)(3) status and everything in between. She is passionate about the sustainability and growth of the Bay Area arts ecosystem, bringing her experience working as a freelance contemporary dancer to every conversation and decision. Outside of Intersection, you can catch her onstage with SFDanceworks, teaching pilates, and learning to accept that hobbies can be just for fun!
Contact Sarah for questions regarding RFPs:
sarah [at] theintersection [dot] org
ADJUNCT STAFF
Krista Smith
Grants Specialist
She/Her
Krista provides government grant proposal reviews and facilitates a monthly grants office hour for Intersection’s C+ members. Krista also serves as Intersection’s Grant Specialist, supporting us in submitting competitive grant applications and managing the grant life cycle for the grants Intersection receives. Krista brings 26 years of experience as an artist, grant writer, administrator, and arts advocate to the San Francisco Bay Area’s arts and culture landscape. Krista serves as the Co-Director of the World ARts West Grants Accelerator Program. Previously she served as the Development Director for Fresh Meat Productions, the Queer Cultural Center, and Frameline and as a panelist for the California Arts Council and MAP Fund. In addition to grant writing, Krista has also led strategic planning processes for Foglifter Press, NAKA Dance Theater, Queer Cultural Center, Queer Rebel Productions, and Still Here San Francisco and serves as a speaker, workshop facilitator, and coach with a focus on grant writing, arts fundraising, and racial and cultural equity.
C+ members can contact Krista for questions about government proposal reviews and grants office hours:
KRISTA[AT]THEINTERSECTION[DOT]ORG
Amro Radwan
IT Lead
Esther Fishman
Facilities Assistant
TESTIMONIALS
