SFAI's mission is to cultivate creative leadership, and to invest in community, culture, and place to reimagine a more equitable world. Founded in 1985, SFAI is an independent, non-profit, cultural organization that facilitates meaningful social change through sponsored residencies and artist fellowships; unique public programs; exhibitions; community art projects; and educational outreach for adults and young people. Much of SFAI's programming revolves around an annual theme that is rooted in local community issues, but is also relevant nationally and throughout the world.