Mid-Market Foundation Awarded Inaugural Culture Forward Grant from the Svane Family Foundation
Upcoming programming to include expanded UNSTAGED events, live performances, and public art installations in downtown San Francisco's new Entertainment Zone
San Francisco, CA (April 18, 2025)— The Mid-Market Foundation is thrilled to announce it has been selected as a recipient of the inaugural Culture Forward grant, generously funded by the Svane Family Foundation. This $75,000 investment—the largest single grant in the program's first cohort—supports the Mid-Market Foundation's mission to transform San Francisco's Mid-Market corridor into a thriving cultural and economic hub through innovative arts programming and community engagement.
Awarded to organizations reshaping the cultural landscape through innovation, accessibility, and community-driven programming, the Culture Forward grant recognizes the Mid-Market Foundation for its leadership in neighborhood revitalization and its Market Street Arts initiative, which leverages Mid-Market's historic role as San Francisco's theater district.
This grant comes at a pivotal moment for downtown San Francisco's recovery. "UNSTAGED goes beyond entertainment–it's an economic catalyst for Mid-Market," said Steve Gibson, Executive Director of the Mid-Market Foundation. "By bringing thousands of visitors to the area each month, we directly support local businesses while creating paid opportunities for over 50 local artists and performers. UNSTAGED celebrates what makes San Francisco special: our diverse creative community, entrepreneurial spirit, and distinctive neighborhood character—all offered as a free experience accessible to everyone."
With support from the Culture Forward grant, the Mid-Market Foundation will expand its successful UNSTAGED: Live on Mid-Market program, launching monthly events that activate the newly established Mid-Market Entertainment Zone. The enhanced programming will feature live music, immersive art installations, interactive performances, and culinary experiences, taking place on the third Thursday of each month from June through October 2025. Each event runs from 4 to 7 p.m. on Market Street between 5th and 6th streets, with confirmed dates of June 19, July 17, August 21, September 18, and October 16.
The Entertainment Zone designation allows community members to visit local bars and restaurants within the zone, purchase drinks, and enjoy them outside while experiencing the performances and art installations—creating new opportunities for neighborhood businesses to benefit from increased foot traffic and extended evening activity.
About the Svane Family Foundation Established in 2019 by Zendesk Founder Mikkel Svane, The Svane Family Foundation is a tax-exempt private foundation and operates to further promote, sustain, and grow the cultural community of the San Francisco Bay Area region and beyond. More information on current programs and grant initiatives can be found at their website: https://www.svaneff.org/
