SF Art Events: Week of 1.18.26
THING ONE: Rave into the Future: Art in Motion
Ongoing – Jan 26, 2026
“A love letter to the dance floor… The experience follows you home” — New York Times
Rave into the Future offers a space of joyful connection and community through a blend of music- and dance-inspired video, sculpture, photography, and room-sized immersive installations by women and queer artists from the West Asian diaspora.
In recent years, Asian artists, DJs, and communities have been at the heart of a resurgence of electronic music-based dance parties across the globe. Meanwhile, music from West Asia has experienced a surge in worldwide popularity, connecting new audiences with the ongoing dialogue between tradition and innovation in the region’s diverse musical genres. Rave into the Future fills the Akiko Yamazaki and Jerry Yang Pavilion with empowering energy and inspiring sounds; in addition to performances and DJ events, this group exhibition includes an in-gallery dancefloor where all are welcome.
Rave into the Future features work by ten artists of West Asian heritage currently based in Europe and the United States, including Morehshin Allahyari, Sophia al Maria, Fatima Al Qadiri, Farah Al Qasimi, Meriem Bennani, Yasmine Nasser Diaz, Sahar Khoury, :mentalKLINIK, Joe Namy, and Maryam Yousif. “Exploring the DIY ethic as a form of resistance,” says exhibition curator Naz Cuguoglu, assistant curator of art and programs at the Asian Art Museum, “these artists highlight the power of music and dance to create spaces — whether at a public event, or in the solitude of one’s bedroom — where we feel safe to dream of future possibilities. Collectively, their work invites visitors to experience contemporary rave culture as a force for healing, unity, and cultural expression.”
LOCATION: Asian Art Museum, 200 Larkin Street, San Francisco, CA (map)
HOURS: Thurs: 1 PM–8 PM, Fri–Mon: 10 AM–5 PM, Tue–Wed: Closed
THING TWO: MLK Day at Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD)
JanUARY 19th, 11 am - 4 pm
MoAD will celebrate the national observance of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday as a Day of Service, providing FREE admission to the museum and programs throughout the day. Through art, performance and music, our special guests will help us reflect on the importance of protest, creativity and diverse communities.
View details and schedule here.
LOCATION: Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD), 685 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA (map)
HOURS: Tuesday–Friday, 10:30 am–5:30 pm, Saturday, 11 am–5 pm
THING THREE: Pecha Kucha: Architecture and Manufacturing in the Bay Area
January 21st, 5 - 7pm
The Museum of Craft and Design is proud to present Pecha Kucha: Architecture and Manufacturing in the Bay Area. Translating to ‘chit-chat’ in Japanese, Pecha Kucha is a fast-paced presentation format in which each speaker shows 20 slides for 20 seconds each.
Coinciding with SF Art Week, this Pecha Kucha asks prominent Bay Area voices to respond to ‘What does manufacturing and/ or architecture mean to you’. These broad themes invite diverse perspectives and a more holistic portrayal of what architecture and manufacturing have come to mean in the Bay. Featured speakers include:
– Conner Wishard of Lundberg Design
– Beth Esponnette of Unspun
– Ryan De La Hoz of SF Made
– JD Sassaman of Stanford’s Innovation Center
This event is scheduled from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Join us for this series of dynamic presentations from 5:30 – 6:30 and stay to connect while exploring MCD’s current exhibitions!
RSVP here.
LOCATION: Museum of Craft and Design, 2569 3rd Street, San Francisco, CA (map)
EVENT: 5 - 7 PM (RSVP using the link above)
