THE PANSY L. CHAN AND TERRENCE D. CHAN NATIONAL QUEER ARTS CENTER: THE NATION’S FIRST LGBTQ CENTER FOR COMMUNITY, CREATIVITY, AND COLLABORATION
For almost half a century, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus has been creating extraordinary music and experiences that build community, inspire activism, and foster compassion at home and around the world. Now, we are proud to introduce our next phase of leadership; The Pansy L. Chan and Terrence D. Chan National Queer Arts Center.
This landmark space in the heart of San Francisco is the first of its kind in the country — an artistic sanctuary for queer artists to call home, a space for audiences to share their lived experiences, and a beacon of inspiration and empowerment for queer individuals nationwide who are confronting oppression. A place for art and activism.
In a proclamation issued by the White House, it was revealed that in 2023 alone, both state and local legislatures have introduced over 600 hateful laws targeting the LGBTQI+ community. As generations of activists throughout history have shown, using our voices to activate our audiences and advocate for justice is a powerful rallying cry.
We are uniquely qualified to succeed in uniting communities, building on our 46 years of local and national activism.
From our first national tour in 1981
To our second, The Lavender Pen Tour, in 2017
To our award-winning documentary, Gay Chorus Deep South
To our in-school program, RHYTHM
Through The Pansy L. Chan and Terrence D. Chan National Queer Arts Center, SFGMC will continue to forge a legacy using the power of music, activism, and community to drive transformation and build a more inclusive world.
PLANNED PROGRAMMING & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The Pansy L. Chan and Terrence D. Chan National Queer Arts Center will thrive with vibrant programming to activate the space and provide an LGBTQ community center in San Francisco and nationally.
The programmatic plans of SFGMC are organized among two pillars:
Performances and Public Programs
Community and Partnerships
Performances and Public Programs
The Pansy L. Chan and Terrence D. Chan National Queer Arts Center allows SFGMC to embark on never-before-possible programs providing more than a full-concert experience to audiences including:
An ongoing Memory Keepers Initiative, including interviews with leading activist voices in the LBGTQ+ community
Showcases for local queer artists and performers
Guest performances from visiting groups such as college and high school choral groups
Sing-ins that bring together the Chorus and the community in one room
Recording and production features for creating member recordings, videos, performances, and other digital content
Community and Partnerships
SFGMC will remain deeply committed to the San Francisco area by providing support, partnerships, and work in the school community while maintaining a national lens. The robust onsite activity in The Pansy L. Chan and Terrence D. Chan National Queer Arts Center will be counterbalanced with these exuberant external programs:
The expansion of the RHYTHM (Reaching Youth Through Music) program, the fully immersive workshop series that brings SFGMC into Bay Area schools, inspires students to live their most authentic lives through discussions about community, the sharing of personal stories, education, and music
Co-commissions and collaborations with major San Francisco nonprofit organizations, including BroadwaySF, Broadway @The Herbst Series, and the San Francisco Symphony
A continuation of the sing-out program with a focus on community engagement and milestone opportunities
Collaboration with local arts organizations like Opera Parallèle, SFBATCO, and others
A national touring program designed to bring the Chorus across the country, changing lives through musical performances
Rehearsal and meeting rental space for LGBTQ organizations such as San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band, SF Philharmonic, and Theatre Rhinoceros
Your participation Options
SFGMC is an icon among LGBTQ+ organizations and the larger arts landscape. Individuals, foundations, and corporations have a wide range of options to consider when engaging with the campaign. All contributions are welcome! We can tailor a gift and benefits package to reflect the size and nature of a donation.
CONTACT US
Please join us in supporting The Chan National Queer Arts Center. Your contribution will ensure we can amplify our work. To discuss your contribution, email sarah.cohan@sfgmc.org.