KQED's Forum How the Reopening of SF’s Castro Theater Could Revitalize Nightlife
Feb 12, 2026
Gabrielle Armand, CEO of SF Jazz, talks jazz programming and city partnerships. Tom DeCaigny, Hewlett Foundation program officer and former SF cultural affairs director, covers arts funding and policy. Mary Conde, senior VP at Another Planet Entertainment, led the Castro renovation and discusses preservation and technical upgrades. Gabe Meline, KQED arts editor, offers a critical view of theaters, nightlife, and programming trends.
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Performing Arts Face A National Recovery Arc
- Tom DeCaigny observes performing arts face a national slow recovery after COVID with shifting audience patterns and shorter commitments.
- He says organizations must innovate programming and engagement because long-term subscriptions are waning.
Streaming And Attendance Shift Cultural Habits
- Gabe Meline highlights widespread closures across theaters, galleries, and cinemas, contrasting that with music's relative resilience.
- He links falling attendance to convenience of streaming and urges inspiring people to leave homes for shared cultural experiences.
Balance Popularity With Artistic Mission
- Gabrielle Armand stresses jazz's resilience and that mission-driven institutions must balance popular programming with exposure for less-known voices.
- She recommends cross-disciplinary partnerships to expand reach and relevance in San Francisco.
