The Skywatchers, Tenderloin artists and dancers, speak for the neighborhood

Artists in San Francisco's Tenderloin, led by choreographer Anne Bluethenthal, have used art as a medium for social change for over 15 years. The Skywatchers group, formed under Bluethenthal’s nonprofit ABD Productions, engages local residents to address pressing issues such as generational trauma, addiction, and urban neglect. Weekly meetings in the lobbies of single-room occupancy hotels have cultivated a strong sense of community and collaboration. Participants express their stories through performances, with one project featuring masks created for a community garden performance, symbolizing support for the residents. A recent short film on anti-homeless architecture showcased the struggles of the community and critiqued urban planning that disregards residents' needs.

These initiatives not only empower local voices but also challenge systemic neglect in the Tenderloin. The ongoing work of Skywatchers highlights the potential of art to foster community resilience and autonomy. Through public performances and visual art, the group seeks to amplify the stories of those often overlooked.