Launched in 2003, the Mission Arts & Performance Project (MAPP) is a homegrown bi-monthly, multidisciplinary, unruly intercultural happening that takes place in the Mission District of San Francisco. Started by Founding Artist of the Red Poppy Art House, Todd Brown, MAPP has now produced over 48 neighborhood-level arts festivals.

MAPP is not an “art walk” (thank god). Instead, it’s a collage of 10-20 odd spaces transformed into micro art centers, focused on intimate artistic and cultural exchange among people. Placing art and performance on the street level, MAPP utilizes such alternative spaces as private garages, gardens, living rooms, studios, street corners, and small businesses. At its heart, the MAPP shows how ordinary spaces can be made extra-ordinary through creative techniques.

The MAPP also beautifully demonstrates how individuals in a community in partnership with one another can create an integrated arts festival that does not require an expansive budget, outside funding, or commercial marketing strategies, but can happen through the inspired efforts of artists and community members working together with a unified and inclusive vision.

Part of the charm of the MAPP is that you never know quite what’s going to happen until you get there! This innovative platform allows serendipitous connections to emerge organically across visual artists, musicians, poets, dancers, choreographers, filmmakers, playwrights, and other artists, community organizers and local residents. However, adopting this platform also means sometimes not all of the most up-to-date information is available ahead of time. The point is to arrive and embrace the adventure. Plus, you’ll get a program (with an actual map) to navigate the event.

The MAPP takes place the first Saturday of the month on a bimonthly basis — the next MAPP will be February 4th, 2012. It is a free event, which means all locations do not charge cover. And all the performers, artists, organizers and venues create this event out of pure love for the art and community. There is no one person in charge. Rather, there is a loosely organized group that helps direct all the Mission MAPPness. We are always in need of support and help from anyone with some ideas and some energy.

For more information or to get involved as a host venue, artist or street-level curator (and curate a space of your own!), please come out to the next MAPP meeting. For information contact any of the following:

Rafael Sarria: rafael@redpoppyarthouse.org

George Brais: georgebrais@gmail.com

Jorge Molina: (415) 240-9125

David Kubrin: (415) 824-8566

Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/49866204088/

Past venues have included:

Pathos-On-Harrison
2754 Harrison

The Secret Garden
Harrison St. -  in between 23rd & 24th

The Box Factory
865 Florida St. #1

La Victoria Bakery
2937 24th St.

Kaleidescope
3109 24th @ Folsom

Area 2881
2881 23rd Street