The Shared Arts Center
The Shared Arts Center of San José marks a transformational new chapter for our region’s creative community. For years, arts organizations across Santa Clara County have struggled with rising rents, unstable leases, and a shortage of purpose-built space. These challenges have limited collaboration, strained resources, and made it increasingly difficult for artists and arts educators to do what they do best – create, teach, and inspire.
Starting Arts is proud to help change that. By revitalizing two vacant, downtown buildings, the Shared Arts Center establishes a permanent, affordable home where local arts organizations can rehearse, create, teach, and connect. Our Anchor Partners – Silicon Valley Shakespeare, ArtHouse Studio, Los Lupeños de San José, and South Bay Guitar Society – will bring the Center to life with year-round programming that reflects the cultural vibrancy of our community. Additional partners, members, and renters expand this ecosystem even further, ensuring a rich mix of artistic voices and experiences.
With rehearsal studios, makerspace, production facilities, and collaborative workspaces, the Shared Arts Center strengthens the creative fabric of San José. It is where artists, families, and students can gather; where new work can emerge; and where equitable access to the arts becomes a shared reality. Starting Arts is honored to steward this milestone for our county and to help build a more connected, collaborative, and culturally thriving future.
Our Mission
Founded in 2000, Starting Arts (SA) is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit arts education organization with a mission to make the arts accessible to all students in the Bay Area. We focus on supporting under-served youth in Title 1 schools, providing instruction in dance, theatre, music and visual arts with programs taught by professional artists.
As stewards of the Shared Arts Center of San Jose Capital Campaign, we advance our mission to expand our visual and performing arts programs and those of partnering arts organizations in San Jose and communities across Santa Clara County. Our journey in elevating the arts continues!
Starting Arts Programs and Services
School Programs
Learn more about our dance, music, theater, and visual arts programs — before, during, and after school!
SA Studios
Advance your skills with classes, workshops, productions, and musical theatre training in our studios.
Dream Team/DT2
Through the Dream Team/DT2 program, Starting Arts cultivates and encourages the development of talented young artists we encounter throughout the Bay Area. Participants receive top notch training in music, theater and dance.
Volunteer Opportunities
Looking for a way to support the arts in your community? Volunteer at Starting Arts! Volunteer opportunities throughout the year may include costume assistance, painting/building, loading in or loading out sets for bigger productions, event/fundraiser help, and more!