KARL is a collaborative initiative founded by Julia Li and Callie Jones in 2024, uniting Bay Area galleries and nonprofit organizations to champion emerging and established artists through joint exhibitions, community programs, and site-specific projects.

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The Bay Area has garnered significant media attention in recent years, often focusing on its challenges rather than its successes. Born from a desire to re-center the narrative around the region’s vibrant cultural ecosystem, KARL aims to celebrate the thriving arts community that persists and flourishes despite the headlines.

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Most recently, KARL presented The Art of Fashion, an exhibition featuring 100 works by 40 textile-based artists represented by nine local organizations. The opening reception included a fashion show curated by Brandin Vaughn, a Tony Award–winning costume designer known for dressing some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Beyoncé. Additional programming has included a panel discussion moderated by art critic Max Blue of the San Francisco Examiner and another conversation with Abby Chen, head contemporary curator at the Asian Art Museum, in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month.

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By pooling resources and experience, KARL highlights the richness of the local creative community and fosters meaningful connections between artists, the public, and institutions. Now located at Waterfront Plaza, KARL has launched artist residencies and will continue collaborative exhibitions and public programming throughout the coming year.