mission statement

In an effort to carry on Mrs. Wattis’ legacy and her vision for the arts in the Bay Area, The Phyllis C. Wattis Foundation intends to help the Bay Area arts community become – in her words - “four stars, worth the detour.” The Foundation will support both the fine arts, including the exhibition of painting and sculpture, and the performing arts, including opera, symphony and dance, in the cities of San Francisco, Berkeley and Oakland, as well as in Marin County, California. The Foundation is most interested in supporting smaller, independent arts organizations that are presenting challenging and cutting-edge works.