The Arlene Francis Center is a non-profit, community-centered cultural hub with a vision
of a better world and a new way of being. 

Situated in Santa Rosa’s historic Railroad Square and West End Districts, the Center produces nonprofit and charitable cultural, educational, social, ethical and ecological activities united by a common purpose—the development of a theory and practice that will foster the creation of a better world, one in which human beings will come to see one another as the source of each other’s completion, as inherently good and caring social and ecological beings who seek to fully recognize each other’s common humanity and interconnectedness with all of life, and to create a world based upon justice, kindness, love, and respect for the earth.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT OUR PHILOSOPHY | HISTORY | VISION | FOUNDERS

The Place

The original building was contructed in 1896 as Sperry Flour Mill.  Trains would pull-up along the west side of the warehouse to unload the grain, and trucks would pickup the flour on the east side of the building before distributing throughout the city.  During the Great Earthquake of 1906, part of the building closest to the tracks was damaged, yet the mill was back in production within five months.  Almost a century later, the building was bought and renovated by a brewing company.

The Arlene Francis Foundation acquired the building in 1996 for the purpose of providing educational and cultural activities to benefit Sonoma County.  from 1997 – 2008 the Foundation partnered with San Francisco’s progressive New College of California to offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Culture, Ecology, and Sustainable Community for students seeking to link their education with positive social and environmental change. 

The Arlene Francis Center was founded in 2009 with the intention of manifesting a space where the community could foster a new social climate and seek new ways of being.  We wish to embody a model of what the future society might look like, in a way that inspires others to create their own affiliated efforts in creating a better world. 

This very special place is known to many as a true community center that feels like home.  It is a space cared for by dedicated community members, neighbors, and friends working together to design and produce a variety of multi-cultural and inter-generational activities, events, and projects! 

The Cafe

The Cafe is open during events only. Nevertheless you enter the AFC through the cafe - its like passing through a secret door into a world of connection and creativity. Music happens here often - sometimes a local band is performing, or a capoeira practice in the classroom room, maybe you happen upon the weekly Wednesday Night Open Mic, or it could just be one of the local community members jamming their heart out.   

The Classroom

The Classroom is a multi-functioning gathering space.  Community discussions, workshops, charity events, monthly healing sanctuaries, and intimate performances are among the many happenings that take place here.  It is a room imbued with clarity, peace, authenticity, and heartfelt intentions.   While sometimes used as a part of larger events, the Classroom is an important space in hosting our weekly and monthly activities.  A sanctuary created for healing, learning, and expressing.

The Theater

The Theater is the heart of the Arlene Francis Center.  Here is a space where dreams are made real, passions are brought to life, and hearts can dance freely.  The Theater is host to concerts, film screenings, art shows, theatrical performances, public discussions, teacher trainings, annual festivals, monthly fundraisers and charity benefits, and gatherings of all kinds.  

The Gallery

The gallery is adjacent to the theater and plays an integral role in many of the AFC’s events where art displays are part of the event.

The Patio & Sanctuary Garden

Just outside the Classroom, a beautiful, brick Patio leads you to our newly-replanted Urban Regeneration Sanctuary Garden.  With plenty of shady, outdoor seating under our ancient, wisteria-covered trellis the Patio is a relaxing gathering space on a sunny day. 

Noe Valley Mural Project

The spectacular mural at the Noe Valley Town Square is in desperate need of restoration. Painted in 2008 by world-renown muralist Mona Caron, the Square's western mural will be undergoing extensive repair. We were able to fulfill the fundraising campaign, so Mona Caron will begin restoration work this April 2022! Read more