At Keys to the City, we see a future where unique and characterful instruments serve as more than just tools for music; they become platforms for sustaining a thriving musical culture in the city. Keys to the City works to reposition art as a public good, giving voice to the marginalized, and challenging the status quo. Their programs will create measurable impacts on a community’s cultural richness, social cohesion, and economic vitality. By providing stable housing, affordable studio spaces, and stipends, artists can innovate, experiment, and increase their creative output without the constant stress of meeting basic needs. Inspired by Ray Oldenburg’s concept of “third places,” their goal is to create spaces that transcend gender and racial barriers and reimagine these gathering spots for the 21st century.
