About Us
Since 1980, San Francisco-based non-profit City Arts & Lectures has offered unique programs with leading figures in arts and ideas. Each year there are more than fifty lectures and onstage conversations – and a few surprise performances, film tributes, and concerts – with outstanding writers, critics, scientists, performing artists, and cultural figures from around the world. City Arts & Lectures offers the broadest perspectives about ideas and values, the creative process, and how we think about the world we live in.
City Arts & Lectures events are held in the historic Herbst Theatre in San Francisco’s Performing Arts Center. Programs can be heard via edited and delayed broadcasts on more than 170 public radio stations across the country. Radio broadcasts are co-produced with KQED 88.5 FM in San Francisco.
Founding Executive Director, Sydney Goldstein
Production Manager, Holly Mulder-Wollan
Assistant Producer, Kate Goldstein-Breyer
On-air radio host, Linda Hunt
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I order tickets for events?
How can I donate unused tickets?
How can I receive notice of City Arts & Lectures’ future programs?
How do I make a contribution to City Arts & Lectures?
What are the benefits of membership to the Friends of City Arts & Lectures?
Are books available at City Arts & Lectures events?
Do you sell tapes or transcripts?
Where can I hear City Arts & Lectures’ radio broadcasts?
Why doesn’t City Arts & Lectures podcast?
Do you offer gift certificates?
My question still hasn’t been answered. Who can I contact?
How do I order tickets for events?
Tickets are available at www.cityboxoffice.com or by calling City Box Office at 415-392-4400 Monday through Friday, 9:30 am-5 pm and Saturday 10 am-4 pm. You can also mail ticket orders to or buy tickets at City Box Office’s location: 180 Redwood Street, Suite 100, San Francisco, CA 94102. Tickets can be purchased at the door ninety-minutes prior to the start of the program.
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How can I donate unused tickets?
Tickets can be donated before 5pm by calling 415-392-4400 or after 6:30pm by calling 415-554-6363. You will receive notice of your tax-deductible contribution after the program.
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How can I receive notice of City Arts & Lectures’ future programs?
Throughout the year, City Arts & Lectures sends announcements of our series and special events. Please send us an email with your USPS mailing address and email address or fill out our mailing list form.
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How do I make a contribution to City Arts & Lectures?
Contributions from individuals and foundations help City Arts & Lectures maintain excellence in presenting over fifty events each season. Contributions made to City Arts & Lectures, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, are tax-deductible. You can make a contribution by joining the Friends of City Arts & Lectures. For more information, please call 415-563-2463.
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What are the benefits of membership to the Friends of City Arts & Lectures?
Members: ($100+) Advance notice of all events prior to public ticket sales, plus 15% discount on purchases at all thirteen Books Inc. locations
Sponsors: ($300+) All of the above, plus an invitation for two to a special reception honoring one of our guests
Patrons: ($500+) All of the above, plus reception at Absinthe Brasserie & Bar with one of our guests, and acknowledgement in printed programs
Benefactors: ($1,000+) All of the above, plus backstage soundcheck and Hayes Street Grill pre-performance dinner for two with a guest of your choice
Fellows: ($3,000+) All of the above, plus an invitation to the Annual Emma Jones’s Fried Chicken Dinner in City Arts & Lectures’ production office
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Are books available at City Arts & Lectures events?
Books Inc, The West’s Oldest Independent Bookseller, sells a selection of books at most City Arts & Lectures events.
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Do you sell tapes or transcripts?
City Arts & Lectures does not have the rights or the resources to sell tapes or transcripts.
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Where can I hear City Arts & Lectures’ radio broadcasts?
Most City Arts & Lectures programs can be heard in edited and delayed broadcasts in the San Francisco Bay Area on KQED-FM (88.5) on Sundays at 1 pm, Tuesday evenings at 8 pm, and Wednesday mornings at 2 am. These programs are also heard on over 170 public radio stations nationwide. The list of affiliates are listed on our website as Public Radio Affiliates.
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Why doesn’t City Arts & Lectures podcast?
City Arts & Lectures does not own the rights to podcast past programs, though it is something we are considering for the future.
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Do you offer gift certificates?
City Arts & Lectures offers gift certificates and gift memberships. Certificate orders cannot be redeemed online at this time. For more information, please contact 415-563-2463.
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My question still hasn’t been answered. Who can I contact?
For tickets, please contact City Box Office at 415-392-4400.
For general inquires, please contact City Arts & Lectures production office at 415-563-2463 or info@cityarts.net.
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