Public Art & Urban Design
We are developing strategies to create our community’s permanent imprint on the visual landscape of the district including public art, cultural markers, wayfinding, and signage, that promotes
the Cultural District, our history and community.
Go on an ARTventure!
Explore the vibrant stories of the Filipino diaspora through this interactive map of murals across SOMA Pilipinas. Each piece is a landmark of resilience, culture, and community—ready for you to discover!
Our New Artworks, 2022-2024
by Cece Carpio, with Shi Shi Madriz, Vivian Capulong, Sarai Reminisce Carpio-Au, G Molina
Jeepney Mural
This project connects the Philippine jeepney and San Francisco’s Muni as cultural symbols of movement, resilience, and identity. Featuring intergenerational Filipino figures at a bus stop, it reflects the diaspora’s journey of navigating both worlds.
Pagsasama-sama
This mural honors SOMA Pilipinas’ spirit of unity, weaving waves, solihiya patterns, and wood-carving motifs to tell stories of community, activism, and joy. Centered on two diwatas, the mural reflects the deep ties between the Philippines and its diaspora, inspiring connection and pride.
by ChiChai Mateo with Lorenzo Tamayo Lee and Lloidy Villanueva
by Venazir Martinez, with Atlix Martinez
Ani - Harvested Hopes
“Ani” (Harvest) celebrates the Filipino migration journey, weaving stories of resilience, hope, and community. Through symbols like the red thread, poso, and California poppies, the mural honors heritage, labor, and the dreams that take root across generations.
Ang Lipi ni Lapu Lapu
The restoration of Ang Lipi ni Lapulapu brings new additions honoring WWII comfort women, veterans, and the enduring fight for justice. Originally painted in 1984, this monumental mural remains a powerful visual timeline of Filipino migration, resistance, and resilience in the Americas.
by Johanna Poethig
1984: with Presco Tabio and Vic Clemente
2024: with Mariel Mae Paat, Dev Heyrana, and Pablo Arroyo-Ruiz
More Public Art Projects
Past Projects
The banners feature residents, artists, small businesses, community workers, and families of the Filipino Cultural Heritage District. Photo by Nix Guirre
City Funds Visibility Campaign To Combat Anti-Asian Hate, Spur Economic Activity
300 Banners installed in SOMA Pilipinas for Filipino-American History Month
Despite the pandemic’s heavy toll on the Filipino community, SOMA Pilipinas honors the resilience of its residents, artists, and small businesses with new banners celebrating bayanihan (mutual support). Framed by the iconic SOMA Pilipinas sun, these banners stand as a declaration that we’re still here, shining in our own light as we continue building towards an equitable recovery.
Mini Murals at the new SOMA Pilipinas office
“Pasalubong” and “Free the Freedom Fighters” are on display at our new office at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
Come see our new office located at YBCA, now home to Franceska Gamez and Malaya Tuyay’s mini murals co-commissioned by the San Francisco Modern Arts Museum.
First District Banner Project
Upcoming Projects
“Pagmamana” Gateway
A Design Proposal by Visual Artist Franceska Gamez
SOMA Pilipinas’ first cultural district marker at Russ & Folsom, Pagmamana (inheritance), symbolizes respect, interconnection, and the passing of knowledge. Bronze hands in a pagmamano gesture, along with sun, water, and traditional carvings, honor the Filipino diaspora and its shared experiences.
