Kultivate Labs, one of many organizations in National CAPACD’s coalition, has transformed a former parking lot in San Francisco’s SOMA Pilipinas Filipino Cultural District into Kapwa Gardens, a vibrant neighborhood art and wellness space built by and for the community. Inspired by the Filipino concept of kapwa — interconnectedness and shared identity — the space promotes physical, mental, and economic well-being through activities like basketball, Zumba, tai chi, and yoga, as well as arts, performances, and culinary offerings.
Kapwa Gardens became especially vital during the COVID-19 pandemic when Kultivate Labs pivoted the space’s design to meet the community’s pressing needs through shelter-in-place. By prioritizing outdoor, socially distant activities, they continued to provide a safe and inclusive space for connection and healing.
Through National CAPACD’s Small Business and Creative Placemaking programs, Kultivate Labs received technical assistance, funding, peer learning opportunities, and national visibility on platforms like Tending Our Roots. With National CAPACD’s introduction, they also received a $25,000 donation from Niantic Labs, the makers of Pokémon Go.
A National CAPACD Learning Exchange grant enabled Kultivate Labs to bring their entire staff to Seattle for a retreat, where they gained inspiration from other community development initiatives and coalition organizations, including Wing Luke Museum and Friends of Little Saigon.
Kultivate Labs’ Executive Director Desi Danganan shared, “We are building a similar commercial space and it was validating that a concept like that could work. Often, our heads are down doing the work, and we feel siloed in seeing only Filipino issues. Seeing innovative placemaking and community development strategies occurring within the Pacific Northwest helped my staff see the broader connections between AA and NHPI groups across the country.”
Kapwa Gardens is a vital community asset in the heart of SOMA Pilipinas. It exemplifies how culturally responsive placemaking fosters belonging, healing, and community empowerment.