we’re here to keep the funk in the funk zone in santa barbara, ca.

want to find out find out how you can help

Welcome to The Funk Zone

In this mini-documentary, we explore the vibrant and eclectic Funk Zone in Santa Barbara, a creative hub cherished by local artists, business owners, and free spirits, now threatened by out-of-town developers. Through personal stories and interviews, we hear from the community about what makes the Funk Zone special and why it's worth preserving. From art galleries and local shops to breweries and street art, the Funk Zone has become a cultural heartbeat of the city, and its future is now at risk. Discover the challenges these locals face, the rich history behind this unique neighborhood, and how you can help protect it. 

Directed by @gazkelly. Produced by Theo Schaefer. Edited by Kylie Van De Wyngaerde.

keep the funk is committed to preserving the unique and historic character of the funk zone neighborhood. the eclectic group of artists and small local businesses are the foundation of this community and should be celebrated and incentivized rather than displaced as large developments try to maximize their profits in the area.

somofunk update january 2024: The most recent update on this project site can be found here

read why we love the funk zone, it’s history and how it’s gained it’s creative charm!

The NW view from the Garden Street Parking lot facing Mason Street in the Funk Zone of Santa Barbara, California.

We believe in the preservation of the funky culture that exists today.

Repurposed commercial settings such as a grain silo and warehouses are populated with some of Santa Barbara’s finest artists who have been here for decades.

This is the SW view of the corner of Yanonali Street and Santa Barbara Street in the Funk Zone of Santa Barbara, California.

We believe in the sustainable and local first business model.

The heart and soul of local entrepreneurship is what drives the success of this community. Locals and tourists alike overflow the streets of the Funk Zone any day of the week to support local and experience the unique culture this brings to the area.

The NE view of the corner of Gray Street and Yanonali Street in the Funk Zone of Santa Barbara, California.

We believe in saving one of the last affordable and creative spaces left in Santa Barbara for our creative neighbors.

The Funk Zone alone is responsible for millions of tourists visiting Santa Barbara every year. Sterilizing the neighborhood character to maximize one developer’s profits would dramatically impact both local and tourist visitation to the area.

get involved with keep the funk!

as we grow as an organization, our objective is to play an integral role in the continuous shaping of the funk zone neighborhood as more developments are inevitably proposed in the area.