East Cut Electric is San Francisco’s first nightly digital projection, turning Folsom Street’s striking PG&E Substation into a vibrant display of digital art. This community-driven installation adds a creative touch to the neighborhood, bringing warmth and color to the evening streetscape. The projected artwork will change every quarter, affording the opportunity to showcase multiple artists in one digital mural. Stop by after dark and enjoy this unique addition to the East Cut!
Bay of Light
by Les Ateliers BK
Starting October 2025, The East Cut launched the fifth installation of the East Cut Electric series with Bay of Light, a new digital artwork by Les Ateliers BK. This captivating visual journey explores the history of San Francisco’s eastern coastline through four distinct parts.
Viewing is from dusk to 11:00 p.m. each night at now through The Holidays. This piece can be enjoyed at 424 Folsom Street in the Avery Lane POPOS.
Fourth Round of Artwork
The brand-new light projection, Bay of Light, by Les Ateliers BK is a captivating three-minute visual journey that explores the history of San Francisco’s eastern coastline, weaving together art, motion, and storytelling.
Presented in four distinct part, Bay of Light highlights the transformation of The East Cut over time, from its maritime beginnings to the vibrant community it is today. The piece pays tribute to The Candace, a historic ship uncovered during neighborhood development, offering a poetic reminder of the area’s layered part and its ongoing renewal.
Third Round of Artwork
East Cut Electric’s summer season is featuring a piece by SMASH Studio titled Path of the Sun. The piece was unveiled on July 19th and will light up the building through October 2025.
Second Round of Artwork
In accordance with its partnership with The East Cut, A3 Visual contracted art studio
Light Harvest Studio to create a spring-themed projection for East Cut Electric’s second season. The piece, titled
Breath of Spring, was unveiled on April 10th at a celebratory community event.
Let’s Glow SF
East Cut Electric was included the 2024 cohort of Let’s Glow SF, the largest projection mapping event in the United States. Two digital projections illuminated the PG&E Substation during this season:
Spirals of Light by Jérémie Bellot with Extended AV
Sense(s) by the Bay by Leslie Epsztein
Final Approvals and Installation
The East Cut entered into contract with A3 Visual to obtain projectors and projector housing. The project was approved by the SF Arts Commision Visual Arts Committee and the full SF Arts Commission. The first round of artwork, titled Prism by Jeff Dobrow, was revealed at an unveiling ceremony in October 2024.
Creative Decision Process
The East Cut conducted community surveys to name the project. “East Cut Electric” was chosen. A3 Visual scouted digital artists and selected Jeff Dobrow to design the projection.
Funding Awarded
The East Cut was awarded $148,750 through the City’s Community Challenge Grant program and allocated $112,750 toward the project.
Project Initiation
The East Cut team began collaboration with PG&E and A3 Visual to establish a vision and execute a development and fundraising plan for a 3-D light projection onto the PG&E Substation at 425 Folsom St. The East Cut then began seeking fundraising avenues, including grants and other donations.
Acknowledgments
Many thanks to our partners that have made this project possible:
Contributors:
Community Challenge Grants
Office of Economic and Workforce Development
PG&E
Nancy & Christopher Meyer
Partners:
Related California (The Avery)
A3 Visual
East Cut Electric is part of The East Cut CBD’s Street Life Plan projects, which were developed strategically through various community outreach efforts and public meeting approvals.
