Alexis Madrigal in Conversation with Davia Nelson

On Wednesday, June 11, award-winning journalist Alexis Madrigal and Davia Nelson of NPR’s , will examine the “vast, powerful, opaque cultural structure” of “The Pacific Circuit,” the web of ports and trade routes crisscrossing the Pacific that have profoundly shaped cultural exchange and historical trajectories in California and beyond—from Fort Mason’s very own port of embarkation to the Port of Oakland.

As primary author of Fort Mason Center’s forthcoming 50th anniversary book—co-published by Heyday Books and set for release in Fall 2026—Madrigal will share inspirations drawn from his ongoing research, including Fort Mason Center’s “only-in-San Francisco” origin story and its radical transformation into an eclectic arts and culture destination.

The event launches a series of activations for Fort Mason Center’s upcoming 50th anniversary in 2027, and celebrates Madrigal’s recent book, , which examines the intersection of global commerce, urban development, and cultural identity at the Port of Oakland. Davia Nelson, acclaimed for her radio and podcast work with the Peabody Award winning The Kitchen Sisters, brings a wealth of experience in storytelling, archival research, and cultural exploration.

Please join us after the program and keep the conversation going at our pop-up bookshop and bar or feel free to visit The Interval a few doors down!

Info: Keep the conversation going at our pop-up bookstore and bar in Gallery 308!

Also check out other Arts events in San Francisco, Literary Art events in San Francisco.