Oakland Cultural Districts
Project Bandaloop audience: Jessica Swanson
Black Arts Movement and Business District
In 2016, the City of Oakland officially established the Black Arts Movement and Business District (BAMBD) in recognition of the contributions of Oakland’s Black artists and business owners on the 14th Street corridor. The district spans on or within 4 blocks of 14th Street from Oak Street to Frontage Road.
By creating this district, the City aims to celebrate Black expression and amplify the creative placemaking proposed by the district to animate the public space, improve local business viability and public safety, and bring people together.
The City of Oakland is proud to share that BAMBD was officially designated a California Cultural District by the California Arts Council in 2025. BAMBD is one of just 10 new districts selected statewide, joining a network of communities recognized for their strong cultural identities and contributions to California’s creative economy.
The state designation builds off of the earlier City designation and highlights the BAMBD’s vibrant artistic heritage, leadership in culture-driven economic development, and its deep roots along the Fourteenth Street corridor in Downtown and West Oakland.
As a state-designated Cultural District, the BAMBD will receive technical assistance, joint marketing support, peer learning opportunities, and grant funding to strengthen local cultural activity and economic vitality.
Read the full City of Oakland legislation establishing the Black Arts Movement and Business District here: View legislation
Latinx Cultural Arts District in Fruitvale
In 2023, the City of Oakland officially established the Latinx Cultural Arts District, in recognition and celebration of the deep cultural, artistic, and economic contributions of Oakland’s Latinx community. Centered in the Fruitvale neighborhood—home to one of the largest Latinx populations in the city—the district highlights an area long known for its vibrant cultural life, community institutions, and Latinx owned businesses.
The district encompasses a portion of the Fruitvale area bounded by East 12th Street, 23rd Avenue, Foothill Boulevard, High Street, and the Oakland Estuary. This region is home to culturally significant landmarks, community organizations, and gathering spaces, including parks, libraries, health centers, and arts institutions that reflect generations of Latinx history and creativity.
By creating this district, the City aims to preserve and uplift Latinx cultural heritage, support community-based organizations and small businesses, and strengthen collaborative efforts that promote equitable economic and cultural development.
Read the full City of Oakland legislation establishing the Latinx Cultural Arts District here: View Legislation
Lakeshore LGBTQ Cultural District
In 2023, the City of Oakland established the Lakeshore LGBTQ Cultural District, in recognition of the neighborhood’s longstanding significance to LGBTQ+ residents, families, organizations, and businesses. Located in the area bounded by Grand Avenue, El Embarcadero, Lakeshore Avenue, and the northern boundary near Kenmore and Fairbanks, the district is home to a concentration of LGBTQ+ owned and LGBTQ+ serving businesses, arts spaces, and community institutions.
The district builds on a rich local history, including landmark community gatherings such as Sistahs Steppin’ in Pride, and is anchored by the Oakland LGBTQ Community Center—one of the nation’s few all-inclusive LGBTQ+ community centers led and founded by African Americans. The area also includes numerous creative businesses, cultural venues, and service providers that contribute to a vibrant and welcoming environment.
By creating this cultural district, the City aims to uplift LGBTQ history, support a safe and inclusive neighborhood, and enhance cultural, artistic, and economic vitality in the Lakeshore area.
Read the full City of Oakland legislation establishing the Lakeshore LGBTQ Cultural District here: View Legislation