Arts and Culture in Oakland

Learn about the City’s Cultural Funding Program, which provides approximately $1 million annually in grants to support the arts; the Public Art Program, which commissions and supports public art across Oakland; professional development programs for artists and arts organizations; special events support; film production permitting; and walking tours.

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Featured Resources

Cultural Plan Apply for a CFP Grant Oakland Film Office Mayor's Artist Task Force on Affordable Housing and Workspaces RFQ Race and Equity Impact Analysis - Cultural Affairs Division FY2019-2020 Grant Agreement Documents

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Topics

Cultural Funding Grant Program Public Art in Oakland Walking Tours Cultural Affairs Commission Funding Advisory Committee

News

Oakland arch on MacArthur Blvd. at Durant Avenue, part of the MacArthur Boulevard Gateway Arches Public Art Project by Eric Powell

Nov 08, 2019

City of Oakland Dedicates MacArthur Boulevard Gateway Arches

Today, Vice Mayor Larry Reid (District 7) and City Councilmember Loren Taylor (District 6) dedicated the MacArthur Boulevard Gateway Arches, the newest City-funded public artwork. Two colorful, 45-foot-wide, site-specific roadway arches have been installed along MacArthur Boulevard.

Nov 01, 2019

Over $1 Million in Cultural Funding Grants Awarded

On October 16, 2019, the Oakland City Council approved about $1,221,044 in fiscal year 2019-20 grants to Oakland-based nonprofit organizations and individual artists through the City’s Cultural Funding Program. The 91 arts grants range from $4,999 to $33,000 and have been awarded to 83 different recipients.

Jul 24, 2019

City Re-establishes the Cultural Affairs Commission

Following the final passage of an ordinance by Oakland City Council on July 16, the Cultural Affairs Division of the Economic & Workforce Development Department is seeking volunteer applicants to serve on the re-animated Cultural Affairs Commission.

About

The Cultural Affairs Division is housed in the City’s Economic & Workforce Development Department. The division includes the City’s Cultural Funding Program, which provides approximately $1 million in grants to support the arts in Oakland; the Public Art Program, which has more than $1 million in funds currently dedicated for public art installations across Oakland and staff working on special events, film production permitting and a Walking Tours program.