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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Topics

Cultural Affairs Commission Public Art Advisory Committee Funding Advisory Committee Cultural Funding Grant Program Public Art in Oakland Poet Laureate Program

News

Feb 18, 2022

Cultural Strategists In Government Cohort Announced, Applications Still Accepted Through February 28

Following a call for qualifications in November, the Cultural Strategists-in-Government (CSIG) Program has announced the initial cohort of artists and cultural practitioners who will bring new perspectives and creative thinking to help City staff address some of Oakland’s greatest problems together with the City’s diverse communities. Four Strategists have been selected, and the application deadline for six additional project slots has been extended to Monday, February 28, at 5 p.m.

Nov 18, 2021

City Festival Grant Applications Available December 1

The Neighborhood Voices for Festivals grant program seeks to bring Oaklanders together to create and support a sense of belonging through festival culture.

Resources

RFQ for Grants Project Manager Cultural Affairs - Deadline April 26, 2022 RFQ for Cultural Strategists-in-Government 2021-23 - Deadline Extended Cultural Plan Resources for Artists and Nonprofit Arts Organizations Oakland Film Office Mayor's Artist Task Force on Affordable Housing and Workspaces COVID-19: Re-Opening Live Events Walking Tours

Upcoming Meetings

5-23-22 Cultural Affairs Commission Meeting (Virtual)

Monday, May 23, 2022

5:30pm to 8:30pm

7-25-22 Cultural Affairs Commission Meeting

Monday, July 25, 2022

5:30pm to 8:30pm

9-19-22 Cultural Affairs Commission Meeting

Monday, September 19, 2022

4:30pm to 7:30pm

See Upcoming Meetings

Events

Oct 07, 2021

First Oakland Poet Inaugural Address - Dr. Ayodele Nzinga

The City of Oakland's First Oakland Poet Laureate Inaugural Address with opening remarks from Mayor Libby Schaaf, Cultural Affairs Division Manager Roberto Bedoya and performances by prominent Bay Area artists and poets. We'll have a chance to hear Dr. Ayodele…

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About

Cultural Affairs Staff

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 $1.8 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.