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

Resources for Artists and Nonprofit Arts Organizations Cultural Plan Apply for a Cultural Funding Program Grant Oakland Film Office Mayor's Artist Task Force on Affordable Housing and Workspaces 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

Meetings

May 04, 2020

5-4-20 PAAC Meeting Cancellation

May 4, 2020 Public Art Advisory Committee Meeting Cancellation

Apr 06, 2020

4-6-20 PAAC Meeting

May 4, 2020 Public Art Advisory Committee Meeting

Jan 06, 2020

1-6-20 PAAC Meeting

January 2, 2020 Public Art Advisory Committee Meeting

All Meetings »

News

May 19, 2020

Bay Area Funders, City of Oakland launch relief fund to support individual artists and arts workers in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties

$625,000 is available for direct grants to artists, and cultural and nonprofit arts workers; Deadline to apply June 5

Feb 19, 2020

Oakland Cultural Affairs Commission Re-Established

Last night, the Oakland City Council confirmed Mayor Libby Schaaf’s appointments to the Cultural Affairs Commission. The Commission is an advisory council to the Mayor, City Council and City Administrator on all matters affecting cultural development in Oakland. The Commission members’ primary role and responsibility will be to act as ambassadors and advocates for arts and culture in Oakland.

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.

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.