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

Opportunities

Cultural Affairs Job Opportunities Public Art Program Calls for Artists Cultural Funding Grant Program Call for Panelists - Cultural Affairs Division

News

Jul 20, 2022

Nonprofit Applications for City Grants to Hire Teaching Artists Available starting July 25

The City of Oakland announced that applications will be available on Monday, July 25, for the Creative Economies of Belonging: Jobs, Networks, Catalysts grant program. This one-time program will distribute grants to Oakland-based nonprofit organizations to restore teaching-artist jobs cut during the pandemic. The program guidelines and grant application will be posted at https://bit.ly/3P4dBUg on Monday, July 25, when the application portal opens. Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 22, 2022.

Jun 02, 2022

City of Oakland Announces 10 New Cultural Strategists-in-Government

Today, the City of Oakland announced a new cohort of 10 Cultural Strategists-in-Government (CSIG) that will embed in seven different entities in the City. The program is a partnership between the City’s Cultural Affairs Division and the Oakland Fund for Public Innovation, with funding for 7 of the 10 individuals provided by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

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.

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Resources

Creative Economies of Belonging Grant Opportunity Cultural Plan Public Artist Training - Demystifying Public Art Webinars Mayor's Artist Task Force on Affordable Housing and Workspaces

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.