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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.

Featured Resources

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

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Topics

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

News

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.

Jul 16, 2019

City’s Cultural Strategists Pilot Program Seeks to Advance Equity, Transform Government

Last week, the Cultural Affairs Division in the Economic & Workforce Development Department convened the inaugural cohort of Cultural Strategists-in-Government (CSIG) pilot program. Seven individuals, rooted in the realm of culture, artmaking and aesthetic practices of Oakland’s various communities, will bring new perspectives and skills to five City departments over the next year.

May 30, 2019

City Awards $80,000 in Arts Grants, Receives Grant to Support Cultural Equity Analysis as part of Oakland Cultural Plan Implementation

In May 2019, the Oakland City Council approved $80,000 in fiscal year 2018-2019 grants to eight Oakland-based nonprofit organizations through the City’s pilot Neighborhood Voices grant program. City Council also approved acceptance of a $75,000 grant award from the Surdna Foundation to support actions and recommendations found in the City’s Cultural Plan, including a cultural and racial equity impact analysis.

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.

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