Latest News from Cultural Affairs
Cultural Plan Development
The City of Oakland is developing a Cultural Plan that will be a guided document that defines cultural priorities. Community engagement is planned throughout the process. Click here to learn more.
Special Event Permitting Process Survey
The City of Oakland has convened a Special Event Permitting Task Force to make it easier to comply with special event permit requirements – to make it easier to hold events of all kinds in the City.
Now the Task Force wants your input to ensure it is on track towards creating an easier and more streamlined process. Thank you in advance for taking the time to complete this survey.
CAST/NCCLF Real Estate Readiness Workshops for Arts Groups
On with the Show: Turning your Financial Performance into a Masterpiece
Commercial Leasing Strategies: Getting to Yes
OTHER NEWS:
Roberto Bedoya named Cultural Affairs Manager
Cultural Affairs
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Cultural Funding Grants
The City of Oakland Cultural Funding Program provides a competitive grant- funding process for Oakland-based art and cultural activities that reflect the diversity of the city.
Public Art
Public Art provides an opportunity to enliven, enrich and enhance our visual environment and public spaces. The best public art creates a focal point for activity, a meeting place and a landmark -- and lets residents and visitors enjoy the tremendous creative talent found in our city. Funding through the Public Art Ordinance, Capitol Improvement Projects and Measure DD allows for amazing new temporary and permanent installations throughout the city. Learn more about Public Art in Oakland.
For more information on the latest Calls for Artists and other artist opportunities, visit our Public Art Calls for Artists page.
Arts Advisory Committees
The City's arts programs are managed by Cultural Arts & Marketing staff with oversight from the Public Art Advisory Committee and Funding Advisory Committee.
Mayor's Artist Task Force on Affordable Housing and Workspaces
Last year, Mayor Schaaf convened a task force to identify strategies for stemming the displacement of artists from Oakland.
- A summary of the Task Force’s recommendations are included in the Task Force memorandum.
- A more complete compilation of the Task Force’s work is in the final White Paper.
Resources for Arts Organizations and Artists Facing Displacement
New Grant and Technical Assistance Program: Keeping-Space Oakland - Applications due February 10, 2017
Keeping Space – Oakland is CAST’s new pilot program dedicated to preserving real estate for Oakland’s arts and culture organizations that are facing displacement. Through direct financial grants, one-on-one technical assistance and strategic real estate cohort training, CAST’s goal is to provide safe, stable and permanent real estate solutions for Oakland’s local arts organizations. Applications are due February 10 at 11:59 p.m.
Apply today at http://cast-sf.org/keeping-space-oakland/
Rainin Foundation's Arts Real Estate Strategy - A Model
The Kenneth Rainin Foundation recently launched the Rainin Arts Real Estate Strategy website to share a solution for arts and cultural organizations facing displacement in cities and communities across the country. The collaborative strategy provides a roadmap for arts organizations, cities, funders and others to address the real estate needs of arts and cultural nonprofits. The strategy is based on the Rainin Foundation's success of two projects in San Francisco and on more recent initiatives in Oakland.
To download the report, visit the website at http://krfoundation.org/artsrealestate/
Comprehensive Counseling and Emergency Financial Assistance - The Actors Fund
The Actors Fund is a national human services organization that helps everyone— performers and those behind the scenes — who works in performing arts and entertainment. Serving professionals in film, theatre, television, music, opera, radio and dance, The Fund’s programs include social services and emergency financial assistance, health care and insurance counseling, housing, and employment and training services. With offices in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, The Actors Fund has been—for 132 years—a safety net for those in need, crisis or transition.
Visit www.actorsfund.org. If you’d like to speak with a counselor for assistance and more information, call (323) 933-9244 ext 455.
Promoting Oakland

CURRENT NEWS:
CULTURAL PLAN - COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) ISSUED
The City of Oakland, Cultural Affairs Division is seeking a consultant to conduct research and community engagement activities in conjunction with the development of a Cultural Plan. Deadline: April 20, 2017. Read the RFQ here for more information.
Marketing Oakland for Business and Investment
The Marketing & Special Events program produces vital marketing tools to attract business, develop business and revitalize neighborhoods. The message: Oakland is a premier location for business and investment.
Research has identified eight key industries that offer huge potential to grow Oakland's economy.
To learn more about Oakland, visit the Market Profile section.
Marketing Oakland for Arts, Culture and Entertainment
The Marketing & Special Events program supports the arts, culture and entertainment communities by highlighting the world-class amenities to be found in Oakland.
Art + Soul, Oakland's premier music and arts festival — now entering its 15th year — draws tens of thousands of festival-goers to downtown over a weekend in August.
Regionally, 510Arts.com (World Culture in the East Bay) features arts news and events in the 510 area code stretching from Oakland to Richmond.
OaklandGrown.org highlights cultural, shopping, dining and entertainment amenities found throughout Oakland.
The MeetDowntownOAK campaign promotes downtown Oakland as a dining, entertainment and cultural destination.
For more information, visit our Marketing & Special Events Page.
Film Your Movie or Commercial in Oakland
Oakland offers a variety of unique settings for your movie or commercial.
The Oakland Film Office promotes filmmaking in Oakland to advance economic development and civic pride and to increase regional, national and international awareness of Oakland as a beautiful and culturally diverse city.
Free Oakland Walking Tours

Learn about the stunning architecture and fun history found in downtown Oakland by taking one of eight different walking tours. Knowledgeable guides lead the free 90-minute tours every Wednesday and Saturday between May and October. Check the Tour Calendar for the itineraries offered on any given day.
Special tours are offered throughout the year, and Oakland Tours can customize a tour combining different itineraries on a day and time that is convenient for your group. School field trips -- our "Know Your City" tours -- are offered January through June.
Cultural Affairs Commission
The City of Oakland's Cultural Affairs Commission is currently inactive, with all seats vacant.
To read more about the Cultural Affairs Commission and view historical agendas and minutes, go to Cultural Affairs Commission.