Mapping Small Arts and Culture Organizations of Color in Oakland

A benchmark project that will encourage funders to adopt intentional investment strategies to support the long-term stability of this sector.
 
Studio Grand | “Under Oakland Skies” JAX Dancers | Photo credit: Jean Melesaine
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Welcome

We take pride in Oakland’s art and cultural legacies. The rich and vibrant contributions from communities of color are what make our hometown unique. At the heart of these traditions are small, grassroots groups that are led by and serve these communities. But these organizations are struggling to survive.

Our foundations commissioned this benchmark study to find out precisely how these groups strengthen our cities. We also wanted to understand the challenges they face—and how philanthropy and others can support and invest in this sector.

This report shows that arts and culture groups embedded in Oakland’s communities of color are advancing understanding and spurring collective action on urgent issues—from racial justice, economic development and displacement to oppressive policing and gun violence. But as in other communities across the country, Oakland’s small, grassroots organizations are at risk due to a lack of reliable, long-term funding—even as they grapple with rising operating costs.

The report affirms that public and private funders and the broader community can do more to support these valuable assets. Let’s work together to make sure Oakland can sustain an arts and culture legacy that matches the vitality and racial and economic diversity of its people.

Gina Acebo
Vice President of Programs
Akonadi Foundation
Shelley Trott
Director of Arts
Strategy & Ventures
Kenneth Rainin Foundation
Embodiment Project
“Ancient Children” featuring Gina Breedlove
Photo credit: Angelina Labate

Ubuntu
"Dance of the Holy Ghosts”
Photo courtesy: Simone Finney

67 Sueños
"Migrant People Power”
Photo courtesy: 67 Sueños

Joyce Gordon Foundation for the Arts
“Oakland Youth Arts Explosion”
Photo courtesy: Joyce Gordon

Studio Grand
“Under Oakland Skies” JAX
Photo courtesy: Jean Melesaine

Dohee Lee
“Mago”
Photo credit: Pak Han

Download Executive Summary

Download

Girls Raks Belly Dance
“Resistance & Revolution”
Photo courtesy: Tammy Johnson

Dnaga
“The Girl Project”
Photo courtesy: Claudine Naganuma

Ubuntu Theater Project
"XXX"
Photo credit: Jim Carmody

Forward Together
“Trans Life & Liberation”
Photo courtesy: Forward Together

Download Benchmark Report

Download


Umoja Festival
Photo courtesy: Umoja Festival

Zawaya
“Communities of Color: Resistance & Affirmation“
Photo courtesy: Najib Joe Hakim

Cunamacué
“Diablos en la Calle”
Photo courtesy: Jean Melesaine


“Natural Heir Series”
Photo courtesy: Artist Nye Lyn Tho & Arisa White

AYPAL: Building API Community Power
“May Arts Festival”
Photo courtesy: AYPAL

Get on the map

If you’re an Oakland cultural organization with a budget under $250,000 that is led by and serves communities of color, register your group by December 1, 2018* to be included on the map.

Go!
*This map will be updated once to capture organizations not documented in the baseline report.
Brought to you by
Creative Equity
Research Partners
For media inquiries or more information, contact:
communications@krfoundation.org or info@akonadifoundation.org

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