OaklandArts

01/23/2026

We are excited to announce Lyz Luke will be joining the City as our new Cultural Affairs Manager. Please give her a warm welcome! 🎉🎉🎉

NEWS RELEASE — The Department of Economic and Workforce Development is pleased to announce the appointment of Lyz Luke as the City of Oakland’s new Cultural Affairs Manager.

"Lyz Luke is a proven and dedicated local arts leader who emerged following a robust national recruitment. I am thrilled to have her joining our team to advance the critical work of supporting Oakland’s artistic and creative communities," said Ashleigh Kanat, Director of Economic and Workforce Development.

Learn more about Lyz here: https://na2.hubs.ly/H03c6Tw0

12/12/2025

There is still time to register!

OAKLAND: We're headed your way this Saturday!

Hosted and facilitated by our regional partner Youth Speaks, we want our input on your local creative economy! Every sector of the creative workforce are encouraged to attend.
Register now at http://tiny.cc/OaklandCE

12/12/2025

Good news for Oakland!

After artists campaigned for the city to rehire for the position, the Oakland City Council voted to reinstate the city’s cultural affairs manager position, which oversees public arts funding and raises money for cultural programs through private grants.

Learn more ⬇️

08/12/2025

Join our team!
The City of Oakland - Local Government is seeking an experienced and innovating leader to serve as Cultural Affairs Manager. Visit the link for more details:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/oaklandca/jobs/4708498/cultural-affairs-manager

12/04/2024

Check out this exciting new opportunity!

12/04/2024

10/25/2024

This week we are celebrating the retirement of our fearless leader, the City of Oakland’s Cultural Affairs Manager Roberto Bedoya.

Throughout his decades long career and 8 years with the City of Oakland, Roberto has reframed the discussion on cultural policy to shed light on exclusionary practices in policy decision making, and consistently supported artist-centered cultural practices. Upon his retirement, Roberto was honored by Oakland’s City Council for his passion, vision and leadership in cultivating belonging across Oakland’s cultural landscape and our nation. Such accomplishments during his tenure include: establishing the City of Oakland - Local Government's first cultural plan in 30 years, launching the Cultural Strategist-in-Government Program, raising nearly $6M for Oakland artists & cultural organizations, and much more.

Roberto, thank you for your tireless dedication to Oakland’s cultural community. We will miss your presence in City Hall dearly and wish you the best in your next chapter as a cultural champion!

Please visit the link below to read more about Roberto’s amazing accomplishments: https://oakland.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6858800&GUID=1F271964-C388-4E72-98E2-DCD4243E7E3D&Options=ID&fbclid=IwY2xjawGIzNFleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHVSu7ekBWInjOqpDFx21KWuUsmTU2P3IO3I8DqftVnQqa2fpHPdPZ7a68w_aem_2FQ0LYvhdfQ_vNTZMAsLyg

10/02/2024

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ActiveCultures/posts/10162896843594063/?comment_id=10162896939834063

09/24/2024

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/oaklands-finest-hip-hop-meets-gospel-tickets-1021287617757

A free concert featuring Oakland artists, hosted by Councilmember Janani Ramachandran

09/04/2024