Oakland is getting recognition for its vibrant cultural production, a momentum that is culminating in a visible creative economy driving renewal in the downtown.
ArtPlace called Popuphood and I had a chance to share my perspective on changes in infrastructure, funding, economics, and demographics that contributed to this shift. But it can be summed up very simply. People want to move here, live here and stay here. I have heard many many times from families, business owners and artists that they began to question why they lived in Oakland but commuted to a job elsewhere. They understand that living in Oakland was also an opportunity to invest and began to open their gallery, business, studio or office in Oakland instead of San Francisco. The reason goes beyond the bottom line, sure Oakland is much more affordable. It goes right to the heart of the matter, people open up a business and invest in their communities because that is where their home is. And home is where the heart is, and we hella love Oakland. I'm still here.
What this report means for Oakland is that we are part of a network of other cities, a federal funding structure and institutional resources. For example, the Artplace forum hosted by Pro Arts revealed a willingness on behalf of Artplace to share some of the data and findings, like indicators and metrics found in the report, to art groups. This would benefit arts organizations with limited resources by saving time and money. This would function as an impact multiplier and support the open data movement in cities across the country. To read more, see below.
-Sarah
ArtPlace called Popuphood and I had a chance to share my perspective on changes in infrastructure, funding, economics, and demographics that contributed to this shift. But it can be summed up very simply. People want to move here, live here and stay here. I have heard many many times from families, business owners and artists that they began to question why they lived in Oakland but commuted to a job elsewhere. They understand that living in Oakland was also an opportunity to invest and began to open their gallery, business, studio or office in Oakland instead of San Francisco. The reason goes beyond the bottom line, sure Oakland is much more affordable. It goes right to the heart of the matter, people open up a business and invest in their communities because that is where their home is. And home is where the heart is, and we hella love Oakland. I'm still here.
What this report means for Oakland is that we are part of a network of other cities, a federal funding structure and institutional resources. For example, the Artplace forum hosted by Pro Arts revealed a willingness on behalf of Artplace to share some of the data and findings, like indicators and metrics found in the report, to art groups. This would benefit arts organizations with limited resources by saving time and money. This would function as an impact multiplier and support the open data movement in cities across the country. To read more, see below.
-Sarah
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| Download the report Art Place Blog Post Excerpt: Art is inspiring and motivating. But it is also a powerful catalyst for change within communities, invigorating neighborhoods, supporting local businesses, and creating vibrant places. America’s Top Twelve ArtPlaces is a new annual ArtPlace initiative recognizing neighborhoods in the largest 44 metropolitan areas in the country where the arts are central to creating places where people—residents and visitors—want to be. Link to full press release here. “The impact the arts have had on the social and economic vibrancy and economy of these communities is unmistakable,” noted Carol Coletta of ArtPlace. “This study shows how the arts can provide a foundation for a diversity of neighborhoods to thrive.” Carol Coletta | America’s Top 12 ArtPlaces for 2013 are: Brooklyn, NY / The intersection of Downtown, Fort Greene, Gowanus, Park Slope and Prospect Heights Dallas, TX / The Dallas Arts District, with parts of Deep Ellum and Exposition Park Los Angeles, CA / Central Hollywood Miami Beach, FL / South Beach Milwaukee, WI / The Third Ward New York, NY / Manhattan Valley Oakland, CA / Downtown, including Chinatown, Old Oakland and Jack London Square Philadelphia, PA / Old City Portland, OR / The Pearl District and a portion of Downtown San Francisco, CA / The Mission District Seattle, WA / The Pike-Pine Corridor Washington, DC / The intersection of Adams Morgan, U Street, and Dupont Circle |
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