Arts First Oakland fosters and exhibits the creativity and beauty of Oakland’s diverse cultural heritage, promoting spiritual growth and community transformation through artistic empowerment. Arts First Oakland unites local performing artists and organizations, arts teachers, youth artists, and the families and community members who support the arts to form a nexus of arts activity. Arts First Oakland envisions itself as a community center where: Artists and arts teachers collaborate to mutually enrich their work and their lives and those of their students. Artists share performance, artistic, and educational experiences with one another and with the wider community. Cultural diversity is intentionally explored and celebrated and woven through the fabric of all artistic endeavors. The creation, teaching, learning, sharing and performing of art, in an atmosphere of mutual respect, serve as the basis for building multi-cultural, inter-generational, life-affirming community. Art is acknowledged as an essential element of a whole and spiritual life. People of every age can learn, work, play, and perform in a safe and nurturing creative environment. A network of mutual support and resource sharing strengthens the capacity and sustainability of artists, arts teachers, and arts organizations. The First Congregational Church of Oakland, historically a home of faith and social commitment, has begun a journey of revitalization to become more actively engaged in serving our city. In 2001, First Church began to work with many arts organizations and individual artists in our community - representing every age group from kids to seniors, and involved in dance, theatre, music, visual art, and the spoken word. This coming together of artists and arts organizers has given birth to the collaborative, non-denominational organization called Arts First Oakland. Arts First Oakland 2501 Harrison St, Suite 1 Oakland, CA 94612 Telephone 510-444-8511 x15 CONTACT US