By Conway Jones
On July 16, the Oakland City Council passed an ordinance that re-established the Cultural Affairs Commission. This legislation paved the way for the body’s return after an eight-year hiatus.
The ordinance included amendments that redefine duties, modify the membership and quorum requirements, and clarify the appointment process of the Cultural Affairs Commission.
“The re-animated Cultural Affairs Commission will inform additional implementation steps of our Cultural Plan and advise on all matters pertaining to cultural and artistic development in Oakland,” said Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf. “Arts and culture make up the foundation of Oakland’s unique history and identity. This commission will play a key role in honoring that history and supporting Oakland’s future cultural and artistic health.”
The Cultural Affairs Commission will serve as an advisory body to the Mayor, City Council and City Administrator on all matters affecting cultural development in Oakland. “The Cultural Affairs Commission members will act as ambassadors and advocates as we lift up the role of culture in building a just and equitable city,” said Roberto Bedoya, Cultural Affairs Manager.
This body will work to meet the objectives of Belonging in Oakland: A Cultural Development Plan, which seeks to lift up the role of culture in building a just and equitable city, and positions diversity at the heart of the work of City government.
The Cultural Affairs Commission will be comprised of 11 commissioners: 10 regular appointments and 1 appointment selected from the Public Art Advisory Committee. Appointments to the Commission will be made by the Mayor and confirmed by the Oakland City Council.
Interested applicants should apply HERE
This article originally appeared in the Oakland Post.
