Cultural Affairs Commission

The Cultural Affairs Commission is an advisory body to the Mayor, City Council, and City Administrator on matters affecting cultural development in Oakland.

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Calendar of Meetings

After February 28, 2023, all City of Oakland boards and commissions will conduct in-person meetings. Please check our website for the latest news and important information about the City's return to in-person meetings.

Cultural Affairs Commission - 2025 Meeting Calendar

• January 27, 2025 5:30-8:30 PM
• April 28, 2025 5:30-8:30 PM
• May 19, 2025 5:30-8:30 PM
• July 28, 2025 5:30-8:30 PM
• October 27, 2025 5:30-8:30 PM

There are two opportunities to make a comment during meetings- Public Comment and Open Forum. Zoom participation is strictly for viewing only. Comments will no longer accepted via Zoom.

How to Make a Comment

There are two opportunities for the public to address the Cultural Affairs Commission and City staff. The first opportunity is during the "Public Comment" period. The second opportunity is during the "Open Forum" period. Dialogue during the meeting with Commissioners, City staff, or its guest speakers is not permitted outside of the two comment periods.

Re: Zoom Participation + Comment Periods

All Commission meetings will be conducted in-person. The Cultural Affairs Commission is no longer accepting public comments via Zoom or telephone. Therefore, live comments must be made in-person. An alternative option is to submit a written comment by 5:00 PM before the meeting starts to rbedoya@oaklandca.gov Any comments received via email during the duration or after the meeting may not be entered into public record but will be shared with the Commission and City staff at a later time.

About

The Cultural Affairs Commission is an advisory body to the Mayor, City Council, and City Administrator on matters affecting cultural development in Oakland. The Commission acts as ambassadors and advocates for arts and culture in the city.

Membership: 11 commissioners; 10 regular appointments and 1 appointment selected from the Public Art Advisory Committee

No person shall be appointed to serve more than two (2) consecutive terms.

Current Members

• Vanessa Whang (Chair)
• Jim Santi Owen (Vice Chair)
• Olaywa Austin
• Kev Choice
• Jennifer Easton
• Ebhodaghe Esoimeme
• Michelle Mush Lee
• Ilana Lipsett
• Mandolyn Ludlum