Announcements

In Memoriam: Alameda County Supervisor Richard Valle

The Alameda County Arts Commissioners and staff are extremely sad about the passing of Alameda County Supervisor Richard Valle on February 8, 2023. Supervisor Valle was a strong advocate for the arts. He participated in and supported many events with the Alameda County Arts Commission. As a Veteran himself, he was a dedicated supporter of the Veterans Art Partnership which is a program of the Alameda County Arts Commission with the Oakland Vet Center, providing arts programs to Veterans and their family members throughout Alameda County. He expressed so much sincere care for the Veterans in the program and really understood how the arts can help support expression and healing.

On November 7, 2022 in honor of Veterans Day, Supervisor Richard Valle shared a moving speech with the Veterans and their family members at the Veterans Art Partnership Exhibition presented by the Alameda County Arts Commission in partnership with the Oakland Vet Center, Hayward Arts Council, and the Hayward Public Library. We will remember Supervisor Valle for his kindness, his compassion and his dedicated commitment to public service. He will be greatly missed.

“True ease and comfort are not found in a quiet, uneventful life. This may sound paradoxical, but hardships bring about ease and comfort. For only by establishing strong individual lives capable of boldly challenging difficult obstacles can we find true peace and security in this lifetime.”

-Excerpt of Speech by Richard Valle on November 7, 2022
presented in honor of Veterans Day and in celebration of the Veterans Art Partnership

Supervisor Richard Valle at the Arts Commission's Veterans Art Exhibition at the Hayward Library

Supervisor Richard Valle and Rachel Osajima at the Arts Commission's Veterans Art Exhibition at the Hayward Library

Alameda County Veterans Art Partnership Exhibition

The Alameda County Arts Commission’s Veterans Art Partnership, which is now in its eighth year, celebrated with a reception for the Veterans Art Exhibition presented in partnership with the Oakland Vet Center, Hayward Arts Council, and the Hayward Public Library. In November of 2022, Oakland Vet Center Director Glynis Banks received a certificate of recognition from Alameda County Supervisor Richard Valle and Melissa Wilk, Alameda County Auditor-Controller/Clerk-Recorder. This certificate recognized the Oakland Vet Center and the Veterans and their family members from throughout the county that participated in the Alameda County Arts Commission’s Veterans Art Partnership. The exhibition featured 60 artworks created by 32 Veterans and their family members through the Veterans Art Partnership. The goal of the exhibition was to share the vision and voice of Veterans and their family members with the broader public who can learn firsthand about the Veteran experience.

The Veterans Art Partnership exhibition may now be viewed at the Alameda County Administration Building located at 1221 Oak Street on the 5th Floor Lobby Gallery in Oakland. The building is open to the public during regular office hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm through July 25.

2023 ARTSFUND Grant Progam

Grants for nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in Alameda County

Online Application is Now Available at https://acac.grantplatform.com
Application Deadline: Wednesday, February 15, 2023, 5:00pm

The Alameda County Arts Commission is pleased to announce the 2023 ARTSFUND Grant Program for Alameda County-based nonprofit arts and cultural organizations. Standard grant awards are $2,000-$3,000 each. The application deadline is Wednesday, February 15, 2023. Visit the ARTSFUND page to see the Guidelines and information about free webinars.

The ARTSFUND Grant Program supports all types of arts and cultural programs such as visual arts, dance, music, theater, literature, media arts, and other art forms presented by Alameda County nonprofit organizations.

Resources for Artists and Arts Organizations

The Alameda County Arts Commission wants to keep the arts community informed with up-to-date information, resources and opportunities for support for artists, arts organizations, and the arts sector. Click on the links below for more information.

Americans for the Arts
Federal Arts Advocacy

California Arts Council
Grant Opportunities, News and Resources

Californians for the Arts
News, Resources and Events

California Arts Advocates
Arts Advocacy

Create CA
Arts Education Advocacy