Abstract
The 1927 Oakland Women’s City Club has endured for over 90 years. Tracing its cultural and performing arts history considers its use within the local context of population and economic fluxes, and questions the future sustainability of arts organizations. This building was not built exclusively for the arts but was reimagined in the 1980s as a city-owed arts center that housed the Oakland Ensemble Theatre: the city’s first and only professional black theater company. Now called the Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts, its new identity as an arts center persists owing to the advocacy of community performing arts groups who used the building. Currently, city financial support and grants helps prevent the displacement of its current residents, the Malonga Arts Collective. Hospitality, belonging, and gathering are themes that are reflected in the changing views and uses of this Oakland, California building. The city of Oakland promotes its vibrant arts community as a way to welcome new business and residents, while arts groups with a sense of belonging in this building and city must continuously find ways to work and live in their city.
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
The Arts in Social, Political, and Community Life
KEYWORDS
Theater, California, Dance, Arts, Architecture, Community
