Over 30 people protested the planned elimination of the Cultural Affairs Manager position in Oakland's budget. The Cultural Affairs Manager is seen as essential for supporting local artists through advocacy and funding. Comparisons with San Francisco highlighted a stark contrast, as it awarded over $10 million in grants to arts organizations. Community members expressed deep concerns about losing this position, recounting how access to art influences social behavior and reduces violence. The role's salary of $170,000 was defended as a worthwhile investment for the impact it generates within the community.
When I was young, we had places to go. We had things to do that would scare us away from trouble. And with those places that involve art and creativity, it would allow us to meet, learn, and understand our neighbors. So when we grew up, we were less likely to want to shoot and kill people that grew up with us, because we had a prior relationship with them.
This move just makes no sense, and it feels like a betrayal, and that's personal, you know?
The role of a Cultural Affairs Manager provides crucial support, functioning as equal parts advocate, fundraiser, intermediary and ambassador, making an annual salary of $170,000 justifiable.
Vanessa Whang noted that San Francisco's leaders were being 'smart' about their priorities, managing to award more than $10 million in grants to artists that morning.
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