| Mission 21 Grand strives to cultivate and champion innovative and experimental works in Oakland in visual and media arts, music, performance, literature, and interdisciplinary projects. Our mission is achieved by presenting public exhibitions and performances at an accessible venue, fostering community through cross-cultural and cross-genre programming featuring mostly local artists, collaborating with other arts organizations and local groups, and serving as a catalyst space for emerging artists. History 21 Grand was founded in June 2000, and held its first show on July 15, 2000 at its eponymous location (21 Grand Ave.). Since then, we've attempted to provide a consistent platform for experimental arts and fill the void of experimental arts presentation in the East Bay. We have since played host to some of the most ambitious new works that realm has to offer, and our programming has been much lauded and emulated. 21 Grand incorporated as 21 Grand Arts Group Inc. on August 8, 2001, so that we could apply to be a tax-exempt non-profit, in order to qualify for grant funding, as well as to provide fiscal sponsorship for artists' projects. We were granted tax-exempt status on September 20, 2002, so, technically, we've been a tax-exempt non-profit since our incorporation date. As our audience and vision grew, so did our requirements for the space. On March 30, 2002, we bid farewell to our old location as we "moved on to a better place" two blocks away at 449B 23rd St. (between Broadway and Telegraph Avenue). In April 2005, our 23rd St. location was demolished to make way for a "mixed-use development" including luxury condos and a Starbucks. We then moved to 416 25th St., another two blocks. Though some find it absurd that we retained our site-specific name, we wished to maintain continuity, acknowledge our history, and represent 21 Grand as an organization defined by its mission and principles rather than by its physical location. For
a list of upcoming performances and events, please check out our calendar Our all-volunteer staff: Sarah Lockhart - Executive Director/Programming Director Our Board of Directors is composed of:
21 Grand's recent funders include: City of Oakland Cultural Funding Program, Alameda County Arts Commission, Zellerbach Family Foundation, Meet the Composer Creative Connections, Clorox Company Community Foundation, and individual donors. Funding for organizations and projects fiscally sponsored by 21 Grand has been provided by: Alameda County Arts Commission, Port of Oakland, Zellerbach Family Foundation, Hull Family Foundation, East Bay Community Foundation/Golden Circle, Clorox Company, and individual donors. |