Voices of the Calvin Simmons

Voices of Calvin Simmons (“Voices”), is an entity to be formed by a collective of local artists in partnership with the development team at our space to advance arts and equity in Oakland.

Voices goals are to:

  • Foster economic development

  • Provide subsidies for low-income artists

  • Increase community access to low and no cost programming

  • Provide technical assistance and professional development for Oakland creatives

  • Leverage the expertise of existing community networks for collaboration

  • Offer youth development + multigenerational activities

  • Facilitate cultural preservation of historical archives

  • Preserve the rich legacy of Oakland’s diverse heritage

Voices shall operate independently from, but in partnership with, the Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts to produce events at the Calvin Simmons Theatre and the adjacent ballrooms. The formation of Voices is intended to enable community ownership of public space and strengthen the cultural landscape by enabling systems of mutual support.

Voices leadership team

More info coming soon!