We are The 30th and West Live/Work Community Arts Center, Inc. Or simply 30West. We're a 501(c)3 non profit creating safe, affordable, and inspiring places to live and work for Oakland's artistic community.
Many of the members of the 30West project team were part of a live/work warehouse that ran for more than a decade in West Oakland before being shut down due to unsympathetic landlords and unpermitted construction. That project flourished, with 12 bedrooms offering below-market rent, weekly flow arts-focused skill shares, superb fabrication projects from sailboats to monumental steel art made by resident artists, and a strong community of mutual support.
We are committed to making an up-to-code, compliant, legal live/work warehouse community that will bring together affordable housing, opportunities for people to create and learn about art, a venue for events and performances, and a strong community grounded in mutual support and creative expression. This is different from a bunch of apartments because residents and studio users will not just see each other in hallways, but share a kitchen and common spaces so that unexpected and enriching interactions are the daily norm.
As a grassroots 501(c)3 non profit, 30West is raising funds for this project through a combination tax-deductible donations, low-interest loans from community members, and grants - including funds from CAST, Meow Wolf and the SF Awesome Foundation. There are still some missing ingredients, and we’re excited for more involvement and contributions!
Contact our Fundraising Team to contribute.
We have multiple studio spaces (strictly work-only for now) available at our centrally located warehouse in North/West Oakland - ranging in size from 64 sf to 415 sf. There are two 10' x 13' roll up doors, two shared restrooms and a sink. 24 hour access available. Great natural light from many skylights. Available starting May 1st of 2018. Located in the 27th and San Pablo neighborhood. Create art while simultaneously supporting Oakland artist community!
Contact our Property Manager
Our cooperative has a significant amount of expertise in accounting, tenant and property law, management, self-governance models, marketing, architecture, carpentry, and electrical work. We simply couldn't afford to make this project work if we didn't have this level of on-team expertise and passion. We dedicate countless hours, with the project as our reward. It's rare that we need external help, and given all the expertise on our team, even rarer that we must hire someone to do this labor for us. But our expertise and our time have their limits. When we must reach out for help, we prefer to approach our community first. We're also aware that not everyone who wants to be involved can contribute fiscally, though they may have some spare cycles for pro-bono work.
Currently seeking backup in property management, fundraising, and grant writing.
Donate now through PayPal, or contact our fundraising team to discuss other methods of giving.
