We are here.
Alena Museum is a cultural placekeeping nonprofit with the mission of providing critical safe spaces for peoples of the African diaspora and beyond. We challenge systems of white supremacy through public art activism and the provision of resources and mentorship to nourish the artistic and entrepreneurial endeavors of Black communities, and beyond.
Why cultural placekeeping?
Why cultural placemaking? Placekeeping recognizes culture and physical space as inextricably linked.
In the face of gentrification, forced diasporas, and risked erasure of Black folx and beyond, we know that space and belonging is fragile. Cultural placemaking is the direct counter to generations of violent racism, segregation, disinvestment and redlining that have resulted in the stolen ownership of our spaces.
Good cultural placekeeping centers community and activates public spaces where all can feel welcome, safe, and seen. It is an intentional reclamation of space with the goal of esteeming people's health, happiness, and wellbeing.
It encourages stories to emerge–as an act of defiance, liberation, and healing. It lets place speak for itself and gives the community an opportunity of listen, learn, remember, and respond. It’s a reminder of how powerful a shared vision can be.
Erasure is a form of oppression. Alena Museum centers the importance of maintaining and growing Black spaces, on their own terms. Cultural placemaking is more than just an outdoor art project. It’s a reminder that we are here.
Alena Museum’s cultural placekeeping work inspires artists and community to make direct connections between the legacies of their ancestors and their modern experiences today, to create a more inclusive and thriving city landscape.
Creating access and taking up space.
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Cultural Placekeeping >
We serve a dynamic range of artists and entrepreneurs providing dependable and affordable workspaces and art studios, peer support, and participation in large-scale projects.
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Art activations >
Through our public art activations, the arts community incubated at Alena Museum continues to galvanize the many progressive social justice movements happening in Oakland and beyond.
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Creative Services >
Have your own vision? We want to help you bring it to life. We’re a community-focused artist collaborative focused on visual branding, engagement, storytelling. Let us connect you with creatives for your next project.
