The Oakland Artisan Marketplace was established in 2000 as a program for artisans to share their work directly with the city of Oakland and its visitors. The OAM provides the infrastructure through which artisans are able to develop and sell their work and to create a viable business for themselves. The creative atmosphere, quality artistry and honest business practices maintained by our community of artisans represent the range of Oakland 's creativity and diversity.

Program Information & Background

In early 2000 the Oakland City Managers' Office and City Council requested city staff to research and develop a street artist-vending program. After extensive research and community meetings with artists, merchants and neighborhood and business representatives, two small pilot projects were implemented by the Community Economic Development Agency (CEDA). Following these pilot projects, staff from the Craft and Cultural Arts Department (CCAD) drafted a design for a more extensive program. On October 31, 2000 an Ordinance was passed by City Council for a five-year pilot program, entitled the Oakland Artisan Marketplace.

The program began in November 2000 with two marketplaces on Fridays and Saturdays with about fifteen artisans participating. As of April 2003, the marketplace has grown to serve 100 certified artisans and provides selling opportunities on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Since the program's inception, over 250 artisans have received certification and the marketplace continues to support an ever-growing pool of artisans to share and expand their businesses. Staff continually considers ways to best address concerns about this still young marketplace and to enhance the viability of the program.

The Oakland Artisan Marketplace is established for the benefit of artists and craftspeople, consumers and the City of Oakland . It provides certified artists with a venue to sell their own creations and consumers with an opportunity to buy handmade, unique, quality arts and crafts items. In accord with the “producer-to-consumer” philosophy, an artisan (fine artist or skilled craftsperson), who designs and is involved all aspects of production of his/her art or craft, may sell under this designation.

The Goals of the Artisan Marketplace

• Create destination area(s) that will attract visitors and residents to purchase unique arts and craft items;
  Provide a mechanism for Oakland and regional artists to sell their hand-crafted artwork;
  Encourage the development of the arts and crafts community;
  Encourage existing business areas without creating competition to retail businesses;
  Create a positive streetscape in designated community development areas.