Artists & Community

Open Center

Berkeley Art Center

Ongoing – May 9

In April, BAC launched Open Center, expanding how to use the space beyond traditional gallery exhibitions. Open Center will serve as a hub where ideas, artists and community intersect, offering opportunities for interdisciplinary, intercultural and inter-philosophical dialogue, reflection and activation. 

During this time, the gallery will transform into a communal workspace for artists and community gatherings. BAC artists-in-residence working across a variety of media will explore the multifaceted relationships between art, nature, culture and site to expand their creative practices. The gallery will also serve as a laboratory for developing new forms of engagement and activation by drawing inspiration from BAC and the natural environment. Artists will share their creative work and processes through public programs.

Community partners will also use the space to connect, bringing together diverse audiences for thoughtful, relevant activities. BAC will serve a place for the community to gather, with art at the center as a catalyst for social change, healing and imagination during uncertain times. With spring comes hope and renewal, and a time to gather, create, share, listen and learn. These gatherings will draw on artists' creativity and networks to explore new possibilities for community engagement within an institutional setting, while amplifying the work and voices of marginalized and vulnerable communities.

As BAC approaches its 60th anniversary in 2027, the Center will reflect on its roles as a contemporary art gallery, a community gathering place and a resource for emerging Bay Area artists. Through Open Center, BAC recognizes a significant opportunity to work more expansively with artists and to better support their visions, processes and projects in community settings.