Epic Arts

Epic Arts is a grassroots non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening community and culture through the arts. We have been working together since 1997 to build community partnerships, mobilize local artists, produce cultural events, and develop resources and facilities that ensure accessibility for performers, artists and audiences. Some of our current activities include: managing a community arts and resource center in South Berkeley, presenting weekly events and concerts throughout the East Bay, teaching arts related classes, producing music and art festivals in the East Bay, producing a community arts calendar, hosting bi-weekly community arts meetings and installing public art with community members. As advocates, organizers, artists, and engaged citizens, Epic Arts is on a mission to spread creative community life and ensure a vibrant arts experience for all.

www.epicarts.org

Shotgun Players @ The Ashby Stage

The Shotgun Players is an ensemble of artists on a mission to create bold, relevant, affordable theater. We believe in the power of theater as a mechanism through which we and our community examine ourselves and the world.

The group that once depended solely on Artistic Director Patrick Dooley's determination and resourcefulness now has a growing annual budget, a managing staff, company members, artistic associates, a board of directors and an ambitious seven-show season. Our passion and resolve fuels our work more strongly than ever as we propel ourselves into the new millennium and our tenth season of premieres, collaborations and inventive reworkings of old classics.

www.shotgunplayers.org

Triptych Gallery

Located on the west side of Walgreen's at Adeline & Oregon Street, this new gallery space represents the further integration of art, business, and community life in the Ashby Arts District. Mission:

• to inspire dialogue that explores new ideas and unique voices
• to connect our District to a global community of artists in an easily accessible manner
• to be a forum for emerging artists

www.triptychgallery.com

La Pena Cultural Center

• present cultural and educational programs that increase understanding of different cultures and support efforts to build a more just society.
• operate a multi-use cultural center/community gathering place where people of all races and cultures can share the rich and diverse heritages of the Americas and learn about cultural, political and social conditions in Latin America, the US. and around the world.
• support the work of community organizations that are active in international and domestic social justice issues.
• encourage the development of different art forms for all disciplines, disciplines keeping alive cultural roots that foster a better vision for the future.

www.lapena.org

Black Repertory Group

• To facilitate personal development and self-esteem using theatre as a tool.
• To provide community service and promote community growth through the activities of the Black Repertory Group.
• To encourage an awareness of and encourage Black Culture by providing an outline through Black Theatre.
• To provide comprehensive Youth Programs which will give exposure in acting skills and introduction to the theater Arts.
  

www.blackrepertorygroup.com

Nomad Café's mission is to build earth-friendly and art-friendly community.  We hold crucial the link between culture and environment.  Green business practices and a healthy, organic, and Fair Trade food and drink menu support sustainable farming and a healthy global ecosystem, while the diversity and creativity of our community are represented through live music and performances on the Nomad stage and rotating art installations in the Nomad Cafe Gallery.  The alliance of arts and cultural organizations and community-based businesses represented by the Ashby Arts District provides a local model for a broader global vision of inclusion, sustainability, activism, and stewardship.

www.nomadcafe.net

Founded in 1973, the Northern California Land Trust (NCLT) is the leading organization in the Western United States specializing in permanently affordable housing for those who have no access to market rate housing (including those with lower wage jobs, on fixed incomes, or with disabilities).

Unlike other affordable housing organizations, NCLT ensures that homes it builds or rehabilitates remain accessibly priced beyond the first homeowners. This is possible by using the community land trust (CLT) model through which NCLT retains the rights to the land upon which the home stands. When a homeowner wishes to sell the house, NCLT ensures the selling price is affordable, regardless of current market prices.

www.nclt.org

Unconditional Theatre explores contemporary issues and events with the actual words, stories, and participation of those involved. Through interviewing, story sharing, and coached dialogue, we involve communities directly in the creation and presentation of dramatic work that builds understanding and seeks to inspire social change. In addition to presenting documentary performances in community settings, we host Story Swaps (participatory storytelling events), Sunday Night Dialogues (readings of newspapers & legislation), and audio-based testimonial projects.

www.untheatre.org