BLACspace is a California Cooperative Corporation, which means it is owned and governed by its members.
“BABA” by Casper Banjo. Courtesy of CARP / Community Archival Resource Project at EastSide Arts Alliance
BLACspace Organizational Membership is giving Black arts and cultural organizations the support they need to grow, connect, and thrive in a cooperative community.
BLACspace exists in a long lineage and rich ecosystem of Black-led cooperatives, standing on the shoulders of centuries-old mutual aid networks, The Black Panther Party and many others.
BLACspace is a multistakeholder cooperative with two active member classes:
Worker Members:
The staff team who runs the daily operations of the cooperative and provides services to Oakland’s Black cultural ecosystem.
Organizational Members:
Black-led, Oakland-based arts and cultural organizations who commit to one year at a time of participation in BLACspace’s mutual aid network.
After one year of employment for workers and participation for organizations, folks can vest in the cooperative and become members with full financial and governance rights including representation on the board, making policy decisions and receiving patronage dividends from any annual surplus.
Unlock resources that fuel growth, collaboration, and cultural connection within a network of dedicated change-makers.
Become an Organizational Member with BLACspace
Photo from BLACspace Design sprint 2023
Organizational Members receive:
1
Holistic Wellness Check
—
Assess your organization’s strengths and areas for growth with our in-depth wellness assessment.
2
Coaching Pods
—
Join small, targeted groups for structured coaching sessions on common organizational challenges.
3
Matchmaking
—
Connect with vetted consultants, staff, and fellow BLACspace members to meet your resource or staffing needs.
4
Access to Events
—
Gain free entry to BLACspace events—spaces designed for capacity-building, collaboration, and resource sharing.
5
Digital Sharing
& Resources
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Amplify your reach by integrating content across BLACspace’s digital channels and gain access to curated resources that support sustainability.
Mutual Aid
—
Join a powerful network of coaches, consultants, cultural workers, real estate experts, and creatives—collaborating, sharing helpful resources, and building a community-driven ecosystem of care and trust.
6
Members of the Artist As First Responder collective reading BLATANT zine. Oakland CA 2025 by Sasha Kelley