The Oakland City Council on Dec. 2 voted to reinstate the city’s cultural affairs manager position, Oaklandside first reported . The decision comes after artists campaigned for the city to rehire for the position, which oversees public arts funding and raises money for cultural programs through private grants.

After former Cultural Affairs Manager Roberto Bedoya retired in 2024, the City of Oakland eliminated his position in its latest budget, passed in June 2025. That move prompted an outcry from Oakland artists and leaders from prominent organizations like the Oakland Symphony, Oakland Ballet Company and Living Jazz, who argued that the cultural affairs manager serves as a crucial liaison between Oakland artists, the city and funders.

“As simply as I can put it, the arts will not get

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