Celebrating 40 Years

In 1984, organized by Rev. Frank G. Mar, a coalition of volunteers recognized the need for a strong pan-Asian artistic and cultural organization that would serve as a pillar for the Oakland Chinatown community. During the time the center was being envisioned, the Cantonese-speaking dominant neighborhood was experiencing a large influx of Vietnamese immigrants. Rev. Mar and volunteers knew that Oakland Chinatown had not always been a monolithic community; before WWII the neighborhood had once included Japanese, Filipino, and Korean immigrant households. Therefore, it became clear to them that the center should be grounded on pan-Asian culture and arts to serve the needs of the growing multicultural Asian community. During the early years, Oakland Asian Cultural Center (OACC) held cultural festivals in Lincoln Square Park and participated in local parades. In 1996, with strong community support, a facility was built for OACC at the center of Oakland Chinatown in the new Renaissance Plaza at 388 9th Street in Oakland, California. Since 1996, OACC has presented high-quality arts and cultural programs including performances, workshops, festivals, classes, and exhibitions.  Today, OACC has extended its reach beyond its neighborhood border and draws diverse residents from throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.