2021 Annual Report
Tara Pilbrow, Executive Director
At the end of 2020 I, like so many other artists, was proud to have survived. West End Arts District rolled with the punches, and continued to serve our community in new and innovative ways, but there was no doubt about it, we were all still reeling. At the end of 2021 I look back over a year in which we not only survived, but thrived, pushed boundaries, and made an impact in so many ways.
When we started live arts programming in the Healing Garden in May 2021, we were one of the first venues in the Bay Area to offer safe, in-person performance events since the lockdowns. Since then we have hosted over 40 events, bringing visitors from throughout the Bay Area to discover Alameda’s dynamic art scene.
In November, artist Dave Young Kim completed the Webster Gateway Mural, fulfilling a long-term ambition for West End Arts District. Alameda’s largest mural yet, the work now stands as a proud statement of the vibrancy and passion of our local community.
Alameda is surrounded by cities that are recognized around the world for their vibrant arts communities. Traditionally Alameda has been a place where artists come to live, but not to work. Little by little, that is changing, and I firmly believe that the arts have the potential to become a cornerstone of Alameda’s economy. As it says on the T-shirts and Sweatshirts that I love seeing people proudly wearing around town “Alameda’s making waves.”
Here’s to and artful and exciting 2022!
2021 IMPACT
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Building
Hosted 40 small scale, outdoor, in-person arts events throughout the year
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Gathering
Attended by more than 6,000 from all over the Bay Area*
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Sustaining
Provided paid working opportunities for over 230 artists, including musicians, dancers, visual artists, comedians, actors, makers and photographers.
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Growing
Collaborated with West Alameda Business Association to maintain the Healing Garden, as a free outdoor gathering space, arts space and garden for the West End community.
What the Community Is Saying
The Healing Garden has been such a bright spot for us in an otherwise dark year.
— Jennye Garibaldi (West End Resident)
A beautiful community experience. It restored my faith in community and my commitment to Alameda.
— Brian J Kenny (Musician and Alameda resident)
I loved everything, The music, the vibe, the friends, the comfort level and the respect around everything.
— Ileath Bridges (Alameda Resident)
People from all parts of the Island come together, ... a beautiful time for diversity and inclusiveness.
— Robbie Wilson (Black Achiever’s Alliance)
The West End is really stepping UP by inviting innovative artists, stellar musicians, creative performers, like-minded collaborators, and a healing garden to stir up community focused events for people from all walks of life.
— Raul Castro (West End Resident and Donor)
Thank You to Our Donors
$ 25,000 - 50,000
Heaven Hill
California Arts Council
Shryne Group (STIIIZY)
$ 5,000 - 10,000
City of Alameda
Chris and Trudi Seiwald
West Alameda Business Association
Anon California Relief Program
$ 2,500 - 5,000
$ 1,000 - 2,500
Alameda Municipal Power
Michael Lane Homes
Sierra Nevada
Anon
Ferrier Le
Juniper Gin
$ 500 - 1,000
Rotary Club of Alameda
Janelle Hopkins
$100 - 500
Kelly Lux State Farm
Alameda Arts
The Fireside Lounge
Ivy Room
Taqueria Calafia
West End Mercantile
Brian Seiki
Eric Strimling
Rachel Campos de Ivanov
Rhush Wanigatunga
Debra Crow
Mark Dieter
Sarah-Jo Neubauer
An Pham
Leo Ki
Derek Bowerman
Shannon Campos
Kim Jee
Timothy Erwin
Hannah Westbrook
Robin Pressman
Michael Towne
Sara Strickler
Geoff House
Laura Macdonald
Michelle Baker
John Hayes
Anon
Rebecca Johnson
Sadra Russell
Khristen Wierman
Anne Bueg
Anon
Susan Haumeder
Virginia Jang
Wes Stanfill
Daniel Hoy
Ryan Newman
Matthew Waters
Raul Castro
Judith Jones
Kathy Moehring