Access to the arts for all is essential.

Our programs allow people of all ages, skill levels, and abilities to access new modes of self expression, meet people, and build creative networks. We encourage people to get involved through volunteering, teaching, exhibiting artwork, and proposing new ideas. Select a department or topic below for more details!

Who We Are

Rock Paper Scissors Collective is a member-led, all volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that fosters creativity and collaboration in order to strengthen local communities, encourage sustainable creative practices, and explore alternative models through non-hierarchical, consensus-based organizing. We promote the sharing of ideas, skills, and resources through the celebration of art, craft, education, and performance.

RPSC currently realizes this mission through low-cost creative workshops, a variety of community events, curated and open-call gallery exhibitions, retail of independently produced goods, and youth involvement.

New volunteer orientations are offered on a rolling basis. Check the calendar, or contact us! Join us for a general meeting, and get involved!

A Brief History

Rock Paper Scissors Collective (RPSC) was formed in 2004 by a group of emerging artists in Oakland’s diverse and dynamic creative community. They saw need for a venue for East Bay artists to exhibit, sell, teach, learn, and collaborate. Together they raised the money to set up shop at 2278 Telegraph Ave. in 2005. The same year, RPSC co-founded Oakland Art Murmur with a coalition of nearby galleries. In addition to First Friday Art Walk openings, the collective organized the 23rd St. Fair. This evolved into the what is now the Oakland First Fridays street festival. RPSC is the sole surviving founder of these hallmark events. In 2016, RPSC was displaced from its iconic Telegraph location due to rising rent in a newly booming arts district. RPSC then operated through pop-ups, a studio at Flight Deck, and a studio gallery within Warehouse 416. In summer 2021, RPSC launched a new location at 2120 MLK Jr. Way. Our passion for art by and for the people of Oakland is as strong as ever.

Rock Paper Scissors Collective’s diverse community programs have been made possible by generous support from government agencies, charitable institutions, businesses, and individuals.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the following entities for supporting the launch of our new location:
Community Arts Stabilization Trust (CAST), Resources for Community Development (RCD), Gensler, the Jo Family, Meow Wolf, and many small donors. We could not have done it without you!

Special thanks also to:
City of Oakland, Alameda County Arts Commission, California Arts Council, San Francisco Foundation Center, East Bay Fund for Artists, National Arts and Disability Center, Robert Half, The Zellerbach Family Foundation, Clorox Foundation, Left Tilt Fund, Three Swallow Foundation, Red Oak Opportunity Fund

…community members like you! Click here for more information on how to support RPSC!