Kickstarter

Important Projects is an independent artist run exhibition space in Oakland, CA. We started the space in November of 2009 with the intention of creating an exhibition platform that we (being artists ourselves) would want to participate in. 

Our space focuses on single projects and solo shows. At the core of the program is the belief that solo shows are an integral aspect to the development of an individual’s artistic vision. But we maintain an open program that encourages discussion, collaboration, and our bottom line is that we put the intentions of the artists we work with first.

The gallery is currently a small room on the second story of our house.  The size and location of this room provide a very specific context. Visitors who come to the space are invited into our backyard, into our home, and ultimately into our hearts. These are the days of our lives y’all!

As we move forward with the space, we want to maintain this level intimacy. An important part of Important Projects is that the gallery is part of a home. But one of the gallery's founders is moving on to earn his M.F.A., and we feel that a change is in order. We want to move the space and adjust our program so that Important Projects will no longer be a part of our home, it will be our home. The space will evolve so that it is not only an experimental space, but also an experiment in living.

When we make this transition, we will structure the new space to better support the artists we work with.

The new Important Projects will be equipped with 2 separate exhibition spaces. The larger of the two spaces will be called Gallery II. This space will be between 250-500 square feet. A smaller exhibition space will be attached to Gallery II. This space will be called Gallery III, and it will be an exact replica of the original Important Projects.

Once we move, programming at Gallery I (the original Important Projects) will come to a close.  From that point on, all exhibitions will take place in Gallery II and Gallery III of Important Projects. The money we raise here will be put towards the construction of the new space, and towards maintaining our program for the next 2 years. As we shop for a new location, we will be looking for a space that is more accessible to the general public. Passers by should have access to Important Projects too!

Important Projects is part of the committee for a new residency here in Oakland called Real Time & Space. As we build out our new space, we plan to include a small bedroom that will be made available to the residents who come from outside the Bay Area.

By hosting artists, designers, critics, and curators from other cities and by providing more exhibition space for artists, our hope is that the new Important Projects can serve the arts community here in Oakland more effectively, and with greater visibility.

Help us move forward as we continue to support important projects!