ABG x RCCD Arts and Culture Month October 2025

ABG x RCCD Arts & Culture Month is this October, ABG in partnership with the Rotten City Cultural District (RCCD) invites you to celebrate Arts & Culture Month in Emeryville! All month long, we’ll showcase the city’s creative spirit through exhibitions, performances, and community gatherings that highlight Emeryville’s vibrant artistic community. Arts & Culture Month is a chance to connect, be inspired, and experience the innovation and creativity that make Emeryville unique.

Official Press Release

Emeryville Launches First Annual Arts & Culture Month This October

October 3–26, 2025

EMERYVILLE, CA — The Rotten City Cultural District (RCCD) proudly announces the launch of Emeryville Arts & Culture Month, a new civic tradition spotlighting the city’s rich ecosystem of artists, makers, designers, and cultural leaders. Running October 3–26, 2025, the celebration will feature a robust lineup of exhibitions, culinary experiences, performances, public art unveilings, studio visits, and creative tours.

This inaugural festival marks the culmination of a multi-year creative placemaking effort led by ABG Art Group in collaboration with the City of Emeryville, local artists, and cultural partners. Through immersive events and collaborative programming, Arts & Culture Month affirms Emeryville’s commitment to artistic excellence, cultural equity, and public engagement.

“The heart of Emeryville — the tiny but mighty City of Art and Innovation — was designated one of only 14 State-recognized Cultural Districts in 2017. Funding from the California Arts Council in 2024 allowed the City and its partners (including Pixar Animation Studios, Wareham Development, Jered’s Pottery, 45th Street Artists’ Cooperative, Gallery 4509, and Emeryville Celebration of the Arts) to seek professional support for the Rotten City Cultural District.

"ABG Art Group has exceeded expectations with events from the Emeryville Film Festival to artist grants, residencies, block parties, and marketplaces. With that same spirit, the City is proud to partner again for Arts & Culture Month — honoring traditions like the 39th Annual Celebration of the Arts and introducing new festivities like the Harvest Festival at our newest park.”— Amber Evans, Economic Development Coordinator, City of Emeryville

Month-at-a-Glance Programming

Week One: Opening Celebrations

Friday, October 3 – 39th Annual Emeryville Celebration of the Arts Opening

A beloved exhibition featuring curated works by local artists across diverse disciplines. Free and open to the public.

Saturday, October 4 – Emeryville Harvest Festival @ Huchiun Park

A community-wide celebration with food vendors, live music, children’s activities, and local art to launch the month’s festivities.

Week Two: Open Doors & Exhibitions

Friday, October 10 – Talent of Pixar Art Show @ Gallery 4509

Curated in partnership with Pixar staff, this show highlights original personal work by Pixar artists—revealing the creative practices behind the scenes of the iconic animation studio.

Sunday, October 12 – Clay With Your Food @ Jered’s Pottery

A dynamic culinary and ceramics experience where chefs serve food on handcrafted pottery in a fiery, flavor-filled competition.

Week Three: Public Art & Studio Tours

October 12–18

This week centers on Emeryville’s growing public art landscape and creative workspaces. Residents and visitors are invited to engage with the city through a series of guided tours, public programs, and self-guided open studio experiences.

Public Art & Studio Tours: Explore artist studios and creative spaces across Emeryville using a digital map and online directory. Participating artists and makers will open their doors throughout the week, welcoming the public into their creative environments.

Featured Tours: From sculpture walks and historical routes to creative shuttles and neighborhood hops, the tour offerings reflect a range of interests and access points. Tours are produced in collaboration with the City of Emeryville, Emeryville Historical Society, Wareham Development, and other community partners.

Friday, October 17 – Stamped & Approved: The Public Art Process Show Opening Reception @ Bay Street

This interactive exhibition traces the unseen process that turns sketches into civic art. Visitors will explore models, materials, and installation documentation from Emeryville’s most significant public art commissions.

Week Four: Cultural Dialogues & Dedications

Saturday, October 25 – Panel: Public Art, Placemaking & Creative Infrastructure

Hosted within the Stamped & Approved exhibition at Bay Street, this live panel features artists, cultural workers, and civic partners in conversation about the role of public art in building place, equity, and creative community. The discussion will explore how art intersects with education, urban planning, and neighborhood identity.

Date TBA – Cultural District Monument Unveiling @ Hollis & Powell

A newly commissioned public sculpture will be revealed as part of a city improvement project. Produced by Studio ABG and funded through the California Cultural Districts program, the piece will serve as a permanent Cultural District Monument, marking the creative gateway into Emeryville.

Sunday, October 26 – Closing Celebration: Poetry & Music Experience

A reflective community gathering to honor the artists, organizers, and residents who brought Emeryville’s first Arts & Culture Month to life—featuring live music, spoken word, and a community toast.

About the Rotten City Cultural District

The Rotten City Cultural District (RCCD), one of California’s 14 State-Recognized Cultural Districts, drives cultural strategy, public programming, and community activation with the City of Emeryville and partners like Pixar, Wareham Development, Jered’s Pottery, 45th Street Artists’ Cooperative, Gallery 4509, Bay Street, and Emeryville Celebration of the Arts. For more information visit www.rottencityculturaldistrict.com

How to Participate

Artists & Creative Businesses: Apply for open studios, vendor activations, or exhibition features

Community Members: Join public tours, view art installations, and explore the event map

All Sign-Ups & Event Info: www.rottencityculturaldistrict.com/events 

Media & Press Inquiries:

Erica Enriquez – erica@abgartgroup.com

General Inquiries – info@rccdemeryville.com

For full event schedule and tickets visit : https://www.rottencityculturaldistrict.com/events

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Thank you for being part of our creative community! Stay tuned for more updates, artist highlights, and exciting projects in the coming months.

Visit our website to learn more: abgartgroup.com and follow us on Instagram @abgprojects.

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