why we exist
“Bay Area Creative provides opportunities for creative expression and the study of the cultural impacts of famous and contemporary works of spoken word poetry that empower individuals to develop empathic communication skills and foster positive change in themselves and their communities. We work predominantly with families of color in under-served neighborhoods in the geographic areas of San Francisco, Oakland, Richmond, Berkeley, Pittsburgh, Hayward, Daly City, Pacifica and San Jose.”
We envision a world where people listen courageously, speak thoughtfully and act equitably in times of conflict and in times of joy.
"I want my children to be able to kneel and pray without the weight of a thousand crumbling buildings on their shoulders"
- Deema A 7th Grade
what is slam poetry?
Slam Poetry is a fusion of traditional poetry, hip-hop, story-telling, and theater. Students are given the tools to express emotions, challenge ideas, and educate audiences in a creative way. The performances are interactive and entertaining. Slams (performance poetry competitions) are held at city, regional, and national levels.
services provided
Poet Visits and Residencies: Local professional poets go out to school sites to run writing and performance workshops
After School Clubs: Local professional poets start after school clubs that learn advanced poetry techniques
Camps: Kids get to spend summers working on larger performance projects with other activities integrated
Poetry And Mixed Art Events: Local and youth poets share the stage for a few hours of creativity amplified
Professional Development: Professional poets work with teachers to offer strategies on bringing out student voice
Team Building: Professional poets corporate team building workshops to boost morale, inclusion, and teamwork.
Therapeutic Arts: Professional poets hold workshops to promote individual and family healing through spoken word
SPARC Ink Anthology: Youth writers and Bay Area Artists have their work published in annual book
Filmmaking: Professional film makers work with students to create short videos based on their poetry
"My soul was born on a playground.
My heart came from the seasaw; it never stops teetering"
Daphne Y 7th Grade
"Imagine women have always been in a box. Imagine the sound of fists against metal walls slowly expanding the cramped space so we can make more room for our girls to escape"
Shelby B & Amanda E 6th Grade
school sites & camps
Elementary Schools
Cabrillo School
Cox
Melrose Leadership Academy
Ortega
Ocean Shore School
Sunset Ridge
Vincent Academy
Vallemar School
Middle Schools
Anthony Ochoa
Bret Harte
Cesar Chavez
Fischer
Ingrid B. Lacey
Monroe
High Schools
Black Diamond
Jefferson
Kennedy
Luis Valdez Leadership
Middle College
Sylvester Greenwood Academy
Richmond
Summer Camps
Camp Achieve
Camp Glide
Camp Pride
Stemulate Academy
Upward Bound
All Ages
The Berkeley Slam
The Oakland Slam
Rich Oak Alchemy Slam
partners & funders
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Pacifica School District
our team
our board
Seana Condit-Gordon
Board Chair
Jamey Williams
Board Treasurer
Anne Trickey
Board Secretary
Reggie Edmonds
Board Member
Erika Pappas
Board Member
Jarvis Subia
Board Member
Patti Ohslund
Board Member
Natalie Ashodian
Board Member
our advisors
Casey Gardner
Charles Ekabumi Elik
Dre Johnson
Jason Bayani
Jonathan Harris
Kaitlyn Lucas
Ken Arkind
Marcus Taylor
Maureen Benson
Mike Ting
Robert Bunce
Tongo Eisen- Marte
our staff
Patrick Ohslund
Executive Director
Mike Taylor
Program Director
Beth Wright
Accountant
Melissa Vo
Development Director
Jordan Wilson
Community Partnerships Manager
Marcus Scott
Solicitor, Legal Advisor