Safety in PLACE

In 2011, a group of artists, urban agriculturalists, community organizers, and appropriate technologists

rented an empty lot and warehouse and transformed it into PLACE for Sustainable Living. PLACE is a public-

serving, experiential learning center showcasing and fostering regenerative design, sustainable living

practices, urban homesteading, community resiliency & preparedness, social justice, artistic expression and

public placemaking. We offer classes, workshops, presentations, film nights, discussions, meetings, events,

and affordable cooperative art spaces to work creatively in our Makery & Fab Lab and shared office space.

Additionally we participate in neighborhood-based placemaking initiatives making more livable public places in

between private spaces.

https://oaklandnorth.net/2011/05/06/new-center-ope...

Our Campaign: Safety In PLACE!

The recent and devastating fire in Oakland’s Ghost Ship artist warehouse has had us all mourning the many

precious lives lost. We have felt this personally and collectively as many of our community members knew

someone fallen to the fire.

This tragedy has also triggered some real concerns throughout our alternative art, community and DIY spaces

from the response by the city of Oakland and other municipalities across the country that are now aggressively

enforcing building and fire codes for these unique spaces. We recognize that safety is of the utmost concern

and absolutely needs to be addressed, but the increase of these inspections has led to a landlord backlash

evicting longtime artist residents and community organizations.