East Bay Featured: Oakland, an Arts Space Bounces Back From a Shooting

Naming Gallery in Oakland, California, is a multi-purpose arts space where people congregate on Saturday nights. This 360 documentary explores the how the arts center has become a staple for young artists to congregate, despite the fact that it exists in a historically beleaguered neighborhood. In August 2016, a fatal shooting occurred outside the gallery where hundreds of people were celebrating. “If we let this destroy us as people, we won’t be able to gather, we won’t be able to share art with each other,” says Imari, a musician who is part of the Naming Gallery community. “To stay open is the only thing I can do right now.” It was directed by the Oakland-based Variable Labs.