With support from the California Arts Council, Thingamajigs will continue our project, Redline Redefined – a multi-year project where commissioned artists create neighborhood specific audio and visual pieces that are presented through an online, interactive map. These pieces investigate and narrate the history and effects of redlining that ran rampant through the Bay Area. The effects are still present, and it is important to remember and bring light to our neighborhood’s history and to show people that their past is not forgotten. Thingamajigs will commission five California artists and their pieces will be added to our online interactive map that lives on our website. This is a hybrid project, and will have in-person sound walks, audio tours and a launch event to accompany our online map.
Thingamajigs celebrates new and unusual explorations in music created using made and/or found instruments, alternate tuning systems and hands-on discovery through performances and workshops. Yearly performances include the annual Music for People and Thingamajigs Festival, Pacific Exchange, and other performances by the Thingamajigs Performance Group. Past participants include Pauline Oliveros, William Winant, Laetitia Sonami, and many others.
Thingamakids!—workshops, demonstrations, and performances designed for schools K-8 and partnered with local schools and educational institutions. Thingamakids! events have been held at The Oakland Museum of California, Bridges Academy in East Oakland, The Museum of Children’s Art, and North Oakland Community Charter School. As part of our mission, these events are geared towards working with children on experimentation, instrument building, sound produced through made/found objects, deep listening, and enjoying music.

