West End Arts District was founded in 2015 by community member and business owner Sandra Russell. She understood that the best way to build community spirit, and revitalize the area was through the arts. She launched Blues Brews and BBQ, which continues to be our flagship event and brings between 4000-5000 music lovers to the west end every September. Since then the non-profit has grown, expanding our programming to include dance, visual arts and cultural celebrations and developing a relationship with the city and local arts leaders. West End Arts District provides fiscal sponsorship, financial, and logistical support to artists and arts organizations working in our community.

Since 2020 WEAD has worked with the West Alameda Business Association to bring a string of successful initiatives
to the West End including: the Webster Gateway Mural, the Healing Garden Summer Series, the Life of Flight mural and Fiesta Alameda.

In 2023, WEAD began work on a wide-ranging climate arts initiative called RISING TIDES, initially funded by a Bloomberg Philanthropies grant. Events have included “Somewhere to Land,” an outdoor vertical dance piece performed on the buildings of the Naval Air Station and “Capture the King Tide” photography event. In May 2025, we launch “In Plain Site” a free, three-week, outdoor, climate-focused photography festival. The board is committed to continued a continued Climate Art moving forward.

Our work contributed to the economic resilience of the West End during the pandemic and continues to grow the cultural vibrancy and diversity of the area today. Our goal is to see the whole of the west end of Alameda, including the new and future developments at Alameda Point develop into a dynamic and progressive arts district.