The purpose of Korea Town Oakland is to support the efforts of the government and the City of Oakland through the operation of the Koreatown/Northgate Community Benefit District to revitalize the community through beautification of public areas with art, promotion of public safety, and production of educational and cultural events, particularly Oakland First Fridays.
Oakland First Fridays’ mission is to serve as an incubator for small entrepreneurs, a platform for local performers and artists, a driver of economic activity for brick-and-mortar businesses as well as mobile food and arts-and-crafts vendors, and a free, family-friendly, inclusive gathering of all of Oakland’s communities. The festival has helped drive Oakland’s resurgence as an arts destination, and serves a critical function as one of a diminishing number of affordable venues for Oakland artists and performers to connect with their community.