Rhythmix serves approximately 10,000 people each year through a combination of performances, classes and workshops for adults and students. Rhythmix produces or hosts 75-100 events annually, including classes, workshops, and performances that feature artists representing a mix of contemporary and traditional arts disciplines from around the world. Performances include a range of music genres (jazz, blues, world music, and classical), dance, comedy, family programming, and community events. The K Gallery at Rhythmix presents six visual art exhibitions annually, along with a weekly Art Jam, where local artists create in a shared studio environment.
RCW also serves families and youth through its ‘Round the World Festival in addition to other community-based projects offered at no cost to the public such as Island City Waterways and Love Our Island Art Walks.
Island Arts Concerts
In 2011, Rhythmix launched its Island Arts Concert series to present musical traditions from islands around the world on the island of Alameda. Rhythmix further engages the community through interactive workshops taught by presenting artists in partnership with the Alameda Boys & Girls Club, the Alameda Music Project and Girl’s Inc. of the Island City. The workshops are designed to expose underserved youth to a variety of world music forms, giving them the chance to develop their musical talents and gain new skills, with a focus on hands-on, participatory learning. Workshop participants also receive free admission to the teaching artist’s concert at Rhythmix.
Performance, Art & Learning
Rhythmix Cultural Works believes that exposure to the arts can be a transformative experience and a catalyst for cultural celebration. In support of this vision, Rhythmix developed Performance, Art & Learning “PAL” as an assembly-based youth arts education program in collaboration with the Alameda Unified School District. PAL fosters awareness of world cultures, celebrates diversity and empowers underserved youth through exposure to multicultural, educational music and dance performances. Since the program’s inception in 2012, PAL has served over 75,000 Alameda County students.
Island City Waterways
In May 2016, Rhythmix inaugurated Island City Waterways, a multidisciplinary public art event celebrating the birth of the Island City of Alameda, engaging audiences to interact with dancers, musicians, and storytellers, along the city’s Waterfront Trail. This site-specific event engaged more than 1,000 people over three days and will be presented as a biannual event with an environmental theme in 2018.
‘Round the World Festival
In October 2016, Rhythmix launched its first ‘Round the World Festival, a free daylong family arts celebration with approximately 200 people in attendance. Several global musical styles were featured, along with Peruvian food offerings. The ‘Round the World Festival will be an annual event to foster greater participation and inclusion in the arts by spotlighting artists of diverse heritages and increasing cultural understanding among audiences of varied backgrounds.
