Oakland’s artists, community leaders and local politicians gathered to discuss key issues, and to rally support, for the arts community Thursday.

Four longtime artists and arts administrators participated in a panel discussion about arts and economic development, community development, political participation and the upcoming mayoral election, at the Oakland Museum of California.

Panelist Drew Lisac, president of Altamira Enterprises and Uber Arts Advocate, listed several needs Oakland has to address to fully support the arts community including, encouraging development of Oakland’s arts and entertainment attractions, creating an arts economic strategy and cultivating international collectors, festivals and artists to Oakland.

"Oakland can easily position itself as the next great 'creative economy,'" wrote Lisac in a seven-part recommendation statement to help revitalize Oakland's economy. "By investing in the arts as an economic strategy, Oakland can recreate its image - which is the No. 1 problem for Oakland's economic development."

The other panelists of the event, entitled “ArtistSpeak!”, were Margo Dunlap, executive director of Pro Arts Gallery; Pamela McDonald, managing editor of Oakland Seen; and Randolph Belle, executive director of Support Oakland Artists. Almost 100 longtime artists and community leaders, including mayoral candidates, a city council member, and cultural affairs commissioners joined in the conversation about the state of the arts in Oakland.

Karen Cusolito, a sculptor and artist for more than 25 years, said she came to the event because she feels it’s critical that artists converge in order to be seen as a viable industry.

“We pay our taxes, we pay rent, we buy products,” said Cusolito. “We need better recognition and support from the greater community.”

Belle, the convener of the evening’s program, said he wanted to make sure artists gathered together to develop a platform for the new mayor, regardless of whom it may be.

“Come November 3, somebody is going to win, and many others are going to lose,” said Belle. “But we can’t let that be the reason why we don’t organize and encourage whoever it is in that office, to consider … and make certain that the arts agenda is moved forward.”

Spirited reflections, exchanges and solidarity flew from one end of the room to the other. Musicians, advocates and policy makers brought up topics including gentrification, arts education and commercial development in artist communities.

Throughout the evening, attendees and panelists all expressed deep pride in their connection to Oakland.

“Our community that’s happening in Oakland can’t really happen anywhere else,” said Cusolito. “The energy is here, the creativity is here, the tolerance and inspiration is here. And Oakland is just not like any other city.”

Belle said he plans to continue dialoguing and organizing the community to leverage influence with the newly incoming mayor. He encourages all of Oakland’s artists to participate in an art census to figure out exactly how much this community contributes to the city at large.

“The idea is to find a way to sustain these efforts,” said Belle. People are coming out now because it’s a time of change. We don’t want to wait until a time of crisis to come back together.”

Brenda Payton Jones, a former longtime Oakland Tribune columnist, moderated the event.