We’re thrilled to welcome Ronice Stratton as the new Interim Executive Director of Oakland Art Murmur! With a rich background in mission-driven leadership, a deep passion for the arts, and a commitment to fostering equity and community, Ronice is poised to lead Oakland Art Murmur into its next chapter. In this Q&A, Ro shares their journey, vision, and the exciting work ahead. Please join us in welcoming Ro to the OAM team!
Q: Could you tell us a little bit about who you are? I’m Ronice Stratton (she/they), but friends call me Ro. I am a passionate advocate for the arts, a performing dance artist, and am excited to step into the role of Interim Executive Director of Oakland Art Murmur. Originally from Minneapolis (Dakota Nation), I’ve spent the past decade living in the East Bay CA (Ohlone land), a city that inspires me with its diversity, creativity, and history of resilience.
Art has been a lifelong inspiration for me—I’m often found visiting museums, galleries, murals, and friends’ exhibitions. While dance is my primary artistic outlet, I also enjoy experimenting in visual arts like watercolor, ceramics, and film photography. I believe art is not just a creative expression but a powerful tool for connection, storytelling, and change.
Q: What do you do? Over my career, I’ve focused on mission-driven leadership and advancing equity through strategy, program development, and community engagement. I’ve held roles in brand strategy and nonprofit consulting, including leading equity-centered initiatives at LUNA Bar and supporting nonprofits through CLASS Consulting Group.
While leading LUNA Bar, one of my favorite programs was LUNAFEST, a film festival by, for, and about women and gender-nonconforming people. It was a powerful example of how art can amplify underrepresented voices and create meaningful connections.
Art is a calling for me, and I see it as a powerful tool for connection, provocation, culture change, and healing. As a performing dance artist, I explore themes of ecology, identity, and my mixed-race Latinx heritage. I perform with the company Dancing Earth and have co-founded RECLAIM, a dance event for BIPOC and Queer communities, where art intersects with activism and collective joy.
As a former Board Member of Oakland Art Murmur, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to its mission to uplift Oakland’s vibrant arts community. Whether appearing on TV to highlight OAM’s work or helping organize Art Forums to hear from city council candidates about their vision for the arts, I am deeply committed to advocating for artists and the arts.
Q: Why are you taking on this role? Oakland Art Murmur has played a vital role in fostering Oakland’s vibrant visual arts ecosystem, thanks to the vision and leadership of Jean Marie, our previous Executive Director. I’m honored to continue this work and build on the incredible foundation she created.
The arts have been transformative in my life, and I believe organizations like Oakland Art Murmur are essential to empowering artists, connecting communities, and creating lasting impact. This is a critical time for the arts, and I’m excited to step into this role to help advocate for and support artists, ensuring they continue to thrive. My commitment is to fostering inclusive, equitable spaces where artists can flourish and communities can engage deeply with creative expression.
Q: What are you hoping to achieve? My vision for Oakland Art Murmur is to make it even more artist-centric, increasing opportunities for local artists to showcase their work, grow their careers, and build stronger connections with one another. I hope to cultivate a thriving artist community where individuals can find support, collaboration, and inspiration.
As we face challenges like diminishing arts funding and increasing pressures on artists and spaces, I hope to rally the support of our community through participation, advocacy, and generosity—so that OAM can remain a powerful hub for the arts.
Together, we can build on the incredible legacy of Oakland Art Murmur and move the organization forward, ensuring that art continues to inspire and connect us all.
Ronice is on live TV advocating for Oakland Art Murmur during @KTVU2’s Giving Day
Ronice meets featured artists Guillermo Navarrete Davis at East Bay Open Studios Dec 2024 @Studio Eleven
Photographer Brittany Maxtse offers headshots during East Bay Open Studios June 2024 @ARTogether
