Former Executive Director of Rhythmix Cultural Works Tina Blaine was one of six recipients of the 2022 Alameda County Arts Leadership Award. The awardees were selected by the Alameda County Arts Commission (ACAC).

Each year members of the ACAC review nominations submitted by the public for the Arts Leadership Award program and then select the award recipients. During the Arts Commission’s selection process, there was a tie-vote. This resulted in awarding two individuals for District Three with a total of six individuals receiving the 2022 Arts Leadership Award. Blaine was one of the District Three winners along with Naru Kwina, a rap artist and teacher from Oakland.

Blaine, also known as “Bean,” led Rhythmix Cultural Works for 12 years, serving as its Executive Director from 2010 to 2022. During this time Rhythmix became an important arts hub for the City of Alameda and the East Bay.

At Rhythmix, Blaine produced hundreds of concerts and events including 18 public art walks featuring local artists of world music, dance and visual art traditions to bring the Alameda County community together. Blaine also spearheaded the effort to retrofit the Rhythmix’s theater and transform the organization’s programs into online offerings, including its signature Performance, Arts & Learning program. The new virtual format allowed more than 45,000 students throughout Alameda County to access the program. Blaine lives in Alameda

Other recipients of the Leadership Award include Dennis Baker, Anne Giancola, Naomi Johnson-Diouf, and Ruey Lin Syrop. The six award recipients will be honored by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors with commendations presented in conjunction with the county’s celebration of October as National Arts and Humanities Month. The event will take place during the board’s Tuesday, Oct. 4 meeting at 10:45 a.m. Visitors can attend the meeting at the Board Chambers located at 1221 Oak St., 5th Floor in Oakland.