The Cultural Affairs Commission (CAC) was established by the Oakland City Council on April 30, 1991 by Ordinance No. 11323 C.M.S. for the purpose of advising the Mayor, City Council and City Manager on all matters affecting cultural development in the community. The CAC makes recommendations to fund, assist and promote public awareness of the artistic and cultural activities in the City; encourages support for individual artists and arts organizations; participates in community cultural planning processes and reviews policies and programs which affect arts and cultural development in Oakland.

The Mayor appoints representatives to the 15-member Commission for three-year terms, which must be approved by City Council. The CAC meets monthly and Commissioners are generally assigned to serve on at least one Standing Committee. Standing Committees include the Public Art Advisory Committee, and the Funding Advisory Committee. Members also serve on Task Forces as deemed necessary.