This is a photo of some of the Port's super post-Panamax cranes that "squeezed" under the Golden Gate Bridge. These cranes are used to handle cargo (imports and US exports) from giant containerships that move through the Oakland seaport.

Oakland, Calif. - February 3, 2011 - The Port of Oakland (Port) is proud to be a partner in 75 Tributes to the Bridge, a community program commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge (GGB). In recognition of its historic birthday, the GGB will be celebrated throughout 2012, and the public is invited to participate.

The Port of Oakland, in partnership with Oaklandish—a civic-pride oriented arts organization and apparel designer and retailer—will host a photography contest with the title theme “Golden Gate Bridge to Oakland: International Trade”. The theme underscores the fact that every container ship that calls at the Port travels under the GGB. There will be rotating exhibits for selected artwork from this contest in various locations throughout Oakland. The opening date and unveiling of the exhibition will be May 24, 2012. The call for submissions will begin on March 1, 2012. “Our mission is to build civic pride and support the East Bay’s creative trailblazers, both past and present,” said Oaklandish owner Angela Tsay. “We’re excited to host a photography contest with the Port that celebrates everything Oakland gives to the world.”

The Port of Oakland owns and operates Oakland International Airport (OAK). OAK in partnership with the Oakland Museum of California will host a juried art contest with the title theme “Golden Gate Bridge to Oakland: Trade and Tourism”. Submissions for this contest may be in any medium, including 2-D, 3-D, sound, and video works. Selected artwork from this contest will show at OAK as part of the airport exhibition program. The opening date and unveiling of this exhibition will be May 25, 2012 and will run through September 7, 2012. The call for submissions began January 31, 2012; individuals may apply online using www.bayvan.org/OMCA. “We are very pleased to include this celebration in our continuing work with OAK’s exhibition program,” said Cherie Newell, Director, Creative Production Center, Oakland Museum of California. “It will be exciting to see how the contestants realize the theme in their artwork,” Newell added.

“By beckoning trade through our seaport, travelers through Oakland International Airport, and tourists who enjoy the Oakland waterfront, the Golden Gate Bridge helps the Port create over 73,000 jobs in the region," said Port Executive Director Omar R. Benjamin. "That's why the Port of Oakland is proud to join in celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge.”

The Golden Gate Bridge – the result of the vision, energy and dream of engineer Joseph Strauss and a dedicated team– opened to astonished and critical acclaim in 1937 and immediately took its place as one of the most beautiful and inspiring technological and engineering marvels of the modern world. It remains a lasting symbol of American progress and ingenuity.

“We are so excited to be launching the Year of the Golden Gate Bridge in 2012 and truly appreciate the Port of Oakland’s participation in this celebration,” said Alexandra Lee, Project Manager, Golden Gate Bridge 75th Anniversary, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.

Updated information and the full schedule of programs and events are posted on www.goldengatebridge75.org. The anniversary program is a partnership of the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District, and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy in cooperation with the National Park Service and Presidio Trust.

About the Port of Oakland:
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport, and 20 miles of waterfront. The Oakland seaport is the fifth busiest container port in the U.S.; Oakland International Airport is the second largest San Francisco Bay Area airport offering over 300 daily passenger and cargo flights; and the Port’s real estate includes commercial developments such as Jack London Square and hundreds of acres of public parks and conservation areas. Together, through Port operations and those of its tenants and users, the Port supports over 70,000 jobs in the region and over 800,000 jobs across the United States. The Port of Oakland was established in 1927 and is an independent department of the City of Oakland. Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook, or with the Port on Twitter, YouTube and at portofoakland.com

About Oaklandish: After years of public art, the Oaklandish introduced a brand of civic-pride apparel, with proceeds supporting a wide array of spirited community projects and the Oaklandish Innovators grant program. 2012 marks the sixth year of annual grants given to organizations that are doing pioneering work in our community. Almost all Oaklandish merchandise is made in California, and everything is printed by hand in downtown Oakland. Oaklandish has won over twenty "Best of the East Bay" awards, including Best Public Art (2002), Proudest Hometown Merchandise (2005), Best East Bay Product (2008-2010) and Best East Bay Idea (2011). Find Oaklandish online at www.Oaklandish.com or at its retail shop at 1444 Broadway.

About the Oakland Museum of California: The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) connects communities to the cultural and environmental heritage of California. Through collections, exhibitions, education programs, and public dialogue, they inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to think creatively and critically about the natural, artistic and social forces that characterize our state and influence its relationship to the world. With more than 1.8 million objects, OMCA is a leading cultural institution of the Bay Area and a resource for the research and understanding of California's dynamic cultural and environmental heritage. OMCA also maintains an active exhibition schedule at Oakland International Airport. Now in its 13th year, OAK Exhibits showcases the art, history, environment and communities of the greater Bay Area. www.museumca.org

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Isaac Kos-Read
External Affairs Director
Port of Oakland
(510) 627-1565
[email protected]