Oakland Design Showcase: Inspire Oakland Top 20 Finalists 2026

See the Top 20 student designers present live at BRIDGEGOOD in Jack London Square. Free entry, food, networking & real-world social impact.

17th Annual Inspire Oakland Design Challenge: Top 20 Presentations

Join BRIDGEGOOD for an inspiring afternoon of creativity, belonging, and opportunity as the Top 20 student designers from across the Bay Area and Northern California present original design concepts created for real public impact in Oakland.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

1:00 PM – 3:30 PM

95 Washington Street, Jack London Square in Oakland, CA

Directions + Parking: https://bridgegood.com/directions

Why attend?

• See the Top 20 student designers present their strongest work live
• Experience design concepts created for real-world use, including billboards, bus benches, LED displays, and digital media campaigns
• Hear a keynote from BRIDGEGOOD Co-Founder and Executive Director Shaun Tai
• Connect with creatives, professionals, and community members in an inclusive space
• Enjoy food, networking, and an uplifting afternoon in Oakland

What you will get out of it

• Inspiration from emerging design talent
• A direct look at how creativity can lead to visibility, confidence, and career opportunity
• Access to a welcoming creative community centered on belonging
• Real examples of design being used to support community impact

Free and open to the public. A suggested donation of $10 is appreciated to help support BRIDGEGOOD’s mission and future opportunities for emerging creatives.

Why it matters

Inspire Oakland is more than a design showcase. It is a powerful example of what happens when young creatives are given opportunity, support, and a platform to be seen. This event highlights the next generation of designers, storytellers, and problem-solvers shaping more inclusive futures through creativity.

About BRIDGEGOOD

BRIDGEGOOD is an award-winning 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a nearly 20-year track record of creating access, belonging, and opportunity through design, technology, and career pathways. Since 2009, our work has been funded by individual community members, not corporate dollars, helping us stay rooted in the people and communities we serve.

About Inspire Oakland

Inspire Oakland gives student creatives access to:

• Real-world, client-style design experience
• Free coaching, labs, and mentorship
• Portfolio-building opportunities with public exposure
• Industry engagement and networking
• An inclusive platform for emerging talent
• Certificates for Top 20 designers
• A chance for the Top 6 designs to be featured on commercial media placements across Oakland

Free and open to the public. A suggested donation of $10 is appreciated to support BRIDGEGOOD and emerging creative talent.

Support Local Student Creatives

Can’t attend? You can still help keep design education free and open to all.

Your tax-deductible donation helps BRIDGEGOOD give student designers real public visibility through 48-foot billboards, 60-foot LED displays, bus benches, and other media placements across Oakland.

Donate at www.bridgegood.com/donate

Credit card and PayPal accepted

In-person donations also available at the event

Venmo: @BRIDGEGOOD

Cash App: $BRIDGEGOOD

Every donation helps create more access, visibility, and opportunity for the next generation of artists and designers. Thank you for supporting BRIDGEGOOD and helping make #DesignForSocialGood possible.