Rent BAC for your next event

EVENT RENTALS AT BAC

Our unique and intimate Arts & Crafts–style gallery is perfect for celebrations, catered dinners, cocktail parties, and more. We do not rent out our gallery for weddings or artists looking for exhibition space, nor can we change out artwork for private events. BAC’s facility includes a projector for videos, a sound system for music, microphone, tables and chairs, friendly staff, and of course, amazing contemporary art by Bay Area artists.

Note: we will be raising our rates for events starting March 1, 2024.

BOOKING

To book your event, please fill out our booking inquiry form below. When we receive your inquiry, we will contact you to schedule a site visit. A site visit and deposit are required to secure your event rental date.

GALLERY SPACE

The interior gallery space is 1800 sq ft with an additional 450 sq ft outdoor patio.

CAPACITY

Berkeley Art Center can accommodate 50 – 60 seated guests or 200 standing guests comfortably. Our maximum capacity is 250 guests standing or 70 guests seated. 

LOCATION

We are located at 1275 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA 94709, inside Live Oak Park near Picnic Area #2. The picnic area may be reserved with the City of Berkeley by calling 510.981.5150. Please read for more information about picnic reservations and rates through the City of Berkeley. If you’d like our staff to reserve and coordinate picnic area rentals in tandem with your gallery rental, we charge a $100 administration fee on top of city rental rates.

Areas included with the gallery rental are the front bridge (two images to the left) and the back patio (two images to the right).

GALLERY RENTAL AVAILABILITY

Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 10pm when there are no other scheduled BAC events. Exhibition schedules may affect gallery availability.

RENTAL FEES

Base Facility Rental Fee: $1500* per five-hour standard rental (five-hour reservation inclusive of set-up and breakdown); $175 per hour for time over four hours.
A/V Usage and Set-Up Fee (if applicable) $100
One BAC staff member will be on site for your event. Additional event support is available at $40 per hour per staff member.
*New rate effective March 01, 2024

POLICIES 

PAYMENT

A 50% deposit is necessary two months prior to event to secure gallery use. The balance is payable on the date of rental. A $250 refundable security deposit and a $200 nonrefundable cleaning fee is required at the signing of the rental contract.

EVENTS

Berkeley Art Center is happy to host small and intimate conferences, workshops, and ceremonies such as celebrations of life, bar mitzvahs, or anniversaries. For larger events, we may require an event coordinator.

CANCELLATION

Cancellations within 15 days of event are nonrefundable.

CATERING

Catering and equipment needs are the responsibility of the client. We require renters to exchange contact information with Berkeley Art Center and Caterer. 

SET UP

Renter is responsible for all set up and breakdown within the reserved time periods. Set up of A/V and sound systems will be handled by a BAC attendant. Access to the facilities for setting up, including caterers’ set up, will be during the hours described in the Gallery Rental Agreement or as agreed to in advance.

CLEAN UP

The premises must be left in the condition in which they were found at the beginning of the rental period. All food, beverages, equipment, and rented supplies must be removed from the premises immediately after each use of the facility. Any catering areas used must be cleaned and left in the condition in which they were found. Renter must immediately take care of any spillage. If renter is unable to remove spillage, the Gallery retains the right to have the area professionally cleaned at the Renter’s expense.

SMOKING

In accordance with the City of Berkeley’s ordinance, no smoking is allowed on the premises of the gallery or in Live Oak Park. 

ALCOHOL

Provision of alcohol for the event is the Renter’s sole responsibility. The Renter is responsible for obtaining ABC permits and liable for all guests consuming alcoholic beverages. Extra liability insurance is required from the client for alcohol consumption. Berkeley Art Center does not permit red wine in our gallery. Red wine is permitted in the lobby and the patio area.

INSURANCE

Renter shall provide documentation of insurance requirements: 1.) A general liability endorsement/certificate naming Berkeley Art Center as additional insured in the amount of $1,000,000 must be provided one month before event date. Berkeley Art Center needs to be listed as a certificate holder of the Certificate of Additional Insured: “Berkeley Art Center and their members, directors, officers, employees and agents. 1275 Walnut Street Berkeley, CA 94709”; 2.) Liquor Liability coverage with a limit not less than $1,000,000 (when alcohol is served in the gallery, other restrictions may apply.)