The Labor Pains Collective operates as a social practice research and creative incubator supporting innovative events, performances, projects, and research that inspire civic participation and historical exploration. Operating out of Oakland, CA, and Albany, NY, the Collective actively bridges historical narratives of labor and freedom with contemporary civic action. We operate under the fiscal sponsorship of the East Oakland Boxing Association, with the Underground Railroad Education Center serving as our core East Coast partner. We believe live art is the most effective tool to cut through the noise of misinformation. Our mission is to turn passive play into civic practice by using art to create low-stakes, safe environments where community members can practice civic participation.
