A Collaboration of Mobility, Art, and Equity
Edgar Arellano-Meli, Micromobility Program Manager at GRID Alternatives Clean Mobility, shared his experience working with Berkeley’s E-Bike Equity Pilot (BEEP). The project aimed at advancing the City of Berkeley’s Climate Equity Fund goals, and it brought GRID Alternatives Bay Area, Waterside Workshops, and local government together to distribute e-bikes to underserved communities. Edgar said the longstanding support by GRID Strategic Impact Officer Zach Franklin for equitable programs in Berkeley, alongside our HQ’s LAB team, aligned this project perfectly with GRID’s values.
Edgar’s involvement allowed him to hear first-hand participant stories. “Meeting participants and seeing how transformative e-bikes were for their daily lives was incredible,” he said. Edgar also said he enjoyed working with Fellows and building their skills to conduct impactful studies. This collaboration fueled his advocacy for alternative transportation, as participant feedback showed the potential of e-bikes in bridging mobility gaps.
Cheryl Derricotte, Municipal Artist-in-Residence for Berkeley’s Climate Equity Pilot Program, also played a pivotal role. Her involvement began with the Kala Art Institute’s Print Public Residency. Alongside fellow artist Marcel Pardo Ariza, Cheryl co-created Roadwork, an exhibition reflecting on their 20-month residency. “Working with Marcel and the Kala team was inspiring,” Cheryl said. “The City of Berkeley’s partnership with UC Berkeley allowed me to guest lecture - connecting art and urban development.” Cheryl’s artistic contributions extended to BEEP, where she introduced e-bike recipients to bookmaking and showcased their experiences in Roadwork. She believes artists’ collaboration with nonprofits and governments is vital. “Artists capture humanity’s essence—moments of emotion and celebration that data can’t convey,” she said.
Both Edgar and Cheryl’s work underscores the transformative power of interdisciplinary collaboration and proves that equity, mobility, and art can shape a sustainable, inclusive future for Berkeley residents and the Bay Area communities.
The Roadwork exhibition will be at the Kala Institute until February 14. On February 13, from 6 - 8 pm Artist Cheryl Derricotte & Marcel Pardo Ariza will lead a panel to close the exhibition and engage with the general public.
For more information go to: https://www.kala.org/exhibition/roadwork/