Common Ground: Imagining Together
West End Arts District and Alameda Point Collaborative come together to present Common Ground, a two-part series of stories, ideas, and civic conversation exploring community, belonging, resilience, and creative possibility. Both evenings are free and open to all.
Through inspiring films, visionary case studies, and thoughtful public dialogue, Common Ground invites audiences to reflect on some of the urgent questions shaping our community: How do we bridge cultural and religious divides? How do we build resilient cities and communities? And how can art, dialogue, and collective imagination inspire meaningful civic action?
“Alameda Point: Creative Futures” Case Studies and Discussion
Date
Thursday, September 10
Time
6:30 - 8pm
Price
Free w/ RSVP
Location
Alameda Point Collaborative Screening Room (2550 Monarch St)
Event Synopsis:
Urban design leader Barry Long will share a series of inspiring case studies from redevelopment projects that have transformed communities around the country.
After a deep dive into these eye opening case studies, Barry will facilitate a discussion between invited city council and mayoral candidates focused on their creative ideas for Alameda Point’s future.“
About Barry Long, Urban Design Associates:
Barry Long is the President of UDA. With more than 35 years at the firm, he is known for his strategic insight, problem-solving acumen, and gift for language.
As Managing Principal, Barry guides UDA’s design teams through the political and physical complexities of master planning and entitlement efforts. Known for his thoughtful leadership and skillful facilitation, he helps clients align diverse stakeholder interests and achieve outcomes that earn broad community support.
Barry holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture from Montana State University. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects, the Pennsylvania Society of Architects, the Congress for the New Urbanism, and the Montana State University School of Architecture Advisory Council. He previously served as Chairman of the Mt. Lebanon Planning Board and as a Scoutmaster for Scouts BSA.
Images courtesy of Urban Design Associates
EVENT RECAP
“Abraham’s Bridge” Screening and Discussion
Date
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Time
6:30 - 8pm
Price
Free w/ RSVP
Location
Alameda Point Collaborative Screening Room (45 West Midway)
“Inspiring and deeply human, this film shows the courage, compassion, and creativity required to live in community with those whose beliefs differ—and the beauty that emerges when they do.” – Josh Paget, Better Cities Film Festival
Film Synopsis:
In Omaha, Nebraska, a mosque, synagogue, church, and interfaith center are built side-by-side. Connected by a circular wooden bridge, an organic donation garden, and a quietly disruptive vision, can this new model of coexistence in the American Midwest bridge the rising currents of division?
Post screening discussion led by Jeff Raz, Citizen Joy.
“Abraham’s Bridge” is a film by Elinor Pierce.
Jeff Raz has performed nationally and internationally and co-founded five arts organizations, including Citizen Joy. He has also written four books and twenty plays, directed dozens of theater and circus productions, and worked globally as a communications consultant.
Citizen Joy is a national network of artists and arts organizations from all disciplines using art to cut through the doom and gloom about politics, explore what we have (and could lose) as citizens, and energize people to do what they can to protect our democratic rights and freedoms.
The 3rd Annual Better Together Film Festival is taking place nationwide throughout July. Co-created by the Listen First Project and the #DisagreeBetter campaign, this nonpartisan festival brings communities together to watch films that promote dialogue, empathy, and connection across political and social divides.