I am Joshua 'Bicaso' Whitaker, a multidisciplinary artist, performer, and cultural curator blending visual art, music, and community engagement. Over a career spanning galleries, independent music, and youth programs, I design and activate spaces, mentor emerging artists, and build sustainable arts initiatives that make creativity accessible. I have led nonprofit arts organizations, produced cultural events, and collaborated across disciplines to advance DEI in the arts. My practice evolves through hands-on crafting, performance, and teaching, with a focus on empowering youth and communities through creative expression.…

Joshua 'Bicaso' Whitaker

I am Joshua 'Bicaso' Whitaker, a multidisciplinary artist, performer, and cultural curator blending visual art, music, and community engagement. Over a career spanning galleries, independent music, and youth programs, I design and activate spaces, mentor emerging artists, and build sustainable arts initiatives that make creativity accessible. I have led nonprofit arts organizations, produced cultural events, and collaborated across disciplines to advance DEI in the arts. My practice evolves through hands-on crafting, performance, and teaching, with a focus on empowering youth and communities through creative expression.…

Available to hire

I am Joshua ‘Bicaso’ Whitaker, a multidisciplinary artist, performer, and cultural curator blending visual art, music, and community engagement. Over a career spanning galleries, independent music, and youth programs, I design and activate spaces, mentor emerging artists, and build sustainable arts initiatives that make creativity accessible.

I have led nonprofit arts organizations, produced cultural events, and collaborated across disciplines to advance DEI in the arts. My practice evolves through hands-on crafting, performance, and teaching, with a focus on empowering youth and communities through creative expression.

See more

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Fine Artist / Woodworker at Self Employed Contractor - Freedom, CA
May 1, 2006 - Present
Self-employed fine artist and woodworker with a versatile skill set in creative craftsmanship and problem-solving. Experienced in various mediums including oil/acrylic painting, line drawings, caricature, portraiture, collage, assemblage using wood and found materials. Proficient with light hand power tools and basic construction including carpentry, framing, floor planning, fabrication, and art installation. Operated medium and large equipment such as backhoe and skid steer. Thrives in collaborative environments and takes initiative.
Artist / Owner / Curator at Spirithaus Gallery LLC - Oakland, CA
May 1, 2020 - August 20, 2025
Served as Executive Director, Visionary, and Curator for Spirithaus Gallery, a multi-use art gallery and cultural space. Duties included grant writing, hosting, curatorial responsibilities such as booking, staging, promotion, and installation of visual art exhibitions and live music events. Managed teams, logistics, and fabrication during gallery build-out. Developed and maintained events calendar and social media presence. Handled bookings, artist agreements, negotiations, production, and promotion. Oversaw contracted staff for events and community rentals.
Hip Hop Musician (Bicaso) at Living Legends Crew / Legendary Music LLC - Los Angeles, CA
August 1, 1995 - Present
Original member and rapper in the underground hip hop group Living Legends, a pioneering independent DIY collective of the mid-1990s. Recorded extensive original music across various formats including cassette, CD, vinyl, and digital. Performed live sets in the US, Europe, and Japan building a dedicated fan base. Wrote and recorded original music, lyrics, and videos both solo and with the group. Proficient in DAW software such as Pro Tools and Ableton for mixing and mastering. Organized DIY shows, tours, album releases, and distribution. Co-produced original musical score for HBO MAX documentary film Milestone Generations (2022).
Operations Manager at Ten Mile Farms - Laytonville, CA
September 1, 2015 - August 20, 2025
Managed and partnered in three cannabis growing operations (two indoor, one outdoor). Coordinated supplies, work schedules, and facility build-outs. Managed processing teams and performed hands-on growing duties including cloning, transplanting, pruning, pest control, harvesting, drying, and packaging. Operated light power tools and medium equipment such as chainsaws, tractors, and skid steers. Administered payroll and oversaw wholesale product placement and distribution.
Youth Program Director at Eastside Arts Alliance - Oakland, CA
November 1, 2010 - August 20, 2025
Organized and implemented arts-based programming for youth ages 13-24. Developed curriculum for digital recording, production, and songwriting integrating themes of personal growth and social justice. Produced group compilation albums for sale to promote entrepreneurship. Supported youth in building confidence and stage presence through live performances.
Visual Art Instructor at Oakland Unified School District - Oakland, CA
June 1, 2006 - August 20, 2025
Organized and delivered hands-on visual art curriculum for middle school students ages 11-13. Focused on personal growth, social justice awareness, critical thinking, and reinforcing positive self-image through art.
Digital Music Instructor at Oakland Unified School District - Oakland, CA
June 1, 2009 - August 20, 2025
Taught digital recording, production, and songwriting to middle and high school students ages 11-17. Integrated personal growth and social justice themes. Produced final project albums to promote student entrepreneurship.
Afterschool Athletics Director / Coach at Melrose Middle School District - Oakland, CA
June 1, 2006 - August 20, 2025
Organized and coached soccer and flag football for middle school students. Established and managed a competitive charter school league in the East Bay with weekly competitions and end-of-season tournaments. Emphasized team building, sportsmanship, and student development.
Fine Artist / Woodworker at Self-Employed Contractor
May 1, 2006 - Present
Created, fabricated, and installed fine art pieces using mixed media, woodworking, and industrial arts techniques. Demonstrated expertise in creative craftsmanship, problem-solving, and project execution across multiple mediums (painting, drawing, collage, assemblage). Operated hand and power tools, machinery, and equipment (saws, planers, grinders, skid steers, backhoes). Delivered custom construction, framing, design layout, and installation services. Applied project management and time management skills to complete commissions efficiently.
Artist / Contractor / Fine Artist (Expert) AI training at Mercor.com
January 1, 2026 - Present
On boarded contracted work writing AI training Tasks / prompts with Mercor.com.
Artist / Contractor / Audio/Voice/Annotation Trainer (remote) at Turing.com
December 1, 2025 - Present
Contracted work on the Amazon Voice over Project thru Turing Enterprises LLC. Recorded and uploaded clear WAV files of recorded vocal readings / finished top 97% on the project.
Artist / Owner / Curator at Spirithaus Gallery LLC
May 1, 2017 - May 1, 2020
Executive Director and Curator for a mixed-use art gallery and cultural hub. Directed grant writing, fundraising, donor engagement, and partnership development. Oversaw curatorial strategy, program development, and cultural events including visual art shows, live performances, and educational workshops. Managed event logistics, contract negotiations, and stakeholder relations. Led team operations, scheduling, and seasonal events calendar development. Strengthened community engagement through targeted outreach and digital marketing.
Original Member / Musician at Living Legends Crew | Legendary Music LLC
August 1, 1995 - Present
Founding member of pioneering independent hip-hop collective driving the DIY music and distribution movement. Wrote, recorded, mixed, and mastered original music; released projects across multiple distribution channels (vinyl, digital, streaming). Performed internationally across U.S., Europe, and Japan, cultivating a global fan base. Proficient in DAWs including Pro Tools and Ableton. Collaborated on film scoring, production, and soundtrack development (HBO Max documentary Milestone Generations). Managed tour logistics, album releases, and merchandise distribution.
Operations Manager at Ten Mile Farms
April 1, 2010 - September 30, 2015
Directed operations, facilities management, and team leadership for cannabis cultivation sites (indoor and outdoor). Oversaw supply chain management, scheduling, payroll, and distribution. Led process improvement in plant lifecycle management, harvesting, processing, packaging, and wholesale distribution. Trained and supervised staff on compliance, safety, and quality control standards.
Youth Program Director at Eastside Arts Alliance
August 1, 2000 - November 30, 2010
Designed and implemented youth development programs centered on digital music, production, and performance. Developed curriculum integrating social justice, critical thinking, entrepreneurship, and creative expression. Produced and marketed student compilation albums and live showcases to build confidence and workforce readiness.
Visual Art Instructor / Digital Music Instructor at Oakland Unified School District
August 1, 2001 - June 30, 2009
Taught visual arts and digital music to middle and high school students. Developed arts-integrated curriculum supporting student growth, social awareness, and self-expression. Organized final exhibitions and documented projects to encourage entrepreneurship and performance skills.
Athletics Director / Coach at Melrose Middle School
August 1, 2003 - June 30, 2006
Organized and coached soccer and flag football programs. Established and managed competitive charter school leagues in the East Bay. Focused on youth leadership, sportsmanship, and community building.

Education

High School Diploma at Arroyo Grande High School
August 1, 1989 - June 1, 1992
University Studies at Humboldt State University
August 1, 1992 - May 1, 1995
University Studies at Cal State Eastbay
August 1, 1995 - January 31, 1996
Sports Medicine / Athletic Training at Humboldt State University
January 1, 1992 - December 31, 1995
Teaching & Coaching at Cal State East Bay
January 1, 1995 - December 31, 1996
Diploma at Arroyo Grande High School
January 1, 1992 - December 31, 1992

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Wholesale & Distribution, Consumer Goods, Retail, Professional Services, Other
    paper Ancestors 2.0
    abstract wood cutout appx 60" x 45" . mixed media Epoxy, aerosol, acrylic, pencil on found plywood " Ancestors 2.0 " echoes and evokes the spirit of the ancestors and their dominion over our Earthly existence as protectors , guides, and connection to Source energy.…
    paper PORTFOLIO 1
    this portfolio is a cumulative reference of my work over the past 10 years. It represents several different eras and evolutions of my work both stylistically and aesthetically. collage Blackarts assemblage woodwork mixedmedia portraiture hiphop icons culturalart BAM Amiri Baraka handmade tactile remembrance…