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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-01-31 Public Art Commission Summary Minutes IS POSTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54954.2(a) OR SECTION 54956 PUBLIC ART COMMISSION January 31, 2025 Rinconada Library 9:00 am – 1:00 p.m. ANNUAL PAC RETREAT MINUTES Commissioners Present: Loren Gordon, Ben Miyaji, Hsinya Shen (left at 11:51 am), Lisa Waltuch, Amber Smith, Tara de la Garza, Harriet Stern Staff present: Elise DeMarzo, Public Art Program Director Nadya Chuprina, Public Art Program Coordinator Denise Laxen di Zazzo, PAP and CASP Communications Coordinator Amanda Deml, CSD Assistant Director CALL TO ORDER – The meeting was called to order at 9:01 AM by Chair Gordon ADDITIONS, CHANGES, REQUESTS, DELETIONS – None. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS – None. NON-ACTION: Commissioners opened the retreat with an icebreaker activity. Staff then provided a detailed overview of the Public Art Program funding structure including the CIP, Maintenance and Public Art Fund budgets; provided an outline of existing public art projects in municipal and private development, as well as temporary projects currently on display and in various phases of development; and ongoing and earmarked collection care and projects. Commissioners and staff discussed the upcoming Code:ART 2025 festival and its expanded programming. Staff highlighted opportunities and needs for Commissioner support and participation. Commissioners will discuss forming a Code:ART ad-hoc committee at the upcoming PAC meeting. Following a short break, staff led discussion about the King Artist Residency program, summarizing the status of the current residency, and reminding the Commissioners of the last artist application and selection process and outcomes. Staff suggested the idea of recommending artist Kiana Honarmand as the next King AIR artist. Commissioners expressed support for bringing a recommendation to the PAC. Staff will bring the approval of the artist and project funding to a future PAC meeting. Commissioners discussed the Public Art Fund and potential use of funds. The discussion primarily focused on earmarking funds to support economic development in Palo Alto’s commercial corridors with the integration of permanent and temporary public art into the California Ave and University Ave redevelopment projects as those designs take shape. Commissioners also discussed the need to keep an eye out for opportunities in Midtown Palo Alto, should one arise. Commissioners discussed launching a new round of ArtLift Grants in 2026 funding temporary projects across various commercial corridors and neighborhoods of Palo Alto, possibly centering on downtown, California Avenue, and Cubberley. Staff and Commissioners then reviewed the short- and long-term goals set in the PAMP and accomplished projects over the past several years and discussed the process for commencing a new Public Art Master Planning process in 2026. Staff and Commissioners then reviewed the approved 2025 work plan and discussed potential future projects and public art opportunities for 2026. 2025 work plan includes the expansion of the public programming for Code:ART 2025; completion of temporary murals at Fire Station #5 and across downtown Palo Alto; launch of the next King Artist Residency; refurbishment of a large sculpture by Gail Wagner, titled Albuquerque. Potential items for 2026 include launching the next round of ArtLift Grants and initiating a public art master planning process, and planning for Code:ART 2027. No action was taken. Meeting adjourned at 12:57 pm by Chair Gordon.