HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-02-10 Public Art Commission Summary Minutes
IS POSTED IN ACCORDANCE
WITH GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION
54954.2(a) OR SECTION 54956
PUBLIC ART COMMISSION
February 10, 2026
Palo Alto Art Center
5 -9 pm
ANNUAL PAC RETREAT
MINUTES
Commissioners Present: Hsinya Shen, Harriet Stern, Amber Smith, Anjana Joshi, Simon Tran,
Robin Mullery, Tara de la Garza (joined at 5:17 pm)
Staff present: Elise DeMarzo, Public Art Program Director
Nadya Chuprina, Public Art Program Coordinator
Amanda Deml, CSD Assistant Director
Council Liaison Present: George Lu, Council Member
CALL TO ORDER – The meeting was called to order at 5:09 pm by Chair Shen
ADDITIONS, CHANGES, REQUESTS, DELETIONS – None.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS – None.
NON-ACTION:
Commissioners opened the retreat session 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. Staff provided an overview of existing public art projects in municipal and private
development, as well as temporary public art and special projects currently, both currently on display
and in various phases of development. Staff listed ongoing and earmarked collection care and
maintenance projects. Commissioners, staff, and Council liaison discussed the City-wide budget forecast
for the upcoming years and possible impacts on the city resources. Staff provided a summary of the
Code:ART 2025 festival metrics and economic impacts and led conversation about possibilities of
expanded programing for Code:ART 2027. Staff highlighted opportunities and needs for Commissioner
support and participation. Following a short break, a discussion about the King Artist Residency program
took place, summarizing the status of the current residency, reflected on the outcomes and impacts of
the previously completed projects, and exploration of possible ways to pivot or improve the program,
including increasing artists’ budgets for detailed design development and fabrication of temporary
artwork. Staff will bring further recommendations for the King AIR to the PAC at 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 and University Avenues as
well as the San Antonio Road redevelopment projects as those designs take shape.
Commissioners discussed the current round of ArtLift Grants and its focus areas, including activating the
Cubberley Community Center. Staff and Commissioners then reviewed the short - and long-term goals
outlined in the Public Art Master Plan (PAMP) and considered the need and feasibility of updating the
original plan adopted in 2016. Commissioners noted that while the current Master Plan remains relevant
and applicable, a future update would help ensure that new public art in Palo Alto reflects and serves
the city’s present-day communities, aligns with ongoing growth and development, and adheres to
current best practices.
Staff and Commissioners then reviewed the PAC FY2026 draft workplan and priorities and discussed
how the workplan aligns with the recently adopted Council priorities. Commissioners reviewed the draft,
including the goals and future projects outlined in the draft workplan. Based on the discussion,
Commissioners will review and approve the final updated draft at the upcoming PAC Special Meeting on
February 12. Chair and staff are scheduled to present the PAC FY2027 workplan to City Council on April 6
for approval.
No action was taken.
Meeting adjourned at 8:58 pm by Chair Shen.