HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-02-15 Public Art Commission Agenda PacketPUBLIC ART COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
Thursday, February 15, 2024
Community Meeting Room & Hybrid
7:00 PM
Public Art Commission meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to attend by
teleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safety while still maintaining
transparency and public access, members of the public can choose to participate from home or
attend in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in the meeting is
located at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged if attending in person. The
m e e t i n g w i l l b e b r o a d c a s t o n C a b l e T V C h a n n e l 2 6 , l i v e o n
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen Media
Center https://midpenmedia.org.
VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/88627841441)
Meeting ID: 886 2784 1441 Phone: 1(669)900‐6833
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or an
amount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutes
after the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance to
city.council@CityofPaloAlto.org and will be provided to the Council and available for inspection
on the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in your
subject line.
PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted only
by email to city.clerk@CityofPaloAlto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received,
the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strong
cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are not
accepted.
CALL TO ORDER
AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
The Chair or Commission majority may modify the agenda order to improve meeting management.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1.January 12, 2024 PAC Annual Retreat Meeting Minutes
2.January 18, 2024 PAC Regular Meeting Minutes
CITY OFFICIAL COMMENTS
ACTION ITEMS
3.Fire Station 5 Mural Funding – Staff recommends the Commission approve funding in the
amount of up to $12,000 to commission a mural on the roll up doors at Fire Station 5.
4.Cubberley Mural Funding – Staff recommends funding in the amount of up to $12,000 for
a mural at the Cubberley campus at the intersection of the U and H wings facing
Middlefield Road.
5.ArtLift Grants – Staff recommends the approval of funding in the amount of $25,000 to
fund twenty $1,000 ArtLift grants to paint traffic and irrigation cabinets throughout Palo
Alto and an additional $5,000 for materials and box preparation.
COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS OR FUTURE MEETINGS AND
AGENDAS
Members of the public may not speak to the item(s)
ADJOURNMENT
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email,
teleconference, or by phone.
1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to pac@cityofpaloalto.org.
2. Spoken public comments using a computer will be accepted through the
teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link below to access a Zoom‐
based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.
You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using
your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30 ,
Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in
older browsers including Internet Explorer.
You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you
identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you
that it is your turn to speak.
When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will
activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they
are called to speak.
When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be
shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
3. Spoken public comments using a smart phone will be accepted through the
teleconference meeting. To address the Council, download the Zoom application onto
your phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter the Meeting ID
below. Please follow the instructions B‐E above.
4. Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When
you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to
speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the
Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your
remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 886 2784 1441 Phone: 1‐669‐900‐6833
Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public
programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with
disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary
aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at
(650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or
accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or
service.
PUBLIC ART COMMISSIONRegular MeetingThursday, February 15, 2024Community Meeting Room & Hybrid7:00 PMPublic Art Commission meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to attend byteleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safety while still maintainingtransparency and public access, members of the public can choose to participate from home orattend in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in the meeting islocated at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged if attending in person. Them e e t i n g w i l l b e b r o a d c a s t o n C a b l e T V C h a n n e l 2 6 , l i v e o nYouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen MediaCenter https://midpenmedia.org.VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/88627841441)Meeting ID: 886 2784 1441 Phone: 1(669)900‐6833PUBLIC COMMENTSPublic comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or anamount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutesafter the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance tocity.council@CityofPaloAlto.org and will be provided to the Council and available for inspectionon the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in yoursubject line.
PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted only
by email to city.clerk@CityofPaloAlto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received,
the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strong
cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are not
accepted.
CALL TO ORDER
AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
The Chair or Commission majority may modify the agenda order to improve meeting management.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1.January 12, 2024 PAC Annual Retreat Meeting Minutes
2.January 18, 2024 PAC Regular Meeting Minutes
CITY OFFICIAL COMMENTS
ACTION ITEMS
3.Fire Station 5 Mural Funding – Staff recommends the Commission approve funding in the
amount of up to $12,000 to commission a mural on the roll up doors at Fire Station 5.
4.Cubberley Mural Funding – Staff recommends funding in the amount of up to $12,000 for
a mural at the Cubberley campus at the intersection of the U and H wings facing
Middlefield Road.
5.ArtLift Grants – Staff recommends the approval of funding in the amount of $25,000 to
fund twenty $1,000 ArtLift grants to paint traffic and irrigation cabinets throughout Palo
Alto and an additional $5,000 for materials and box preparation.
COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS OR FUTURE MEETINGS AND
AGENDAS
Members of the public may not speak to the item(s)
ADJOURNMENT
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email,
teleconference, or by phone.
1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to pac@cityofpaloalto.org.
2. Spoken public comments using a computer will be accepted through the
teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link below to access a Zoom‐
based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.
You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using
your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30 ,
Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in
older browsers including Internet Explorer.
You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you
identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you
that it is your turn to speak.
When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will
activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they
are called to speak.
When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be
shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
3. Spoken public comments using a smart phone will be accepted through the
teleconference meeting. To address the Council, download the Zoom application onto
your phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter the Meeting ID
below. Please follow the instructions B‐E above.
4. Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When
you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to
speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the
Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your
remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 886 2784 1441 Phone: 1‐669‐900‐6833
Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public
programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with
disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary
aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at
(650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or
accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or
service.
PUBLIC ART COMMISSIONRegular MeetingThursday, February 15, 2024Community Meeting Room & Hybrid7:00 PMPublic Art Commission meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to attend byteleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safety while still maintainingtransparency and public access, members of the public can choose to participate from home orattend in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in the meeting islocated at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged if attending in person. Them e e t i n g w i l l b e b r o a d c a s t o n C a b l e T V C h a n n e l 2 6 , l i v e o nYouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen MediaCenter https://midpenmedia.org.VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/88627841441)Meeting ID: 886 2784 1441 Phone: 1(669)900‐6833PUBLIC COMMENTSPublic comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or anamount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutesafter the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance tocity.council@CityofPaloAlto.org and will be provided to the Council and available for inspectionon the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in yoursubject line.PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted onlyby email to city.clerk@CityofPaloAlto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received,the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strongcybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are notaccepted.CALL TO ORDERAGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONSThe Chair or Commission majority may modify the agenda order to improve meeting management.PUBLIC COMMENT Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES1.January 12, 2024 PAC Annual Retreat Meeting Minutes2.January 18, 2024 PAC Regular Meeting MinutesCITY OFFICIAL COMMENTSACTION ITEMS3.Fire Station 5 Mural Funding – Staff recommends the Commission approve funding in theamount of up to $12,000 to commission a mural on the roll up doors at Fire Station 5.4.Cubberley Mural Funding – Staff recommends funding in the amount of up to $12,000 fora mural at the Cubberley campus at the intersection of the U and H wings facingMiddlefield Road.5.ArtLift Grants – Staff recommends the approval of funding in the amount of $25,000 tofund twenty $1,000 ArtLift grants to paint traffic and irrigation cabinets throughout PaloAlto and an additional $5,000 for materials and box preparation.COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS OR FUTURE MEETINGS ANDAGENDAS
Members of the public may not speak to the item(s)
ADJOURNMENT
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email,
teleconference, or by phone.
1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to pac@cityofpaloalto.org.
2. Spoken public comments using a computer will be accepted through the
teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link below to access a Zoom‐
based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.
You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using
your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30 ,
Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in
older browsers including Internet Explorer.
You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you
identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you
that it is your turn to speak.
When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will
activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they
are called to speak.
When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be
shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
3. Spoken public comments using a smart phone will be accepted through the
teleconference meeting. To address the Council, download the Zoom application onto
your phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter the Meeting ID
below. Please follow the instructions B‐E above.
4. Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When
you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to
speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the
Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your
remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 886 2784 1441 Phone: 1‐669‐900‐6833
Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public
programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with
disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary
aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at
(650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or
accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or
service.
IS POSTED IN ACCORDANCE
WITH GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION
54954.2(a) OR SECTION 54956
PUBLIC ART COMMISSION
January 12, 2024
Downtown Library
1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
ANNUAL PAC RETREAT
MINUTES
Commissioners Present: Loren Gordon, Ben Miyaji, Nia Taylor, Lisa Waltuch, Hsinya
Shen
Staff present: Elise DeMarzo, Public Art Program Director
Nadya Chuprina, Public Art Program Coordinator
Denise Laxen di Zazzo, PAP and CASP Communications
Coordinator
Kristen O’Kane – CSD Director
Amanda Deml – CSD Assistant Director
CALL TO ORDER – The meeting was called to order at 1:01 PM by Chair Shen.
ADDITIONS, CHANGES, REQUESTS, DELETIONS – None.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS – None.
NON-ACTION:
Commissioners started the Retreat with an icebreaker activity. Staff then provided a detailed
overview of the Public Art Program funding structure and budgets, provided an outline of
existing public art projects in municipal and private development, as well as temporary projects
currently on display, and ongoing and earmarked collection care and projects. Commissioners
and staff then discussed the expansion of the murals program to the downtown and midtown
districts. Commissioners and staff conversed about the takeaways from the two recently
concluded King Artist Residencies, including the decision to print a set of community quotes
and exhibiting them in King Plaza since artist Kirti Bassendine did not present a proposal for
temporary artwork at the conclusion of her residency. Commissioners also discussed the launch
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of a new call for the third round of the King AIR residency. Commissioners discussed a new
round of ArtLift Grants that would focus on utility boxes across various commercial corridors
and neighborhoods of Palo Alto. Staff and Commissioners then reviewed the accomplishments
of Code:ART 2023 and discussed opportunities for expanding the event budget and scale of
installations for the next Code:ART set for 2025. Chair Shen led an overview of the PAC
municipal code and roles of Public Art Commissioners. Staff and Commissioners then reviewed
the PAMP goals grid and discussed potential appropriate public art opportunities in line with
the PAMP recommendations. Commissioners and staff reviewed the currently adopted PAC
priorities and made minor updates to the objectives draft document to be approved by the PAC
at the upcoming regular meeting:
1. Building Community Priority: Develop public art that encourages engagement,
belonging, and community participation, and that promotes shared experiences in and
around Palo Alto neighborhoods and commercial corridors.
2. Social Justice Priority: Develop public art projects that will continue to advance
empathy, cultural inclusion and celebration, and social, racial, and gender equity.
3. Public Art Education Priority: Widen and strengthen education and advocacy for public
art, including through the roll-out and implementation of the California Ave District
Master Plan and the Baylands Art Plan, and PAMP long -term goals, while responding to
current issues and supporting a wider network of artists.
Commissioners identified the following projects and initiatives as working priorities: expansion
of the Temporary Murals Program to downtown and midtown Palo Alto in Summer 2024;
launch of the next King Artist Residency round; re-commencement of the next round of ArtLift
Grants to commission local emerg ing artists to paint up to 20 utility boxes across Palo Alto in
Summer – Fall 2024, commissioning temporary murals at Cubberley Community Center and Fire
Station 5, commissioning a large scale temporary digital mural at the California Ave Parking
Garage, and initiating the planning of Code:ART 2025 with expanded budgets, scales of
installations, and potential inclusion of projection mapping projects.
No action was taken.
Meeting adjourned at 5:02 pm by Chair Shen
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IS POSTED IN ACCORDANCE
WITH GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION
54954.2(a) OR SECTION 54956
PUBLIC ART COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, January 18, 2024
Community Meeting Room & Virtual
7:00 p.m.
Commissioners Participating: Nia Taylor, Lisa Waltuch, Ben Miyaji, Loren Gordon,
Hsinya Shen
Commissioners Absent: None
City Council Participating: Patrick Burt, Council Member
Staff Present: Elise DeMarzo, Public Art Program Director
Nadya Chuprina, Public Art Program Coordinator
Amanda Deml, CSD Assistant Director
Joseph Saxe, Public Art Project Manager
CALL TO ORDER – Chair Shen called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
AGENDA CHANGES, REQUESTS, DELETIONS – None.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS –
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - PAC Special Meeting November 29, 2023Moved: Commissioner Miyaji;
Second: Commissioner Taylor. All in Favor.
STAFF COMMENTS – Staff announced an ongoing call for artists for the King Artist Residency
program with the submission deadline on February 2, 2024. Staff also thanked the Commissioners for
participating in a productive Annual Retreat on Friday, January 12 to discuss and prioritize upcoming
projects and initiatives and set new work priorities and objectives for 2024/25. Staff also introduced the
new Council Liaison Patrick Burt to the commissioners.
ACTION:
1. Public Art at Fire Station 4 – Staff provided a summary of the project background including the
timeline for the artist’s research and community engagement to inform the artwork concept and
design. Artist Stephen Galloway made a presentation of the proposed artwork conceptual design
to the Commissioners and answered Commissioners’ clarifying questions. The proposed artwork
will be a two-dimensional artwork that pays homage to the resilience symbolized by a compelling
Palo Alto oak tree, blending seamlessly with the station's architectural design, integrated into the
façade of the new building and spanning two adjacent walls facing Middlefield and East
Meadow. It will have a distinct day and night presence. Motion: Commissioner Miyaji moved to
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approve the conceptual design of artwork for Fire Station #4 by artist Stephen Galloway. Second:
Vice Chair Gordon. All in Favor.
2. Adoption of Priorities for 2024 – Commissioners reviewed the PAC Priorities for 2024 drafted
at the PAC Annual Retreat held on January 12. Upon some discussion and final edits, the
priorities were approved as follows:
Building Community Priority: Develop public art that encourages engagement, belonging, and
community participation, and that promotes shared experiences in and around Palo Alto
Neighborhoods and commercial corridors.
Social Justice Priority: Develop public art projects that will continue to advance empathy, ethnic and
cultural inclusion and celebration, and social, racial, and gender equity.
Public Art Education Priority: Widen and strengthen education and advocacy for public art,
including through the roll-out and implementation of the California Avenue District Master Plan and
the Baylands Art Plan, and PAMP long-term goals, while responding to current issues and supporting
a wider network of artists.
Motion: Vice Chair Gordon made a motion to approve the PAC Priorities for 2024. Second: Chair
Shen. All in Favor.
COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, OR FUTURE ITEMS: Commissioner Miyaji
proposed to consider a succession plan for the outgoing commissioners offering mentoring for the new
PAC commissioners.
CALENDAR: Next PAC Regular Meeting – February 15, 7 pm (hybrid) at City Hall Community
Meeting Room.
MEETING ADJOURNED: at 8:03 pm by Chair Shen.
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Public Art Commission
Staff Report
From: Elise DeMarzo, Manager Community Services Sr Programs
Meeting Date: February 15, 2024
Report #: 2402-2627
TITLE
Fire Station 5 Mural Funding – Staff recommends the Commission approve funding in the
amount of up to $12,000 to commission a mural on the roll up doors at Fire Station 5.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Public Art Commission (PAC) approve funding in the amount of up
to $12,000 from the Art in Public Places Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Fund to commission
a temporary mural to be painted on the roll-up door at Fire Station #5, located at 600
Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA.
ANALYSIS
Guided by the PAC 2024/25 working priorities to expand the temporary murals program to Palo
Alto neighborhoods and commercial corridors, the Public Art Program staff in partnership with
the City’s Fire Department identified an opportunity to commission an artist to paint a
temporary mural on the surface of a large roll-up engine entrance door at the Fire Station
#5. The station, located in south-west Palo Alto at the corner of Arastradero Road and Clemo
Avenue and adjacent to Juana Briones Park, is a welcoming community hub, providing fire,
emergency medical services and all hazard response to the Palo Alto community. The mural will
have high visibility and experienced by pedestrians, cyclists and drivers using the busy
intersection.
The publicly available muralist roster of 218 artists will be used by City staff for commissioning
City funded murals.
Once the funds are approved, staff will initiate an artist selection process and reach out to a
selection of artists in the Muralist Roster appropriate for the commission who may be
interested in creating a site-specific mural for the fire station. Staff will assemble a selection
panel of community stakeholders to evaluate and rank applicants according to their
qualifications. The artists will be selected based on their demonstrated artistic excellence and
skillset provided in the samples of previously completed murals. The selected artist will be
provided with the Palo Alto Master Plan and input from the community stakeholders as part of
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their design brief to inform their design development. A finalized conceptual design will be
presented to the Public Art Commission for approval before the painting onsite may begin.
TIMELINE, RESOURCE IMPACT, AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS
The artist selection is anticipated to take place in Spring 2024 and the mural is anticipated to be
painted in early Summer 2024. The mural will be temporary in nature due to the potential need
to replace the roll up door with little to no notice and the wear and tear to the mural on a roll
up door. Staff has a muralist consultant to advise them as to the best surface preparation and
types of paint appropriate for the project. The mural will be funded through the City’s Art in
Public Places CIP fund.
The City of Palo Alto Public Art Program operates in accordance with Chapter 2.26 Visual Art in
Public Places Policy of Palo Alto Municipal Code. The Municipal Percent for Art Policy specifies
that the City will budget one percent (1%) of its construction costs to include public art for City
capital improvement projects that have a visual impact on the surrounding environment by
altering a site through new construction or reconstruction, at the initial stages of design,
thereby ensuring that art elements become an integral part of the overall design. In 2015, in
order to strengthen its ongoing commitment to the City’s municipal public art program, the
Palo Alto Council amended the Palo Alto Municipal Code to add Section 2.26.070 "Public Art for
Municipal Projects" to Chapter 2.26 (Visual Art in Public Places). The Ordinance enhanced the
funds available for public art and increased flexibility to provide art experiences that are timely
and relevant throughout the community. According to the Ordinance, one percent (1%) of the
City’s annual Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget devoted to public art is deposited into
the Public Art Fund. Funds may be used at any appropriate site within Palo Alto for permanent
or temporary public art projects. Additionally, funds from two or more CIP projects may be
pooled to fund a single work of art.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Staff Presentation for the approval of funding for a new temporary mural to be
painted on site of the Fire Station #5 located at 600 Arastradero Road in Palo Alto.
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TITLE 40 FONT BOLD
Subtitle 32 font
February 15, 2024 www.cityofpaloalto.org/publicart
RECOMMENDATION
•Approval of funding in the amount of up to $12,000 to commission a mural on the roll up door at Fire
Station 5 at 600 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA.
PROCESS & TIMELINE
•Guided by the PAC 2024/25 working priorities to expand the temporary murals program to Palo Alto
neighborhoods and commercial corridors;
•In partnership with the City’s Fire Department identified an opportunity to commission an artist to
paint a temporary mural on the surface of a large roll-up engine entrance door;
•Spring 2024 – Artist Selection Process (Conceptual design to be presented to PAC for approval)
•Early Summer 2024 – Mural is painted onsite.
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Public Art Commission
Staff Report
From: Elise DeMarzo, Manager Community Services Sr Programs
Meeting Date: February 15, 2024
Report #: 2402-2628
TITLE
Cubberley Mural Funding – Staff recommends funding in the amount of up to $12,000 for a
mural at the Cubberley campus at the intersection of the U and H wings facing Middlefield
Road.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Public Art Commission (PAC) approve funding in the amount of up
to $12,000 from the Art in Public Places Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Fund to commission
a temporary mural to be painted at the Cubberley campus, at the intersection of the U and H
wings, located at 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA.
ANALYSIS
Guided by the PAC 2024/25 working priorities to expand the temporary murals program to Palo
Alto neighborhoods and commercial corridors, the commissioners highlighted the priority to
expand the murals program to new locations throughout the City. The Public Art Program staff
has shared with the Commission community feedback regarding an expressed desire to see the
Cubberley campus activated through murals reflecting the variety of dynamic programming and
community partners based there. The Cubberley Community Center, located in south Palo Alto
an important facility housing numerous non-profit organizations and groups that provide
services to the community in areas of education, health, childcare, dance, and music
instruction, as well as the Cubberley Artists Studio Program with twenty-four artists. The mural
painted at the intersection of the U and H wings facing Middlefield Road will have high visibility
and be experienced by pedestrians, cyclists and drivers entering the campus.
The publicly available muralist roster of 218 artists will be used by City staff for commissioning
City funded murals.
Once the funds are approved, staff will initiate an artist selection process and reach out to
artists in the Muralist Roster appropriate for the commission who may be interested in creating
a site-specific mural for Cubberley. Staff will assemble a selection panel of community
stakeholders to evaluate and rank applicants according to their qualifications. The artists will be
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selected based on their demonstrated artistic excellence and skillset provided in the samples of
previously completed murals. The selected artist will be provided with the Palo Alto Master
Plan and input from the community stakeholders as part of their design brief to inform their
design development. A finalized conceptual design will be presented to the Public Art
Commission for approval before the painting onsite may begin.
TIMELINE, RESOURCE IMPACT, AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS
The artist selection is anticipated to take place in Spring 2024 and the mural is anticipated to be
painted in early Summer 2024. The mural will be temporary in nature due to the aging nature
of the campus and any potential need for maintenance or upgrades done on the premises. Staff
has a muralist consultant to advise them as to the best surface preparation and types of paint
appropriate for the project. The mural will be funded through the City’s Art in Public Places CIP
fund.
The City of Palo Alto Public Art Program operates in accordance with Chapter 2.26 Visual Art in
Public Places Policy of Palo Alto Municipal Code. The Municipal Percent for Art Policy specifies
that the City will budget one percent (1%) of its construction costs to include public art for City
capital improvement projects that have a visual impact on the surrounding environment by
altering a site through new construction or reconstruction, at the initial stages of design,
thereby ensuring that art elements become an integral part of the overall design. In 2015, in
order to strengthen its ongoing commitment to the City’s municipal public art program, the
Palo Alto Council amended the Palo Alto Municipal Code to add Section 2.26.070 "Public Art for
Municipal Projects" to Chapter 2.26 (Visual Art in Public Places). The Ordinance enhanced the
funds available for public art and increased flexibility to provide art experiences that are timely
and relevant throughout the community. According to the Ordinance, one percent (1%) of the
City’s annual Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget devoted to public art is deposited into
the Public Art Fund. Funds may be used at any appropriate site within Palo Alto for permanent
or temporary public art projects. Additionally, funds from two or more CIP projects may be
pooled to fund a single work of art.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Staff Presentation for the approval of funding for a new temporary mural to be
painted on site of the Cubberley Community Center located at 4000 Middlefield Road in Palo
Alto.
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TITLE 40 FONT BOLD
Subtitle 32 font
February 15, 2024 www.cityofpaloalto.org/publicart
RECOMMENDATION
•Approval of funding in the amount of up to $12,000 to commission a temporary mural to be painted at
the Cubberley campus, at the intersection of the U and H wings, located at 4000 Middlefield Road,
Palo Alto, CA.
PROCESS & TIMELINE
•Guided by the PAC 2024/25 working priorities to expand the temporary murals program to Palo Alto
neighborhoods and commercial corridors;
•Driven by desire to see the Cubberley campus activated through murals reflecting the variety of
dynamic programming and community partners based there;
•Spring 2024 – Artist Selection & Outreach (Conceptual design to be presented to PAC for approval)
•Early Summer 2024 – Mural is painted onsite.
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Public Art Commission
Staff Report
From: Elise DeMarzo, Manager Community Services Sr Programs
Meeting Date: February 15, 2024
Report #: 2402-2629
TITLE
ArtLift Grants – Staff recommends the approval of funding in the amount of $25,000 to fund
twenty $1,000 ArtLift grants to paint traffic and irrigation cabinets throughout Palo Alto and an
additional $5,000 for materials and box preparation.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Public Art Commission (PAC) approve funding in the amount of up
to $25,000 to fund twenty $1,000 ArtLift grants to paint traffic and irrigation cabinets
throughout Palo Alto and an additional $5,000 for materials and cabinet preparation.
ANALYSIS
Guided by the PAC 2024/25 working priorities to develop public art that encourages
engagement, belonging, and community participation in and around Palo Alto neighborhoods
and commercial corridors, and driven by the demonstrated community desire for projects for
emerging and studio artists wanting to bridge into public art, the Public Art Commission has
indicated support for the launch of another series of ArtLift grants with focus on utility boxes
across various commercial corridors and neighborhoods of Palo Alto. The Public Art Program
staff is currently working with the City’s Utilites, Transportation, and Parks and Open Space
teams to identify twenty utilities and irrigation boxes across the city in the areas adjacent to
public schools, parks, residential neighborhoods and commercial corridors suitable for painting.
Once the funds are approved, staff will initiate an open call for artists followed by a selection
panel vetting process. The selected artists will be provided with the Palo Alto Master Plan and
technical specifications for the cabinets as part of their design brief to inform their conceptual
design development.
TIMELINE, RESOURCE IMPACT AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS
The artist selection is anticipated to take place in Spring 2024 and the cabinets are anticipated
to be painted throughout Summer 2024. All projects will be temporary in nature due to the
potential need to replace the equipment with little to no notice. Staff will provide guidelines as
to the best surface preparation and types of paint appropriate for the project. The ArtLift grants
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and expenses for materials and additional box preparation will be funded through the City’s Art
in Public Places CIP fund.
The City of Palo Alto Public Art Program operates in accordance with Chapter 2.26 Visual Art in
Public Places Policy of Palo Alto Municipal Code. The Municipal Percent for Art Policy specifies
that the City will budget one percent (1%) of its construction costs to include public art for City
capital improvement projects that have a visual impact on the surrounding environment by
altering a site through new construction or reconstruction, at the initial stages of design,
thereby ensuring that art elements become an integral part of the overall design. In 2015, in
order to strengthen its ongoing commitment to the City’s municipal public art program, the
Palo Alto Council amended the Palo Alto Municipal Code to add Section 2.26.070 "Public Art for
Municipal Projects" to Chapter 2.26 (Visual Art in Public Places). The Ordinance enhanced the
funds available for public art and increased flexibility to provide art experiences that are timely
and relevant throughout the community. According to the Ordinance, one percent (1%) of the
City’s annual Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget devoted to public art is deposited into
the Public Art Fund. Funds may be used at any appropriate site within Palo Alto for permanent
or temporary public art projects. Additionally, funds from two or more CIP projects may be
pooled to fund a single work of art.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Staff Presentation for the approval of funding for a new round of ArtLift grants.
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TITLE 40 FONT BOLD
Subtitle 32 font
February 15, 2024 www.cityofpaloalto.org/publicart
RECOMMENDATION
•Approval of funding in the amount of up to $25,000 to fund twenty $1,000 ArtLift grants to paint
utilities and irrigation cabinets throughout Palo Alto and an additional $5,000 for materials and
cabinet preparation.
PROCESS & TIMELINE
•Guided by the PAC 2024/25 working priorities to develop public art that encourages engagement,
belonging, and community participation in and around Palo Alto neighborhoods and commercial
corridors;
•Driven by the demonstrated community desire for projects for emerging and studio artists wanting to
bridge into public art;
•20 locations to be identified across Palo Alto (areas adjacent to public schools, parks, residential
neighborhoods and commercial areas);
•Spring 2024 – Artist Selection Process;
•Summer 2024 – Cabinets are painted onsite.
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Jewel of Fruits,2022 by Harumo Sato,downtown Sunnyvale
Examples from the streets....
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