Title
Evaluation and Selection of Grant Proposals Received in Response to Cultural Arts and Arts Programming Request for Proposals
Body
To: Honorable Chairperson Rush and Members of the Public Art Commission
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Alameda (City) Public Art Master Plan (Plan) calls for the “release [of] a grant application for Cultural Arts and Arts Programming.” Per the Five-Year Action Plan, the City will release annual Requests for Proposals for Cultural Art and Arts Programming. The 2025 Cultural Art and Arts Programming RFP was released on January 29, 2025; proposals were due on March 20, 2025. A total of seventeen (17) proposals were received and the Public Art Commission (PAC) are being asked to evaluate the Cultural Arts and Arts Programming proposals and award $60,000 to the applicant organizations.
BACKGROUND
Alameda Municipal Code (AMC) Section 30-98 Public Art in New Commercial, Industrial, Residential and Municipal Construction (Ordinance) requires that major development projects include on-site public art. The Ordinance also permits an applicant to pay an in-lieu fee for providing the art on-site. Any in-lieu fees collected are deposited in the dedicated Public Art Fund (Fund). The Fund can then only be used by the City to provide or support public art.
In December of 2020, the Public Art Commission (PAC) identified the creation of a Public Art Master Plan to guide the implementation of the City’s public art program, in alignment with the vision and goals of the City Council, PAC, and the Alameda community. Year one of the Five-Year Action Plan included in the Plan, which outlines actionable tasks to be taken over the next five years, identifies the “release [of] a grant application for Cultural Arts and Arts Programming”.
Throughout the development of the draft Plan, staff received feedback from the PAC, arts organizations, artists, as well as members of the community regarding the timing, scale, and regularity of cultural arts and arts programming grants. This feedback predominately expressed a desire for consistent grant calls that encourage a broad array of applications and applicants equitably and accessibly.
Building off the Cultural Arts and Arts Programming Request for Proposals issued in 2022 (RFP), in December 2023 staff presented to the PAC for consideration a draft RFP with a proposed publication in January 2024. The PAC approved an RFP to provide eight grants totaling $60,000. As part of the Biennial Plan approved by PAC in December 2024, plans to release a Cultural Arts RFP in 2025 were also approved. The RFP was released on January 29, 2025; proposals were due on March 20, 2025.
The Cultural Art and Arts Programming RFP (Exhibit 1) included two different award categories at the following amounts:
• Four (4) $10,000 awards
• Four (4) $5,000 awards
The purpose of this evening’s meeting is to evaluate the Cultural Arts and Arts Programming grant proposals and award $60,000 to the applicant organizations.
DISCUSSION
A total of seventeen (17) proposals were received in response to the RFP. The evaluation process for these proposals, as described in the RFP, includes two steps:
1. Staff pre-screening. All applications will be pre-screened by City staff to ensure that they meet the minimum qualifications:
a. Includes all of the elements listed in the “Proposal Requirement” section.
b. Proposing organization is a non-profit, public agency, or fiscally sponsored organization.
c. Proposed cultural arts event will be free of charge, open to the public and located within the City.
2. PAC Review. The PAC will evaluate and rank the applications on a scale from 1 to 5 and make award selections based on the following factors:
Staff has completed Step One and found that all proposals meet the minimum qualifications. PAC is now being asked to complete Step Two, to evaluate and award grants in each award category ($5,000 award and $10,000 award). These proposals are presented based on the grant request amount. A brief description of each proposal is presented below. The complete applications are attached as exhibits to this report.
$10,000 Award Category
1. Proposal Name: Radio Day by the Bay
Organization: California Historical Radio Society (CHRS)
Date(s): July 19, 2025
Proposal Description: Radio Day by the Bay 2025 is CHRS’s flagship annual event, celebrating the artistic and cultural legacy of radio through live performances, historical exhibits, and community engagement. Set against the backdrop of their historic Alameda Museum, this year’s event will highlight radio’s influence as a storytelling art form, featuring live re-creations of classic radio dramas, musical performances, and interactive experiences that bring radio to life from the golden age of radio to now.
The full submission for Radio Day by the Bay can be found in a Dropbox folder that can be accessed by pasting the following URL into your browser: <https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/4h462ha3zjmqm13750ar6/AF8cwhHVnBMwLB1n6PFx3vQ?rlkey=yw19dot6ydrh0qtzhdk121gou&st=qdi6ly2j&dl=0>
In addition, the full submission for Radio Day by the Bay (aside from any video submissions) can be found in Exhibit 2.
2. Proposal Name: Plein Air Paintout 2025
Organization: Frank Bette Center for the Arts Inc
Date(s): July 28 - August 2, 2025
Proposal Description: The Frank Bette Plein Air Paintout hosts up to 40 juried artists for a week of painting tree-lined streets, stately Victorian homes and shops, picturesque marinas, historic naval ships and naval air station, as well as beaches, lagoons, parks, and San Francisco and Oakland skylines in Alameda. The week includes a welcome reception, a luncheon and quick draw, and a public outdoor exhibit and sale of all the paintings at the end of the week. A selection of the unsold paintings from the sale are exhibited and for sale in the Frank Bette Center for the Arts Gallery through September.
The full submission for Plein Air Paintout 2025 can be found in Exhibit 3 or in a Dropbox folder that can be accessed by pasting the following URL into your browser:
<https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/pb4thergkvexxzmlvxryc/AP4AjkHPlh7G8bMuLlWXPH4?rlkey=g7ztl396dh3356yl7dmmakoen&st=ajb9d9wh&dl=0>
3. Proposal Name: Alameda Haunts Contest & Fete de Rattlin' Bones 20th Anniversary Celebrations
Organization: FunAmeda Productions LLC
Date(s): October 24 - 31, 2025
Proposal Description: Alameda Haunts is a safe, family-friendly, city-wide Halloween house decorating contest that historically takes place on the three days leading up to October 31. The event is specifically geared to engage as many Alameda neighborhoods, residents, artists, merchants, service providers and organizations as possible to come together to take part in highlighting the beautiful and historic architecture, showcasing the inclusive and broad range of local artistic talent, and celebrating Alameda’s diverse community in the spirit of giving back.
This year they celebrate their 20th anniversary by expanding Alameda Haunts to seven days of fun with the Fete de Rattlin’ Bones with a goal to raise $10,000 for the Alameda Food Bank and our neighbors in need at the start of the holiday season.
The full submission for Alameda Haunts Contest can be found in a Dropbox folder that can be accessed by pasting the following URL into your browser: <https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/0ozx03on6paf5i3gepde4/AMmluEJwbA-jAZR6H9CH29M?rlkey=jhks2demjy3st6iyv30uykxk9&st=8ohcmpkr&dl=0>
In addition, the full submission (aside from any videos included in the submission) can be found in Exhibit 4.
4. Proposal Name: Alameda Walls of Culture
Organization: Bay Area Mural Program (BAMP)
Date(s): Late 2025
Proposal Description: The Alameda Community Mural Project, led by BAMP, aims to transform public spaces in Alameda into vibrant artistic landmarks that reflect the city’s cultural diversity, history, and community identity. This initiative will engage local artists, residents, and organizations to collaboratively create murals that celebrate Alameda’s rich heritage while fostering public engagement and neighborhood pride.
Through a collaborative and inclusive design process, BAMP aims to produce four murals across different neighborhoods, each depicting a unique aspect of Alameda’s identity, from its immigrant history and artistic contributions to its ongoing social movements and environmental initiatives.
The full submission for Alameda Walls of Culture can be found in Exhibit 5 or in a Dropbox folder that can be accessed by pasting the following URL into your browser: <https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/giofwbr5lp66821hzpl6x/AGfEinfIL-y9BRzxHBuKlRU?rlkey=uxi2rzo68nk3evkesbs27pt7j&st=q9ki22ye&dl=0>
5. Proposal Name: Into the Looking Glass: An Immersive Multimedia Experience
Organization: Artpush
Date(s): September 2025
Proposal Description: This exhibit will create a completely immersive experience with floor to ceiling video projection (including 3D projection mapping) on three walls in sync with an original surround-sound soundtrack. All the video, animation, and music are created by local artists. This allows the visitor to step inside the art and be delighted and amazed completely immersed in a moving landscape of sound and vision.
The full submission for Into the Looking Glass: an Immersive Multimedia Experience can be found in Exhibit 6 or in a Dropbox folder that can be accessed by pasting the following URL into your browser:
<https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/17m02b98jip6pc66d5upz/AHuzfIvO6OKWeFQnkYQ87D8?rlkey=f8jqo6sq5on6mzv1ri5lcavns&st=oexvu8cn&dl=0>
6. Proposal Name: Rhythmix in the Parks: Unity Fest
Organization: Rhythmix Cultural Works
Date(s): August 2025 - June 2026
Proposal Description: Exploring the vibrant diversity of the African continent and the overlooked histories of African Americans in Alameda, Rhythmix Cultural Works (RCW) will present a kaleidoscopic series of music, dance and drumming performances, along with classes, spoken word, storytelling and hands-on arts activities to honor and promote greater awareness of African and African Diasporic cultural arts traditions in the Bay Area and beyond.
In partnership with the City of Alameda Recreation and Park Department (ARPD), the Rhythmix in the Parks: Unity Fest, will present four free family-friendly “mini-festivals” in local parks from August 2025 - June 2026. Attendees of all ages and abilities will be invited to partake in African dance and drum classes, spoken word/storytelling workshops, and hands-on art & crafts. Live performances from traditional and contemporary Bay Area ensembles will highlight African and African descendent genres of music and dance to promote African, Afro-Latino and African American heritage and unity through distinctive cultural expressions.
The full submission for Rhythmix in the Parks: Unity Fest can be found in Exhibit 7 or in a Dropbox folder that can be accessed by pasting the following URL into your browser:
<https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/2equqgyfe4hz8j65ei1xj/AICrFqF_IvYAWOoUj0qZTiI?rlkey=rby2vgposgn6zkjrbpynn2r2b&st=jar0rpx5&dl=0>
7. Proposal Name: Hana Hou - Halau Makana's Biennial Ho'ike
Organization: Halau Makana Polynesian Cultural Arts Center, Inc.
Date(s): October 2025
Proposal Description: Hālau Makana will produce their biennial cultural hōʻike, a vibrant performance that celebrates the rich traditions of Polynesian dance, singing, and drumming. This hōʻike will provide a dynamic platform to share the beauty and depth of Hawaiian, Tahitian, and Māori cultures with the broader community, promoting cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. Through this immersive and educational experience, we aim to build connections between diverse communities and local arts and culture groups, fostering unity through the shared language of the arts.
The full submission for Hana Hou - Halau Makana's Biennial Ho'ike can be found in Exhibit 8 or in a Dropbox folder that can be accessed by pasting the following URL into your browser: <https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/ykcas26yhwlop1svuhlse/ADxKSYi4ILhO_n0FsTpQIE8?rlkey=5uswwsv7hwygnmvep99hcxjqz&st=qkx73dfx&dl=0>
8. Proposal Name: Circus Bella at Radium Runway
Organization: Radium Presents Inc.
Date(s): July 26, 2025
Proposal Description: Radium Presents is thrilled to bring Circus Bella's enchanting one-ring circus to Alameda Point, offering a vibrant celebration of circus arts that bridges generations and cultures. This exhilarating 60-minute show promises to delight audiences of all ages with a cherished family experience that embodies the simple joy and "art of fun" that circus traditions represent.
The full submission for Circus Bella at Radium Runway can be found in Exhibit 9 or in a Dropbox folder that can be accessed by pasting the following URL into your browser: <https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/j9z2icph4fepulwf26vbo/AF__ne9514ear_JlyXcTbZ0?rlkey=ggkvess2pcp5uis9j6cd7ktg2&st=f7a7l2tg&dl=0>
9. Proposal Name: DeepDIVE: Under the Waves
Organization: West End Arts and Entertainment District
Date: November 2025
Proposal Description: DeepDIVE is a two-part multimedia performance piece exploring the mystery of the ocean, using video, music, and dance. We will project onto the iconic Posey Tube building which is both an underwater tunnel and an above-ground structure, located in a priority site for flood mitigation. Starting with images of water rising up the side of the building, viewers will then voyage down through the underwater world, exploring environments, and animal life through the marine layers.
The full submission for DeepDIVE can be found in Exhibit 10 or in a Dropbox folder that can be accessed by pasting the following URL into your browser: <https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/op6h87zvopxugguxuw3nu/AFo3Jo0cmEG6r9DLiueYeHY?rlkey=kkb4wzypak0twwqp5grtj29so&st=73c5jv8u&dl=0>
10. Proposal Name: Whispers of the Sanctuary
Organization: Alameda Civic Ballet
Dates(s): Spring 2026
Proposal Description: Whispers of the Sanctuary is a new original ballet conceived by Alameda Civic Ballet, inspired by the quiet beauty and ecological richness of the Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary in Alameda. Through evocative movement, music, and design, the ballet explores themes of connection to nature, the delicate balance of ecosystems, and the timeless rhythms of life. The work unfolds in three acts, each capturing a different facet of the sanctuary’s story.
The full submission for Whispers of the Sanctuary can be found in Exhibit 11 or in a Dropbox folder that can be accessed by pasting the following URL into your browser: <https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/f6lt5f03meq0dd6sbf1jc/AHef4-BG5NTqixqXc3QA2Bg?rlkey=42cqn0517aoez6dpm59n4tvje&st=tpfvqa9h&dl=0>
11. Proposal Name: Alameda Food Bank Forever Home Mural
Organization: Alameda Food Bank (AFB)
Dates(s): Fall 2026
Proposal Description: The vibrant 45’ x 13’ public art mural will celebrate fresh produce, community, and the power of collective support. This large-scale artwork will be installed on the exterior of our facility, serving as both a visual representation of AFB’s mission and a welcoming beacon for those in our community needing support.
The mural will showcase vibrant, lush depictions of fresh fruits and vegetables, symbolizing nourishment. It will also incorporate wayfinding and branding elements, helping to identify the building while integrating artistic features that guide community members to the parking lot and entrance. The artwork will be designed by a local Bay Area artist, ensuring cultural and geographic relevance, and created in collaboration with community input.
The full submission for Alameda Food Bank Forever Home Mural can be found in Exhibit 12 or in a Dropbox folder that can be accessed by pasting the following URL into your browser: <https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/nqlwl77z97byt2fl45ex2/AFqkD42YACiOas9Q41YirOA?rlkey=7wh742eplb0527w03888b6klf&st=9e8raiut&dl=0>
12. Proposal Name: Healing Heels presents ReadThaRoom Festival
Organization: Healing Heels
Dates(s): August 2, 2025
Proposal Description: Healing Heels is excited to bring ReadThaRoom, an all-ages pop-up concert and festival, to the Bay Area. As a Sacramento-based nonprofit, they are committed to using the arts as a vehicle for community engagement and enrichment. Winning this grant would allow them to bring this vibrant event to our hometown, celebrating music, creativity, and togetherness.
The vision for ReadThaRoom is to create a safe, fun, and inclusive space where families can enjoy live performances from local artists and musicians while coming together as a community. They are already in the process of partnering with caterers to provide free meals, as well as organizing jump houses, interactive games, and activities for youth to enjoy before the school year begins.
The full submission for Healing Heels presents ReadThaRoom Festival can be found in Exhibit 13 or in a Dropbox folder that can be accessed by pasting the following URL into your browser: <https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/nkqucw2egfa4w79b8ylad/AKKA3cNdGlrU_dHyeDwjAcI?rlkey=a2i6icg4vager2xc5ze4qmze8&st=hqzzlop8&dl=0>
13. Proposal Name: "Words That Made the Difference: Brown v. Board of Education"
Organization: Unity in Marin (Fiscal Sponsor)
Dates(s): May 17, 2026
Proposal Description: The play, Words That Made the Difference: Brown v Board of Education, is the focus of a multi-faceted program with a dual objective. Via the arts, students will learn history of the landmark case of desegregation and how the reversal of Separate but Equal changed the nation.
The full submission for "Words That Made the Difference: Brown v. Board of Education" can be found in Exhibit 14 or in a Dropbox folder that can be accessed by pasting the following URL into your browser: <https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/j6sqc40497ya15fgratwz/ABh-qeM5z92lHxrBkEbOtr8?rlkey=su6ikg8bwcrof275vy6vds1x2&st=p9j5sy1h&dl=0>
14. Proposal Name: Alameda Native History Project's "ACORNS!"
Organization: Alameda Native History Project
Dates(s): July 2025 - May 2026
Proposal Description: Revitalizing Indigenous culture requires innovative, community-driven approaches.
This project combines interactive experiences, art education, functional public art installations, and land-based cultural arts events, to preserve Native American heritage, educate the public about local Native History, and foster appreciation and representation of Native American Culture in the City of Alameda.
The full submission for Alameda Native History Project's "ACORNS!" can be found in Exhibit 15 or in a Dropbox folder that can be accessed by pasting the following URL into your browser: <https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/eolgm5mz7n8zukuxw58qg/AMhLVoFPLHFEesY4KzF_Nos?rlkey=rkeyt9jx6tbevgzysi9x9wtv3&st=plqaj3d9&dl=0>
$5,000 Award Category
1. Proposal Name: Creative Art Program
Organization: ArtPush
Date: April 2026
Proposal Description: The Creative Art Program is a free workshop and gallery exhibit created and organized by the nonprofit ArtPush in Alameda. Jessica Warren created this program as a result of using artwork as a way to heal from past traumatic experiences. The program encourages social-emotional learning and self expression, empowering children to envision a bright future.
The program exposes children and their families to local working artists in their community. The inclusive environment of the Program is reflective of the diverse communities of the Bay Area. Families from many kinds of backgrounds come together to experience making art in an inspiring setting. This workshop expands the horizons of students who might otherwise have limited exposure to art studios, galleries and art education.
The full submission for Creative Art Program can be found in Exhibit 16 or in a Dropbox folder that can be accessed by pasting the following URL into your browser: <https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/3x9hwqetafbvgvooez21u/AL5nSPx9-_8SIiU-6hIan7Y?rlkey=0tjouhfy5uzkozndbgy8v3g5k&st=8sqsrkk1&dl=0>
2. Proposal Name: Drawing on Earth
Organization: Drawing on Earth
Dates: Date to be determined.
Proposal Description: Creating large community chalk drawings is what Drawing on Earth does and has done much of it here in Alameda. Find a good drawing area, figure out size and the drawing. They create a piece that has meaning and a story - TBD. The goal is to engage kids and the community to create something big and beautiful that one cannot create by oneself - collaboration at it's best. Chalk is environmentally safe and nonpermanent.
The full submission for Drawing on Earth can be found in Exhibit 17 or in a Dropbox folder that can be accessed by pasting the following URL into your browser:
<https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/dil77bg5irkwdc3tso7l4/AC13Sn09_TNJVb9jXP9r38A?rlkey=xm1sg3lealf3em2fnpl1qz75l&st=3asox6zu&dl=0>
3. Proposal Name: The Foodbank Players
Organization: The Foodbank Players
Dates: September 2025 - June 2026
Proposal Description: If awarded, The Foodbank Players will use the City of Alameda Arts Grant to cover the operating expenses for their 2025 season and beyond. The plan is to do Hamlet in September 2025, A Christmas Carol in December 2025, Raisin in the Sun in March 2026, and Midsummer Nights Dream in June 2026. The exact dates are not yet known.
The full submission for The Foodbank Players can be found in Exhibit 18 or in a Dropbox folder that can be accessed by pasting the following URL into your browser:
<https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/sx8ciq4xczsarpu9ztloo/AB8fYF7gpKz3d2w_I5szoR0?rlkey=9lsorsi69pdx4h3ez51mofsm2&st=1gnumibn&dl=0>
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the PAC evaluate and select grant proposals received in response to the Cultural Arts and Arts Programming Request for Proposals.
Respectfully submitted,
Jackie Keliiaa, Development Manager
Secretary, Public Art Commission
Exhibits
1. 2025 City of Alameda Cultural Arts and Arts Programming RFP
2. Radio Day by the Bay
3. Plein Air Paintout 2025
4. Alameda Haunts Contest & Fete de Rattlin' Bones 20th Anniversary Celebrations
5. Alameda Walls of Culture
6. Into the Looking Glass: An Immersive Multimedia Experience
7. Rhythmix in the Parks: Unity Fest
8. Hana Hou - Halau Makana's Biennial Ho'ike
9. Circus Bella at Radium Runway
10. DeepDIVE: Under the Waves
11. Whispers of the Sanctuary
12. Alameda Food Bank Forever Home Mural
13. Healing Heels presents ReadThaRoom Festival
14. "Words That Made the Difference: Brown v. Board of Education"
15. Alameda Native History Project's "ACORNS!"
16. Creative Art Program
17. Drawing on Earth
18. The Foodbank Players