Title
Recommendation to Approve a Budget for Upcoming Physical Art Call
Body
To: Honorable Chair and Members of the Public Art Commission
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On October 21, 2024, the Public Art Commission (PAC) approved a Biennial Work Plan which includes a request for qualifications (RFQ) in 2025 for physical art. In preparation for the RFQ, staff are requesting the PAC to approve the budget for the upcoming physical artwork. Staff have also provided costs from previous physical art commissions, examples of commissions from neighboring cities and site preparation cost estimates.
BACKGROUND
Per the City’s 2023 Public Art Master Plan (Plan), staff have researched and prioritized several locations for physical art in the City. Of the five primary sites, the PAC selected three top sites: Washington Park, Neptune Park, the Main Street Ferry Terminal. Due to sea level rise, flood inundation and discontinuation of ferry service, both Neptune Park and the Main Street Ferry Terminal were ruled out as potential sites for physical art. Washington Park was deemed the most suitable and was selected as the location for the City’s next grant call for physical art. The RFQ will include a detailed budget.
DISCUSSION
There is $1,320,307 available for Public Art. These funds are saved in two accounts; $362,205 encumbered for future public art and $958,102 available for new appropriation. In April 2025, the PAC confirmed $70,000 in 2025 Cultural Art grants, which leaves $1,250,307 for public art. Of note, a substantial amount of the Fund could be used to commission the forthcoming physical public artwork. Staff have provided cost examples from city-commissioned physical public art, other comparable physical art projects in the Bay Area and site preparation estimates for Washington Park.
Rockspinners:
Rockspinners by Zachary Coffin is one of Alameda’s most recent physical public art commissions. The project budget of $150,000 did not include the site preparation costs which were $37,000. The total cost of the commission was $187,000. Adjusted for inflation, the artwork would cost approximately $213,370 in 2025 dollars.
Comparable Bay Area Public Art Projects:
• Delivered, Mable’s Promissory Note, Berkeley
o A City of Berkeley public art project located on the Ashby BART Plaza. This 10’x10’ bronze and copper sculpture sits on a concrete base and cost the City of Berkeley $354,000 in 2024. Adjusted for inflation, the artwork would cost approximately $368,207 in 2025 dollars.
• Chime Way, San Leandro
o This participant-activated art in San Leandro is a series of chairs that allow visitors to play music in their seats by rocking back and forth. The City of San Leandro collaborated with design teams at The Exploratorium to realize this $235,000 project that unveiled in 2016. Adjusted for inflation, the artwork would cost approximately $488,256 in 2025 dollars.
• Passage, Palo Alto
o This series of colorful steel sculptures from 2022 cost the City of Palo Alto $135,000 to create along a high visibility corridor. Adjusted for inflation, the artwork would cost approximately $154,037 in 2025 dollars.
Insurance Costs:
The City has an insurance policy for up to $2.5 million for public art. Therefore, the forthcoming physical art commission will be sufficiently covered under this policy.
Maintenance Costs:
The exact maintenance will depend on the material, size, and shape of the artwork, but past physical public artwork in the City have been maintained with collaboration with the Alameda Recreation and Parks Department (ARPD) and conservation consultants hired by the City.
Site Preparation Costs:
Staff worked with the ARPD to develop cost estimates for site preparation at two preferred locations in Washington Park. Estimates are based on recent park construction costs.
Playground Location (Location #3)
Site Prep Cost Estimate: $70,000
Notes:
• The power box is approx. 50 feet away from site
• Concrete pad estimates based on the cost of recent scoreboard installation in Estuary Park
• Electricity connection costs are included, but only necessary if art is electrified, or lit during dark hours.
Gateway Location (Location #1)
Site Prep Cost Estimate: $90,000
Notes:
• Site will require more irrigation and landscaping adjustments
• The power box is further away so it will cost more to connect
• ARPD is less enthusiastic about this site.
Potential Budget:
Given these cost estimates, regional comparisons, and local examples, staff are considering a budget for this physical public art RFQ of up to $350,000. This budget accommodates recent price increases in materials, labor, transportation, and fabrication, as well as allowing the City to more equitably compensate artists who participate in the RFQ and RFP for their time developing proposals.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the PAC approves a budget of up to $350,000 for the forthcoming art call.
Respectfully submitted,
Dwayne Dalman, Economic Development Manager
By,
Jackie Keliiaa, Development Manager, Secretary
Exhibits:
1. Local Physical Public Art Examples