Title
Recommendation to Review the Draft Physical Public Art Request for Qualifications
Body
To: Honorable Chair and Members of the Public Art Commission
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
At its June 30, 2025 meeting, the City of Alameda’s Public Art Commission (PAC) approved two locations at Washington Park for possible installation of physical public art. Since then, City Staff have prepared for PAC’s review a draft Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to conduct a search for qualified artists.
City Staff are requesting the PAC provide feedback on:
• the project goals of the RFQ (Section II),
• the panel review process, including the selection, marketing, and makeup on the panel (Section IV), and
• the selection criteria for evaluating applicants (Section V).
BACKGROUND
This physical art site selection process is part of the City of Alameda’s Public Art Master Plan (the Plan), published in December 2023. The Plan includes recommendations to develop and establish “prioritized sites for public art across the island.” Staff conducted research on 41 potential public art locations and prioritized location suitability based on the following criteria: visibility, accessibility, environmental suitability, safety, and community input.
• In 2024, over 300 Alamedans were engaged in conversations and polling that informed the selection of five (5) primary sites for future physical public art.
• The Public Art Commission then advised staff, who selected three sites to conduct a more precise analysis: Washington Park, Neptune Park, Main Street Ferry Terminal.
• After in depth discussions with the Recreation and Parks Department, Public Works, and SF Bay Ferry, Neptune Park and the Main Street Ferry Terminal were deemed unsuitable locations.
Washington Park was selected as the location for Alameda’s next physical public art. On June 30, 2025, Public Art Commissioners selected two (2) sites within Washington Park to be included in the forthcoming RFQ. Staff drafted a Physical Public Art RFQ (Exhibit 1) and are requesting the PAC to review and provide feedback on the draft document.
DISCUSSION
Staff intends for the Physical Public Art RFQ to be a clear, easy-to-understand document, conveying the physical art goals for the City and the PAC. The draft outlines:
1. The locations within Washington Park, with a final location to be determined once an artist is selected.
2. The project goals, incorporating the intentions of the Public Art Master Plan, Public Art Program, and members of the PAC.
3. The project budget clearly states how the funds are allocated and the responsibilities of the artist and the City.
4. The submission requirements.
5. The RFQ’s review and evaluation process.
6. The selection criteria and timeline.
Staff are requesting the PAC provide feedback on:
• the project goals of the RFQ (Section II),
• the panel review process, including the selection, marketing, and makeup on the panel (Section IV), and
• the selection criteria for evaluating applicants (Section V).
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the PAC review the draft physical public art RFQ.
Respectfully submitted,
Dwayne Dalman, Economic Development Manager
By,
Jackie Keliiaa, Development Manager, Secretary
Exhibits:
1. Exhibit 1 - Draft Physical Public Art RFQ