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 whic...
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