Title
Discussion to Consider Pausing the Physical Public Art RFQ at Washington Park
Body
To: Honorable Chair and Members of the Public Art Commission
BACKGROUND
Washington Park has been the site for the next Physical Art RFQ since the start of 2025 and staff have dedicated time and resources to preparing for the Washington Park Physical Art RFQ that was scheduled to launch this November. Though the Public Art Commission already considered the Alameda Aquatic Center site for future public art at its December 2024 Public Art Commission (PAC) meeting, Commissioner Platzgummer seeks to discuss the possibility of pausing the Physical Public Art RFQ at Washington Park until January, 2026 at which time the public art requirement for the Alameda Aquatic Center will be known. The following is an overview of the Public Art Program activities preparing for the upcoming call for physical art:
Call for Prioritizing Physical Art Sites
The City of Alameda's Public Art Master Plan (the Plan), published in December 2023, called for developing a process to prioritize sites for future physical art in the city.
Physical Art Site Research
Staff embarked on a multi-year research project to prioritize sites for future physical art, by researching 41 potential public art locations and evaluating location suitability based on the following criteria: visibility, accessibility, environmental suitability, safety, and community input. Additionally, in 2024, over 300 Alamedans were engaged in conversations and polling that informed the selection of the primary sites for future physical public art.
Forthcoming Physical Art RFQ
At the October 2024 PAC meeting, the PAC approved a Biennial Work Plan which included a physical art Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to go out in 2025.
Alameda Aquatic Center
At the December 2024 PAC meeting, Pat Russi, Recreation and Parks Department Recreation Manager, presented the Public Art opportunities at the upcoming Alameda Aquatic Cent...
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