Title
Recommendation to Approve the 2017-2018 Pilot Program, "Art in City Hall." (City Manager 2110)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Jill Keimach, City Manager
Re: Recommendation to Approve the 2017-2018 Pilot Program, "Art in City Hall."
BACKGROUND
For several years, the Alameda Free Library was home to a public art exhibit, showcasing art by community and area artists to provide access to educational, informational, and cultural resources to the community. The exhibit was well received but was a volunteer program; current staffing and volunteer levels could not sustain the program and it recently ended.
The City Manager's office, in partnership with the Community Development Department, would like to bring a similar program to City Hall, with the mission of celebrating Alameda's diverse history and community, increasing exhibit opportunities for professional and emerging Alameda artists, and creating a memorable experience for the public.
Staff proposes that the City pilot the Art in City Hall program for one year, which will consist of two gallery spaces, one on the first floor and one on the third floor. The infrastructure needed to create a rails system will be purchased through the City Manager's office. The system will include a rail along the wall of the designated spaces with cables attached for easy hanging of artwork. Space and weight limitations will be determined once the rails system is in place and will be added to the guidelines.
The gallery space will be open to all professional and emerging artists and groups in Alameda. In the pilot year, each gallery will facilitate four shows, with a total of eight artists or artist groups showcased.
As part of the one-year pilot program, the City will publish a Call for Artists to fill the eight gallery dates. City staff will organize an orientation meeting that is open to the public, but mandatory for artists selected. Exhibiting artists will be selected by lotte...
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