Title
Recommendation to Approve the Attached Resolution and Conditions Approving the “Alameda Afore” Public Art Proposal (Exhibit 1)
Body
To: Honorable Chair and Members of the Public Art Commission
BACKGROUND
In June 2015, the City Council unanimously approved the Site A Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA) for a three-phased development on a 68-acre area known as “Site A” at Alameda Point.
As part of the DDA, the project developer, Alameda Point Partners (APP), is required to install $300,000 in public art at the Site A development. In order to meet this requirement, APP is proposing two separate works of art to be installed at the following locations:
• the median of West Atlantic Avenue at Main Street (the “gateway” to Alameda Point)
• Seaplane Lagoon Waterfront Park
At tonight’s meeting, the Public Art Commission (PAC) will consider the first of two applications, which is the gateway art proposed to be installed on the median of West Atlantic Avenue. The proposed art is named “Alameda Afore” by artist Rodrigo Nava (Exhibit 1). A separate application for artwork at Seaplane Lagoon Waterfront Park is expected for review at a future PAC meeting.
In order to select its artists, APP conducted a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process for the two sites at Alameda Point. The RFQ was posted on Call for Entry and distributed to several art organizations and artist networks. This process generated 172 submissions, which were reviewed by an evaluation panel of six Alameda community members, design professionals, and stakeholders. The panel then selected seven finalists to create proposals, offering an honorarium of $1,500 to each finalist. After reviewing the proposals, the panel conducted one round of follow-up questions and selected Rodrigo Nava <https://www.rodrigonava.com/> for the gateway location.
DISCUSSION
The PAC is responsible for reviewing and approving public art proposals to ensure compliance with the following program criteria established by the Public Art Ordinance:
The artist has demonstrated qualifications to complete the proposed on-site artwork with the highest professional standards.
Staff comments: Staff finds that Mr. Nava’s resume and examples of previous work demonstrate the experience and qualifications required to complete the proposed artwork to the highest professional standards.
There is sufficient public visibility and accessibility to the on-site artwork, and the proposed on-site artwork is compatible with and harmonious with the development project and surrounding environment.
Staff comments: The proposed artwork would be located on the median of West Atlantic Avenue at the gateway of Alameda Point. This location would provide ample visibility for passing pedestrians, bicyclists and motorist. Installation of the artwork will comply with all Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.
As a gateway feature for Alameda Point, “Alameda Afore” reflects its surrounding environment and history. Its shapes are evocative of the bow of a ship, or the A in Alameda, and its material is a nod to the area’s industrial past. At the same time, the artwork leaves room for the viewer to experience and develop his/her own interpretation of the artwork.
The proposed on-site artwork is durable and cost-effective to maintain using ordinary methods of maintenance.
Staff comments: The proposed cor-ten steel sculpture would be extremely durable, with an expected lifetime of 75 years or more. If approved, ownership of this artwork would transfer to the City of Alameda after installation, and regular maintenance would be performed by the City. Staff finds that the required maintenance would be cost-effective using ordinary methods. Cor-ten steel has been used in other public artwork in Alameda, and there are no particular maintenance or durability problems identified to-date.
The budget for the proposed on-site artwork and any in-lieu fees proposed by the applicant is equivalent to or exceeds the required program allocation.
Staff comments: The budget for the proposed artwork ($100,000) would satisfy one-third of APP’s public art requirement. It is staff’s understanding that the additional $200,000 requirement will be met through the artwork to be proposed for Seaplane Lagoon. If any portion of the requirement remains unaccounted for after the approval of artwork for both locations, an equivalent portion of funding will be used for additional on-site public artwork or be deposited by APP in the Public Art Fund.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the attached resolution and conditions approving the “Alameda Afore” public art proposal.
Respectfully submitted,
Lois Butler, Economic Development Manager
By,
Amanda Gehrke, Development Manager
Exhibits:
1. Alameda Afore Public Art Application
2. City of Alameda Public Art Commission Resolution