Visual_Arts_Committee
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 VISUAL ARTS COMMITTEE
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
3:00 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70
Minutes
Commissioners Present: Jeannene Przyblyski, Lawrence Rinder, Leonard Hunter, Dede Wilsey
Commissioners Absent: Pop Zhao
Staff Present: Jill Manton, Judy Moran, Richard Newirth, Meg Shiffler, and Jaime Schwartz
Note: All votes are unanimous unless recorded otherwise.
The meeting commenced at 3:05 p.m.
- Consent
Authorization to waive $7,000 art enrichment for Crocker Amazon Maintenance Shed/Restroom Building
Motion: Motion to adopt the consent calendar items.
Moved: Przyblyski/Hunter
- Policy Discussion
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton discussed a proposed change to the Planning Code which deals with the 1%-for-art requirement in private development. Her proposed change is based upon a Los Angeles County model where 60% of the 1% is used by the developer for a publicly accessible artwork located onsite. She further explained various options associated with the remaining 40%, such as the developer contributing the funds to the Public Art Trust to be expanded for temporary or permanent artwork, or for repair of artwork at the discretion of the Art Commission, or the developer contributing the funds to the Mint until the current Planning Code section with this option expires.
Commissioner Wilsey expressed concern that the current political climate might not be the most appropriate to explore this idea. Ms. Manton stated that nothing would move forward without the approval of the Commissioners.
Commissioner Przyblyski explained that currently the 1%-for-art in private development is managed by the Planning Department and unfortunately there are not complete records for many of the artworks acquired. She recommended that the Arts Commission begin to work with developers and the Planning Department to keep better records of all new artworks procured under these funds. Commissioner Przyblyski also suggested keeping in mind the changes that have occurred since September 11, 2001, in terms of security and public access, and to remind developers that art placed in building lobbies becomes inaccessible to the public.
Commissioner Przyblyski also spoke about the changes in architecture and urban design practices since the 1980’s. When the percent-for-art requirement was initiated, many buildings were fronted by large urban plazas. The current practice is to build to the edge of the property line, so there is no plaza for artwork.
Commissioner Wilsey brought up concerns regarding the limitations the 60% amount could put on developers who wish to exceed their responsibility and instead utilize 100% of funds to offer the City artwork from more prestigious artists.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that this would be possible; the developer would need to petition the Arts Commission, which the current legislation does not rule out.
Commissioner Wilsey stated that the legal process might discourage developers who do not have the time to go through lengthy processes, yet want to contribute artwork that is beyond the scope of their 60%.
Nothing would prevent developers from contributing or spending more than 60%. What would be required, however, is the minimum 40% contributed to the Public Art Trust
Commissioner Rinder stated that as a City Commission using City funds, it is important to spend the money as judiciously as possible and that developers could petition to spend the funds otherwise.
Commissioner Wilsey responded that it is important to have flexibility in the case of developers who desire to give generously to the City. She feels that developers will be put off by the petitioning process, and this might also dissuade them from further investing in the City.
Commissioner Rinder stated that the main point of the legislation is to encourage developers to contribute a portion of the 1% private requirements of their funds to the general pool, which will facilitate more art for more locations.
Commissioner Wilsey stated again that she felt the legislation should provide a way for developers to apply the total amount for onsite artwork, without having to petition or go through some other process. Commissioner Przyblyski agreed to further evaluate the language of the legislation to allow for such action and stated that this could be a way for the City to obtain higher-caliber artwork.
Commissioner Hunter inquired whether the Arts Commission will make final decisions on such procured artwork and where it will be placed. Ms. Manton responded that the Arts Commission would have the final say if the Planning Code amendment goes forward.
- Gallery Report
Gallery Director Meg Shiffler presented the Commissioners with a revised draft of the Arts Commission Gallery’s mission statement, which incorporated changes that the Commissioners had recommended at the February Visual Arts Committee meeting. Ms. Shiffler presented an explanatory document to the Commissioners that included the February draft and the revised March draft of the statement, edits, and a 2001 version developed by her predecessor, Rupert Jenkins.
Ms. Shiffler wanted to revisit one change that had been suggested, omitting the term “civic dialogue.” She felt that this term is in fact important to keep in some fashion because the Gallery is tied to the City, and that is what sets it apart from other galleries. She explained that being part of a City department literally does make the Gallery’s functions part of a civic dialogue. She would like to include something to represent this element and is open to finding language similar to the original wording. Commissioner Rinder said that he supported leaving the phrase in.
Commissioner Hunter inquired whether the Gallery’s Advisory Board had seen the new mission statement and wanted to know Ms. Shiffler’s personal thoughts on the mission statement. She replied that the Advisory Board had not yet seen the statement and that she felt satisfied with the edits and decisions made.
Commissioner Rinder suggested that the section reading “provide new and unexpected opportunities for projects . . .” be changed to say “provide new and challenging opportunities for projects . . . .”
Ms. Shiffler explained that this had been added during a Board retreat and that “unexpected” was chosen to exemplify how, despite being a City agency, the Gallery would host what some might consider challenging exhibitions. She further explained “unexpected” seemed to express the unique character of San Francisco.
Commissioner Przyblyski agreed that being closely tied to the City is a unique aspect of the Gallery and stated that part of that relationship is the responsibility to use language which best suits both parties. She suggested instead using just the word “new,” which would imply something unexpected and avoid any possible misinterpretation.
Ms. Shiffler graciously thanked the Commissioners for their efforts and time regarding the matter.
She next provided the Commissioners with information regarding the Gallery’s upcoming exhibition Breakthrough: An Amateur Photography Revolution, a collaboration with JPG Magazine and Flickr, both local enterprises.
The Gallery will host Breakthrough: An Amateur Photography Revolution, and JPG Magazine will feature this theme in their May issue. A free panel discussion, Are we all photographers now?, will be held at the San Francisco Public Library Main Branch and is co-sponsored by the local nonprofit PhotoAlliance.
Lastly, Ms. Shiffler presented the Commissioners with information on a proposed City Hall project to replace the banners in the North Light Court this summer with photographic banners by artist Lonnie Graham. The project funding comes from the Arts Commission’s special allocation of $1,000,000 for the 2006-2007 fiscal year.
Ms. Shiffler explained that the artist would continue his acclaimed series A Conversation with the World, which originated in San Francisco in 1984. The project would include interviews and photographic portraits. Ms. Shiffler distributed examples of Graham’s work to the Commissioners.
The project would also have the possibility of including multi-media components such as posting the interviews and photos on the Gallery’s website, hosting a blog about the project, or creating podcasts.
Ms. Shiffler would like to see the project launched by June, in time for the San Francisco International Art Festival. This would make it possible to ask the artists to engage with the festival’s theme of the African Diaspora. Ms. Shiffler requested input from the Commissioners regarding this project, acknowledging that City Hall is a mixed-use space.
Commissioner Rinder inquired whether and how the interviews would be incorporated into the City Hall site. Ms. Shiffler replied that she has considered placing text on the wall below the banner, having a few sentences on the actual banner, creating a book for City Hall and having the interviews available to read on the Gallery website.
Commissioner Rinder inquired about the length of time the banners would be displayed. Ms. Shiffler replied that the banners would be displayed until funding for a new set was available, and that she would apply for a National Endowment for the Arts grant, return to Grants for the Arts and look to the SFAC annual budget for future support.
Commissioner Przyblyski inquired about funding from Grants for the Arts. Ms. Shiffler explained that they already provide funding for the Gallery’s programming on the lower level of City Hall as a whole.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that because of the nature of the site and the low level of security, she understands the difficulty in installing and displaying works of value, and this project seems to provide something meaningful for the space. However, she cautioned Ms. Shiffler to think through future implications to prevent this project from limiting itself like the Art on Market poster series. She recommends considering whether this project will always use photographs as a medium and agreed that there needs to be awareness of the mixed use of the space when deciding upon what to display.
Commissioner Przyblyski also recommended that public programming be done onsite in the North Light Court. Ms. Shiffler agreed that would be ideal, but said that using the space can be expensive.
Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into an agreement with moderator Thom Sempere and panelists Derek Powazek, Heather Champ, Deanne Fitzmarurice and J.D. Beltranand for $300 each for the Are we all photographers now? panel discussion that accompanies the Breakthrough: An Amateur Photography Revolution exhibition (April 20–June 16, 2007).
Moved: Przyblyski/Rinder
- Temporary Public Art Projects Series entitled Scrap, proposed by Black Rock Arts Foundation and the Department of the Environment
Ms. Manton presented three proposals for temporary public art by the Black Rock Arts Foundation (“BRAF”) in collaboration with the City Neighborhood Parks Council and the Department of the Environment.
Leslie Pritchett and Rachel Weidinger, representatives from Black Rock Arts Foundation, presented project boards and a report of each project’s plan. They explained that these projects developed out of the Department of the Environment’s Zero Waste Plan for dealing with recycling. The BRAF chose to work with neighborhood groups in residential areas with parks in order to engage residents in the immediate vicinity. They stated that their creative installations will provide education about landfill diversion.
Ms. Pritchett explained that the Neighborhood Parks Council put out a call to park groups for interested parties. Those groups designated were matched with artists who responded to a call for proposals for specific sites, which resulted in the three projects being presented.
The first project Ms. Pritchett described for Commissioners is the proposed temporary bandshell for the Panhandle area of Golden Gate Park. The bandshell will be built from used car hoods and plastic bottles, and will be installed for four months. The floor of the bandshell will be fabricated from solid car doors and the edge from recycled plastic. She explained the project team will manage a website so people can sign up to use the bandshell just like the signup system for the tennis courts. The BRAF envisions the bandshell being used for acoustic music and plays, and the project team will also program some entertainment events.
Commissioner Hunter inquired whether the bandshell was going to be raised. Ms. Pritchett responded that the bandshell will be 18” off the ground with an installed ramp for disability access. She further explained the bandshell will be located near asphalt following Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
Commissioner Wilsey inquired whether the bandshell could ever be relocated or permanently reinstalled.
Ms. Pritchett responded that the bandshell has a modular design which makes it easy to move and reassemble. However, the current nature of the fabrication materials renders it impermanent; it could be possible to design a permanent version.
Commissioner Wilsey inquired whether the bandshell had ever been built before.
Ms. Pritchett responded that the structure has never been previously built. She stated that the bandshell will be built by a team with some components constructed with help from the local community.
Commissioner Przyblyski requested clarification regarding the programming for the use of the bandshell.
Ms. Pritchett responded that the project team will moderate and manage an online sign-up but stated that it is a bit of a social experiment.
Commissioner Hunter inquired whether the artists had considered incorporating a power source into the bandshell, since typically bandshells host performances and bands that need electricity.
Ms. Pritchett stated that the project team is working on either using solar power or researching a way to use an alternative energy source to illuminate the car lights attached to the hoods which are a main material in the bandshell structure.
Commissioner Przyblyski expressed concerns that some neighbors will see the bandshell as public nuisance and inquired whether the BRAF has talked to the community about the possibility of having amplified and lit performances.
Ms. Pritchett responded that she is aware of the requirement for permits and having community support if they host amplified events. She stated that the project team will work with all community groups, and that dialogues in the community so far have produced a positive response.
Commissioner Wilsey requested clarification on the status of BRAF permits.
Ms. Pritchett explained that seeking approval from the Arts Commission is the first step before fulfilling any other City department requirements.
Commissioner Przyblyski explained the importance for the Commissioners to consider the project both in terms of a work of art and all other aspects because temporary projects have the ability to impact the possibilities for future projects if they do not succeed.
Director of Cultural Affairs Richard Newirth stated that the Panhandle is often considered a dangerous area and that area residents may be concerned if they see the structure as a place for people to hide or to use for other improper activities. He also stated that even regulated outdoor performances spaces have problems with designated uses, pointing out that the sign-up might not function as planned.
Ms. Pritchett acknowledged these concerns and stated that BRAF is excited about the experimental aspects of the project and agreed to consider a more structured plan for space management. She also mentioned that the bandshell could be de-installed before the end of the four-month period, if necessary. She stated that the project team is continually addressing possible problems and investigating proper responses, but that it is impossible to foresee all problems before the bandshell is in place and functioning.
Ms. Pritchett stated that she would be happy to report to the Commissioners on the project team’s neighborhood engagement process and its results.
The Commissioners requested that the project team follow up with Ms. Manton on the total budget for the project. Commissioner Przyblyski recommended having a broad definition of neighborhood to best insure community approval. Concerned with the timeline of the project, she recommended the Commissioners only approve the project contingent on its ability to meet the requirements of all necessary City departments.
The next project presented to Commissioners was a proposal by artist Jennifer Alexander for six mosaic elements to be temporarily embedded along the grassy pathways of Juri Commons, a small park with a playground. The park is used primarily as a shortcut to Guerrero Street. The “Juri Commoners,” the local neighborhood parks group, have seen the proposal and are excited about the idea, hoping it can act as a catalyst for a larger future park redesign proposal.
The mosaic elements will have recognizable scrap pieces such as bicycle reflectors and glass from recycled bottles mixed with concrete.
Commissioner Przyblyski inquired about the budget for this project. Ms. Pritchett responded that it was under $5,000.
Commissioner Hunter inquired whether the mosaic elements would sit at ground level or be embedded deeper into the grass.
Ms. Pritchett explained that the mosaic will be fabricated in modular pieces 18 ft. long and 8 ft. in diameter and will be hooked together invisibly underground so they will not be able to be moved. She stated that the mosaic pieces would not necessarily lie entirely flat.
Commissioner Hunter expressed concern that the mosaic elements, especially if not entirely flat, will interfere with equipment used for park upkeep, such as lawn mowers. He also expressed concerns about the possibility of injury from such protruding pieces and the danger the whole mosaic might pose, specifically to the blind or other differently-abled persons unaware of the new landscape. Commissioner Przyblyski stated the need for ADA approval.
Ms. Pritchett explained that BRAF would work with gardeners to learn whether the project will negatively impact sprinkler heads and the BRAF will completely restore the site after the mosaics are de-installed.
Ms. Weidinger explained that the park currently has a lot of community involvement; for example, every day someone is assigned to walk through the park to ensure that everything is okay, to note any changes, and to pick up trash.
Commissioner Przyblyski and Rinder both stated concerns that this proposal is atypical for the usual caliber of the art projects produced by BRAF. Commissioner Przyblyski extended this concern for the Juri Commoners who might be seizing the opportunity for public art prematurely, and could be disappointed by final results.
Commissioner Przyblyski addressed that problem that $5,000 does not go very far and can create a precarious situation. She stated concerns about initiating a dialogue about neighborhood projects and then not coming through with sufficient funds, thus creating a situation where a neighborhood feels the City has disappointed them.
Commissioner Rinder stated that BRAF might consider doing fewer projects that are more involved, with broader community engagement components.
Commissioner Hunter suggested that BRAF consider contacting curator Renee Yanez, who also lives in the area of Juri Commons and has created projects involving local youth, focusing on gang deterrence. He recommended using the opportunity of a public art project to focus on the process components that can help build community.
Ms. Pritchett explained that from the BRAF perspective, the goal of the project is more one of community engagement than fine art.
Commissioner Rinder inquired how the community is to be involved.
Ms. Pritchett explained that community members would assist the artist in creating the mosaic pieces.
Commissioner Hunter requested clarification about the fabrication process and inquired whether the mosaic pieces were to actually be made onsite.
Ms. Pritchett responded that the mosaics would be fabricated offsite and then installed.
Commissioner Przyblyski requested clarification of whether the community was to also go offsite in order to be involved in the creation of the mosaics.
Ms. Pritchett responded that the community involvement would happen either onsite or in close proximity to the site.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated the Committee could either continue to review this proposal and send it on to Parks and Recreation for their review, or the Committee could choose to have the artist re-envision the project considering the Commissioners’ recommendations. She stated she would prefer that BRAF come back with a re-envisioned proposal, even if it were to be the same project but with augmented plans for community engagement, physical involvement in the process onsite, and improved safety considerations.
Ms. Weidinger stated that she had talked with the artist about making smaller mosaic pieces which could be fabricated onsite and continuing to lead workshops while the piece was installed so community members could make similar mosaics for their homes.
Commissioner Przyblyski inquired into how much mosaic experience the artist has. Ms. Weidinger responded that the artist has a lot of experience working with wall mosaics, but this will be her first mosaic project outdoors.
Ms. Manton stated concerns about the length of the mosaic’s pieces and how it was to be anchored into the ground, suggesting that the artist rethink the scale to avoid safety issues and to facilitate adherence to Park and Recreation requirements.
Ms. Pritchett thanked the Commissioners for the helpful feedback and decided that BRAF would like to amend the proposal by possibly scaling back the project, introducing other elements and perhaps even weaving in performative elements.
The last project proposal presented by the BRAF was a child-scaled playhouse fabricated from recycled materials for the children’s park at Treat and 23rd Streets. The park’s neighborhood group is the “Mission Parents,” made up of about 70 families who live in the vicinity.
The project artist, Wendy Testu, lives in the area, has children who play at the park, and is an art teacher at the local elementary school.
The artist proposes using materials such as milk cartons, bicycle treads and tree pieces, and having children involved in the construction process. The park hosts a community center which would provide a place for families to meet and work on the project.
Ms. Pritchett acknowledged that this project will also need to meet safety requirements and stated the project also has a $5,000 budget.
Commissioner Przyblyski inquired into the experience and craftsmanship of the artist in regards to building the playhouse. Ms. Pritchett stated that BRAF has not previously worked with the artist but has seen evidence of her craftsmanship in another of the artist’s projects which included detailed wings and birds.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated concerns on the ability of the playhouse to maintain its structure. Ms. Weidinger stated that the park is locked at night, which would help to prevent vandalism attempts. During the day there is a park director present. She also stated that the playhouse will be regularly maintained by the artist and this is included in the budget.
Commissioner Hunter inquired whether the park director has seen the plan.
Ms. Pritchett responded that the Arts Commission needs to review and approve the plan before introducing the project to other parties who will be involved.
Ms. Manton inquired whether the artist could provide a sample cross-section of the structure to demonstrate the use of materials and level of craftsmanship. Ms. Pritchett responded that the artist is working on the plans and addressing other agency concerns in regards to construction and safety. She also explained that the artist is trying to be responsive to local community groups.
Commissioner Rinder stated that he likes the engaging aesthetic of the idea and that the safety issues are beyond the scope of the Committee.
Ms. Pritchett and Ms. Weidinger both sincerely thanked the Commissioners for their time and consideration of the three proposals.
Commissioner Przyblyski requested that in the future it would be most helpful for presentations to include material boards or material samples in order for the Commissioners to make the most informed decisions. She stated that this was a compelling proposal and that the Committee will approve subject only to the project’s adherence to requirements of other City agencies.
Motion: Motion to approve the amended Black Rock Arts Foundation proposed Scrap project consisting of a temporary bandshell in the Panhandle of Golden Gate Park, provided that the Foundation obtains neighborhood approval and fulfills all necessary safety and other requirements of the Parks and Recreation Department.
Moved: Przyblyski/Hunter
Motion: Motion to approve the amended Black Rock Arts Foundation proposed Scrap project consisting of a temporary installation of a playhouse made of recycled materials for the children’s park at Treat and 23rd Streets, provided that the project meets all safety and all other requirements of all other City departments.
Moved: Przyblyski/Hunter
- Rolph Playground and Potrero del Sol Park
Project Manager Judy Moran presented a revised proposal by artist Isis Rodriguez for gate sculptural elements to be included at one entrance each of the refurbished Rolph Playground and Potrero del Sol Park.
Ms. Moran explained that the artist’s revision addresses previous concerns regarding the original design and details. Initially, for both the Rolph Playground and Potrero del Sol Park, the artist had proposed the same design for both sites. She has now created a different design for each site. The artist augmented the original details and added more elements to her design. For Potrero del Sol Park, the artist has created a new design using sun elements and has chosen to brighten up the original color choices for the motif.
Ms. Moran explained that the final concern regarding the project is whether the design will be fabricated using rolled metal or made from laser-cut steel. The artist is concerned that engineering requirements may necessitate the use of laser-cut steel rather than the hot rolled metal. Ms. Moran stated that if this were the case, a sample of the laser-cut steel would be made and approved before the project was initiated.
Commissioner Rinder stated that he felt that the revised proposal was much improved and Commissioner Przyblyski stated her approval of the new color choices. Ms. Manton advised Ms. Moran and the Parks and Recreation staff to avoid using gang colors. Commissioner Hunter recommended that the metal be powder-coated to prevent rust, or galvanized with enamel paint.
Motion: Motion to approve the revised proposal for gate sculptural elements for entrances at the Rolph Playground and Potrero del Sol Park by artist Isis Rodriguez, and to authorize the artist to proceed to design development and fabrication stages of the project.
Moved: Przyblyski/Hunter
- San Francisco International Airport
Ms. Manton spoke on behalf of Senior Project Manager Susan Pontious regarding the safe installation of the Richard Shaw artwork Martha H.
At the request of Commissioner Hunter, Ms. Pontious researched how best to install and stabilize the sculpture at the San Francisco International Airport. She is working with a professional, recommended by the artist’s dealer, who has previous experience installing the artist’s sculptures. A support brace is being made which will not alter the appearance of the sculpture.
Ms. Manton also relayed an update on the Clare Rojas project at the Airport. She stated that everyone is enthusiastic about working with the artist, although her design still needs more work before the project moves forward. Ms. Pontious will meet with the artist next week to discuss her design. The Airport Steering Committee members liked elements in the artist’s first and second proposals and would like to see them integrated into a new design, to which the artist is receptive.
Commissioner Przyblyski inquired whether the pieces for the gate rooms would be murals or paintings, if light exposure wasn’t a concern, since that is the artist’s typical medium. She expressed a concern about transforming artists’ works into other media. She also brought up concerns regarding whether it is appropriate for the Committee to make design suggestions to an artist.
Commissioner Hunter responded that the artist is closely involved with the fabrication process and the glass fabricators collaborating on the project are highly regarded. He further explained the restrictions or challenge of translating the artist’s design to a predetermined scale and stated his belief that it is the role of the Committee to give the artist direction. This is especially important in this case where an artist is not experienced working in a much larger scale or with a new material. He expressed that this is a valuable learning opportunity for the artist and she is a wonderful representative of the “Mission School” artists.
As the project manager of four finished airport gate room artworks, Ms. Moran pointed out that the work is not translated from one material to another but rather the design is to be created with the fabrication materials in mind.
Commissioner Przyblyski requested clarification on whether the Committee’s issues regarding the artist’s proposal had to do with scale or with their likes and/or dislikes.
Ms. Manton replied that there were aspects of both. Committee members expressed approval for certain design elements and also wondered how the white homogenous field in the artist’s design would translate with the use of glass mosaic.
Ms. Shiffler inquired whether the artist had attended, or intended to attend, a Visual Arts Committee meeting to present her design.
Commissioner Rinder explained that requesting her attendance before the Committee might be uncomfortable for the artist. He stated that Ms. Pontious is in communication with the artist and relays to her all recommendations and suggestions from the Commissioners.
- Moscone Recreation Center Public Art Project (Options)
Ms. Manton gave an updated staff report on the options for the Moscone Recreation Center Public Art Project. The Brian Goggin piece was chosen by the selection panel, but the Parks and Recreation Department expressed concerns with possible safety and vandalism problems.
Ms. Manton explained that the Arts Commission honored these concerns by asking the artist to modify the design. The artist will install sculptural fins to the poles in order to make it impossible to climb and has also considered a change to the spacing of the poles. The artist also agreed to bring the cantilevered globe closer to the pole. Commissioner Hunter recommended adding a cross-brace to further secure the globe.
Ms. Manton suggested that the best way to make sure the piece is not climbable would be for the artist to make a mock-up of the piece in order to fully assess the possibilities. She will meet with Parks and Recreation staff onsite to find the best location for the piece.
Commissioner Przyblyski inquired whether it was possible to act on the first motion if the artist is to modify his design proposal, which will be subject to further review. She stated that safety modifications might impact the aesthetics of the piece and the Commissioners would like to see the new proposal before finalizing approval.
Ms. Manton requested to amend the motion and pay the artist for his work.
Motion: Motion amended to make payment in the amount of $1000 to panel-recommended artist Brian Goggin for the research and development of modifications to his design proposal for the Moscone Recreation Center to address safety concerns.
Moved: Przyblyski/Hunter
- Discussion and Solicitation of Recommendations for Temporary Artwork Installation at Embarcadero
Ms. Manton presented information regarding upcoming available locations for public artwork.
She explained that the sculpture entitled Passage will be vacating its spot on the Embarcadero in October of 2007. Ms. Manton has spoken with Port Planner Dan Hodapp to request the use of the site for a temporary sculpture to be placed by the Arts Commission. The Port has negotiated with the Bay Conservation Development Commission for a blanket approval for temporary artwork at this site.
Ms. Manton discussed another potential location for artwork on the Embarcadero at the open space at Washington Street. Ms. Manton stated there may be challenges to acquire approval for artwork at this site due to restrictions associated with the use of open space. Ms. Manton was confident that many urban design documents prepared by the City over the past several years make a strong case to include pubic art as an important component of the landscape design.
Ms. Manton explained that she will convene a meeting in the near future and involve such groups as the Telegraph Hill Dwellers and residents of the Golden Gateway. Ms. Manton stated that there is a possibility that the project will face opposition from citizens who do not wish to have any artwork at this location.
In regards to the Embarcadero site, Ms.Manton stated that there is some urgency in the matter because the site will be available in about six months. She requested that the Commissioners provide recommendations for artists.
- New Business
Ms. Manton presented information regarding the upcoming Transbay Terminal Public Art Project. She explained that the Transbay Joint Powers Authority (“TJPA”) made a commitment to provide $4.75 million for public art on the Transbay Terminal site. This funding is not mandated by the Art Enrichment ordinance and represents a voluntary commitment on the part of the TJPA.
Ms. Manton stated that the TJPA would like to follow the model of the Academy of Sciences in terms of negotiating an MOU with the Arts Commission and establishing a steering committee to oversee the art program.
Commissioner Hunter inquired into what planning, if any, was already being done for the design of the building. Ms. Manton responded that an architectural design competition for the terminal is underway and is to be decided upon in August.
Ms. Manton also informed Commissioners of the upcoming General Hospital project. The new hospital will provide $11 million in funds for public art, pending approval of the bond on the November 2008 ballot.
- Old Business
There was no old business.
- Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 5:22 p.m.
5/4/2007
Notices
Explanatory documents are available for public inspection and copying at the Arts Commission office, 25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 240, San Francisco, CA 94102 during regular business hours. INFO: Ellen Shershow (415) 252-2594.
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