AgdaPkt 2018-04-09 Joint SA PFA - Laserfiche WebLink

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22master vision23public artA series of free lectures to the public about public art was organized. One of which brought local experts in the fields to present their experience. Among those who presented were Jennifer Easton, Director of public art for BART, Elise de Marzo, Director of public art for the City of Palo Alto and Robin Lasser, SJSU professor of art and Oakland based public artist. A public art “conversation” was facilitated by Warren Dale where the community was invited to answer questions and take place in a free form discussion of issues and desires regarding the future of public art in Redwood City. Our final public event was a special tour of the San Francisco Art Commission’s (SFAC) public art collection at SFO. The tour was lead by Susan Pontius, Director of Public Art for the SFAC, with help from other public art managers from the SFAC. In addition to all the in-person public outreach, the City Communication Manager created and implemented an online citywide public art survey in partnership with the City. 134 Residents completed it. The results are included in the appendix. The community was very supportive of engaging, visionary and thought provoking public art and wanted to ensure that future projects went beyond the mere decorative or functional aspects that many other cities concentrate on. They recognized the need to support local artists, national artists and world- famous artists to better attract media attention and validate the ongoing art collection by bringing in wide recognition. Some key notes from the public are represented below: (The full report can be found in the appendix). • Public art is made by an artist. • There is a desire to build upon each new project, linking to the past and reaching to the future. • There should be gender balance. • Diversity of artists reflecting the local community is valued. • Local, regional, national and international artists all are welcome. • Work with artists for their designs but open the possibility to match them with the right fabricator allowing more flexibility of artist choice and pushing the boundaries. • Create a temporary, reoccurring public art exhibition. • It is not just the end product that matters. The art process also matters and should be guided by the artist not the need or organizer. • The community would love a sculpture park of loaned artworks. Here are a few thoughts that came from the public when asked what they wanted people to feel when they see the public art in Redwood City: A Sense of wonder; sense of community; great culture; innovation; inclusivity; interaction with, and respect for, the environment. The most pervasive comment went beyond the scope of public art. What this community most desires is an exhibition / performance / maker space provided and operated by the city. 8.A. - Page 17