Public Art Commission - June 19, 2025

Commission funds revised art concept for downtown garage

The Public Art Commission voted 5-0 to allocate up to $30,600 for a new conceptual public-art design for the restarted Downtown Parking Garage. Staff said the concept approved in 2018 needs to be reworked because the garage is now smaller and no longer extends to the Waverly frontage considered in the earlier design.

Staff estimated the garage's total art budget at $230,000. The conceptual-design amount reflects a 15% design fee, reduced by 15% to account for work previously completed. The commission's action covers design development, not fabrication or installation.

The previously selected artist will prepare a revised concept and return to the commission for approval. Staff would subsequently seek funding for fabrication, delivery and installation, while detailed garage design is targeted for completion by the end of the year.

Commission approves $10,000 Code:ART backstop

The commission also voted 5-0 to make up to $10,000 available for local performing-arts groups at Code:ART 2025 if outside sponsorships do not materialize. No sponsors had committed funding at the time of the meeting, and staff said the contingency would allow organizers to book paid performers.

Code:ART installations are scheduled for Oct. 16 through 18, with three projection-mapping artworks on City Hall continuing through Oct. 25. Organizers planned to continue fundraising and seek sponsor commitments by the July 4 weekend.

The performance allocation will come from the public art fund supported by private-development contributions. Staff said the event's visual-art installations are funded separately through a capital-improvement source.

Commissioners seek stronger focal points at 3150 El Camino

During an initial review of public art for the 368-unit development at 3150 El Camino Real, commissioners suggested concentrating the estimated $1.2 million art budget in fewer, more visible installations rather than dividing it among as many as five locations. The housing project includes 74 below-market-rate units, which are excluded from the public-art calculation.

Commissioners emphasized visibility from pedestrian and driving viewpoints and discussed an iconic plaza feature, interactive and multigenerational artwork, and coordination among installations if multiple artists are chosen. They also cautioned that technology-based work can become obsolete.

No artist was selected and the commission took no action. The applicant expects to invite about half of the artists under consideration to submit concepts, incorporating the commission's feedback before returning for a later review.

Indoor digital art proposal raises public-access questions

Commissioners questioned whether a proposed interior digital artwork at 975 Page Mill Road would be sufficiently visible and accessible to the public. The applicant is considering an approximately $100,000 installation on a lobby wall as part of a renovation creating an innovation facility with flexible work areas and a publicly accessible cafe.

Commissioners acknowledged that the limited budget could have greater impact indoors, but stressed the need for public access, signage and programming that would draw visitors into the building. Staff said the public-art ordinance requires at least 40 hours of weekly access; the applicant said the lobby is expected to be open for at least 50 hours.

Vice Chair Lisa Waltuch encouraged digital work that would remain compelling for repeat visitors and be visible from outside. She suggested generative or looped content, while noting that an interactive installation might be less suitable near the information desk. The commission took no action, and the applicant will further develop the proposal.

Cubberley activation ideas center local arts and gathering

The commission took no action on a Cubberley Community Center update but proposed low-cost, public-facing arts and gathering activities while the site's master plan advances. Suggestions included seating, a coffee cart, outdoor exhibitions, interactive ArtLift projects, talks and events involving artists, dancers, musicians and other current Cubberley users.

Vice Chair Lisa Waltuch emphasized preserving Cubberley's artistic legacy and creating flexible, multi-use community space. Staff said near-term activations are intended to build public awareness through November 2026 as the city considers a possible ballot measure connected to Cubberley's future.

No ArtLift allocation has been decided. Public Art staff plans to return in January 2026 for commission direction on grant funding, while City Council consideration of the broader activation plan was tentatively scheduled for Aug. 18. A master-plan concept is expected to be presented to the community Sept. 17, followed by a final community presentation Dec. 8.

Primary sources

Watch the meeting on YouTube · Read the official meeting agenda