Public Art Commission - November 20, 2025

Commission approves generative art concept for The Link

The Public Art Commission unanimously approved the concept for LOAM, a screen-based generative artwork proposed for The Link’s entry lobby at 975 Page Mill Road. Seven affirmative votes were recorded. Staff characterized the action as approval of the concept, with artwork and interpretive details still to be developed.

The building remodel has an estimated construction cost of $13.6 million and a $136,000 public-art requirement under the 1% allocation. The artwork’s estimated total cost is $176,050, including a $95,000 art fee to Daniel Canogar, a $60,000 installed display and computer, a $14,250 art consultant fee to Danielle Wohl and a $6,800 City of Palo Alto Public Art staff fee.

LOAM would use custom software and AI analysis of themes in Stanford science and engineering publications to vary its abstract animations. Commissioners examined software support, screen lifespan, long-term maintenance, anticipated operation from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and potential photosensitivity. The applicant said maintenance would be funded through building operations and remain the property owner’s responsibility.

The project team will continue refining display cues and may add interpretive signage or QR-code information. The Link, a remodel intended as an innovation hub for early-stage entrepreneurs, is expected to open in spring 2027.

Code:ART drew about 25,000 visitors in its first three nights

Staff reported that approximately 25,000 people attended the downtown Code:ART festival during its first three nights, Oct. 16 through Oct. 18, with a couple thousand more visiting over the following week while projection-mapping works remained on view. The festival’s fourth edition included five interactive downtown installations, three projection projects at City Hall, live performances, public tours, street activities and business collaborations.

Among 291 visitors who completed an eight-question survey, 75% said they came downtown specifically for Code:ART. The same share said they had visited or planned to visit a downtown business, store or restaurant that evening, while 99.7% said they wanted more events like it in Palo Alto. Staff also reported positive feedback from participating businesses, including increased customer traffic and sellouts of Code:ART-branded products.

The update was informational and did not result in a vote. Staff plans to continue evaluating the data and explore obtaining a more formal economic-impact report. It will also consider a satellite event for the silent disco, Stanford Laptop Orchestra performance and robotics demonstration that were postponed because of anticipated rain, with a proposal expected to return to the commission.

Commission adds Bolted to the city’s portable collection

The commission unanimously accepted Bolted (2023), a donated 16-by-16-inch hand-cut and woven print by Kiana Honarmand, into the city’s public art collection. Seven affirmative votes were recorded.

The framed, hang-ready work is part of Honarmand’s Tapestry of Remembrance series. Staff said Cubberley Artist Studio participants provide community service and donate an artwork during their residency. Bolted will join the city’s portable collection, although its initial display location has not been determined.

Public Safety Building opens with three artworks installed

Staff reported that the Public Safety Building held its ribbon cutting and grand opening the previous weekend with three public artworks installed. The building has one exterior work and two lobby works informed by local history and public-safety operations.

Primary sources

Watch the meeting on YouTube · Read the official meeting packet