Public Art Commission - October 6, 2026

Panel authorizes up to $375,000 for Code Art 2027

The Palo Alto Public Art Commission voted 6-0 to authorize up to $375,000 for Code Art 2027 projection mapping. Staff plans to seek competitive proposals from approximately three vendors while evaluating a larger City Hall activation and a possible additional downtown site.

Staff said the authorization applies specifically to projection mapping. A separate annual $50,000 temporary-art allocation could support ancillary Code Art costs. For the 2025 program, the projection-mapping authorization was $300,000 and reported spending was $275,000.

Final art plan advances at 3415 Hillview Avenue

The commission voted 6-0 to approve the final Public Art in Private Development plan for 3415 Hillview Avenue after reviewing the sculpture’s scale, seating maintenance and engineering needs.

The approved plan calls for the proposed cube sculpture to stand seven feet tall, with cube faces measuring approximately 15 by 15 inches. It also includes added funding for engineering review. The developer will maintain the wood seating elements and incorporate wayfinding and parking signs as campus construction proceeds.

Brown Act issue leads to repeat votes

Staff attributed three repeat votes from the commission’s Aug. 20 meeting to what it described as a technical Brown Act violation. Separately from the new $375,000 authorization, the repeated actions included up to $70,000 in CIP funding for Code Art 2027 and acceptance of two donated artworks; both passed 6-0.

A third action was reapproved on a 5-0 vote, with one commissioner recused.

Primary sources

Watch the meeting on YouTube · Read the official meeting agenda