FROM:
Dannielle Mauk, Community Services Director
SUBJECT:
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San Anselmo Arts Commission’s Utility Box Art Project-Phase 3
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RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff Recommends that the Council approve two additional locations for Phase 3 of the Utility Box Art Project.
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BACKGROUND
In 2020, the Arts Commission worked in collaboration with Town staff to successfully pilot the Town’s first ever Utility Box Art Project. This program was inspired by the community’s expressed desire to increase public art around Town as has been successfully implemented by surrounding communities in the county. All ten of the utility boxes originally approved by Town Council have been completed. The completed boxes have helped bring art to unexpected public places and enhance the beauty and artistic vibrancy of San Anselmo.
Under the Town’s Sign Ordinance (MC 10.10.501), no permit is required for Town signs. This project is categorized under this ordinance.
DISCUSSION
With the goal to continue to bring art to unexpected places, the Commission has selected two additional town-owned utility boxes across from Archie Williams High School (AWHS). The Commission will be seeking two student artists from AWHS to complete the boxes.
As with the previous projects, the criteria for artwork includes that it must be original, appropriate, and integrate well with the surrounding neighborhood. Artists will receive a $500 honorarium, and the Arts Commission will provide paint and supplies. The theme of black and white and one color per box will continue to bring cohesiveness to the project.
The Recreation Department will oversee the completion of the program, and the Department of Public Works will continue to maintain the boxes.
A subcommittee within the Arts Commission has been created to evaluate and select the final entries. The subcommittee will then present the chosen entries, along with any alternates, to the entire Arts Commission for review and approval. The selected entries will be presented to the Town Council.
The target timeline for the Aspen Court box is to start the call for entries in January 2022 and complete the project by March 2022. The electrical box on Saunders will be replaced this summer with the installation of a red light to replace the flashing yellow cross walk. Once the box is replaced the Arts Commission will repeat the application process, present selected artwork to Town Council and complete the artwork on the box in Fall 2022, The selected artwork would be in place for up to 5 years.
ANALYSIS
Over the past few years, the Arts Commission has evolved and set goals to pursue larger public art projects, including the Utility Art Boxes. While coordinating and implementing these public art projects it became clear that additional parameters involving the approval process should be explicitly stated and the role of the Commission should be clearly defined. At the October 12, 2021 Town Council meeting, Council considered revisions to Resolution No. 4313 Defining the Framework for the San Anselmo Arts Commission. Staff will include Council recommendations and bring back revisions to the resolution in early 2022.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Commission has raised funds through sponsorships to cover the costs of two additional boxes. All additional funding will be funded directly by the Arts Commission.
CONCLUSION
Staff Recommends that the Council approve the two additional locations for Phase 3 of the Utility Box Art Project.