Report Prepared by: Jennifer Flachman, Senior Management Analyst
Title
SUBJECT: Report on Condition of Murals Included in the 2021 Utility Box Beautification Project and Appoint a Subcommittee to Explore a Maintenance Plan
REPORT IN BRIEF
Staff to report on condition of 2021 utility box murals and request the ACAC form a committee to explore a maintenance plan for city-sponsored art projects.
RECOMMENDATION
Information Only
Body
DISCUSSION
At the 1/18/2024 Arts and Culture Advisory Commission meeting, the commission asked for a report on the condition of the murals painted on city-owned utility boxes for the 2021 Utility Box Beautification Project. Staff reviewed each utility box and notated the condition. Please the chart below.
Utility Box Beautification Project
Artist
Location of Utility Box
Condition
Jazz Diaz
V & W. 16th Streets
Karen McCombs
R & W. 18th Streets
Stickered
Jose Sanchez
R & W. 16th Streets
Tagged and Faded
Eddie Rodriguez
O & W. 16th Streets
Tagged
Thore Munoz
N & W. Main Streets
Alana Perlin
M & W 18th Streets
Christain Aguilar
M & W. Main Streets
Faded
Stephen Schertz
M & W 16th Streets
Arianna Lytal
Canal & W. 18th Streets
Faded and Stickered
Oscar Torres
Canal & W Main Streets
Tagged and Stickered
Kobie Griggs
K & W Main Streets
Madison Ewing
MLK Jr. Way & W. Main St
Tagged
Goko the Pink King
MLK Jr. Way & W. 16th Street
Andrea Torrez
G & W. 18th Streets
Tagged/Etched through paint
Maintaining public art installations in Merced is crucial for preserving their cultural and aesthetic value. To ensure effective maintenance, the Commission should consider forming a subcommittee to review strategies employed by similar city arts commissions. By studying other models, the Commission can suggest, for City Council's consideration, an approach suitable to the city's needs and resources to safeguard the longevity of the city's public art. Allocating resources for the upkeep of tagged or graffiti-covered installations is vital.
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