Report Prepared by: Jennifer Flachman, Senior Management Analyst
Title
SUBJECT: Status Report on City Sponsored Art Projects
REPORT IN BRIEF
Staff to provide a report on the status of city sponsored art projects.
RECOMMENDATION
Information only.
Body
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2024-25 Council Goals and Priorities: Public Works & City Beautification.
DISCUSSION
Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Brown Bag Concert Series will be out for bid mid-June 2025 for concerts in August, September, and October.
Request for Proposals (RFP) for Utility Box Refresh Project - currently on hold pending quotes from wrap companies; the item will be brought back for consideration on the July agenda.
RFPs and RFQs for the following projects will be out for bid mid-August 2025:
• Large Scale Mural at the Fahrens Park R Street Undercrossing
• Recycle (Trash) Art Sculpture
• Vang Pao Park Statue Project
• Bob Hart Square Expansion Project
Senate Bill 456 - Community Beautification Act
A brief note about Senate Bill 456 - SB 456 Community Beautification Act is a bill moving through the California State Senate that seeks to exempt muralists from contractor licensing requirements. In 2023, state guidance began classifying muralists as contractors for projects over $500, creating legal and financial concerns for artists and commissioning entities.
The bill would amend Section 7044 of the Business and Professions Code to recognize muralists as visual artists, not contractors, defined as follows “muralists means an artist who draws, paints, applies, executes, restores, conserves, or affixes visual art directly onto walls, ceilings, or other fixtures of a building or structure pursuant to an agreement with a person who could legally authorize the work.”
The proposed legislation facilitates local mural programs and local governments to work with artists, business owners, schools and others to transform bleak spaces into works of art. Murals can turn exterior building walls into works of art that create spaces of interest, turning once boring walls into economic opportunities. A final outcome on the bill is expected by July or August 2025.
ATTACHMENT
1. SB 456 Fact Sheet