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.
Staff spoke with the current graffiti abatement contractor for advice on removing tagging/graffiti from murals on utility boxes. The contractor stated the maintenance cost could potentially exceed the project commission of $750.00 per utility box.
Funding for maintenance should be prioritized within the Commission's budget plan, reflecting a common practice among art commissions to allocate a percentage of project budgets for ongoing upkeep and potential restoration.
Currently, a maintenance plan budget is not included in the city’s art project program.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No impact on City resources at this time.
ATTACHMENT
None