Report Prepared by: Jennifer Flachman, Senior Management Analyst
Title
SUBJECT: Report on Status of Approved Art Projects
REPORT IN BRIEF
Provide an update on the status of approved public art projects, including expected timelines and details on when RFQs and RFPs will be issued.
RECOMMENDATION
Information Only.
DISCUSSION
RFQ for Brown Bag Concert Series -
- A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) will be issued on July 17, 2025, with a submission deadline of August 7, 2025.
- A subcommittee will review all submissions between August 8 and August 11, 2025.
- The Arts and Culture Advisory Commission (ACAC) will hold a special meeting to review submissions and select three performance artists or groups.
- Final selections will be presented to the City Council for review and approval at its meeting on October 6, 2025.
- The selected performances will take place at the newly renovated Bob Hart Square in downtown Merced. These events will feature talented local and regional musicians and offer a welcoming space for the community to relax, recharge, and enjoy live music. Guests are encouraged to bring their own picnic or purchase food from nearby vendors. Please note that alcohol will not be served at these events.
- Evening performances are scheduled on the following dates at Bob Hart Square:
o November 13, 2025
o December 11, 2025
o January 8, 2026
RFQ for logo design for Downtown Arts District signage
- A request for Qualifications (RFQ) will be issued on July 24, 2025 and will close on August 29, 2025. This RFQ will invite graphic design artists to submit their qualifications for a public art signage project.
- A subcommittee will review submissions and recommend a selected design to the Arts and Culture Advisory Commission (ACAC) at its meeting on October 16, 2025. The ACAC will then present its recommendation to the City Council at the November 3, 2025, meeting.
- One artist will be selected and commissioned to create a logo and signage design that visually represents the Downtown Merced Arts District. The initial focus will be on developing a simple, single-color logo that can be incorporated into the City’s standard street signage. This approach will allow for cost-effective production and scalability as the district grows.
- Arts District signs will be fabricated by the City’s Public Works Sign Department.
- These signs will be installed along Main Street, from Martin Luther King Jr. Way to O Street, by the City’s Public Works Street Crews.
RFP Art Mural To Be Installed Along the R Street and Fahrens Park Multiuse Path
- An RFP for muralists for the R Street multiuse path undercrossing will be issued on July 24, 2025 with a close date of August 29, 2025.
- A subcommittee will review submissions and make recommendations at the October 17, 2025, ACAC meeting
- The ACAC will recommend selections to the City Council on November 3, 2025.
- This mural will transform the frequently used pedestrian and bicycle path into a vibrant community space. The design should depict a lively scene, with interactive elements that create optical illusions such as a bear or Tullie Elk chasing a bicyclist or runners sprinting through the tunnel. The goal is to foster a sense of pride and ownership within the community by celebrating local culture while making the space more welcoming and enjoyable for all.
RFP for a Recycled Item Sculpture at Fahren’s Park
- An RFP for a sculpture artist for the Recycled Item Sculpture will be issued August 14, 2025 with a close date of September 30, 2025.
- A subcommittee will review the submissions and make recommendations at the October 16, 2025 ACAC meeting.
- The ACAC will recommend selections to the City Council on November 3, 2025.
- Recycled sculpture art, also known as trash sculpture, or garbage art, challenges our perception of beauty. By incorporating discarded objects found in the park the sculpture will repurpose our everyday waste.
RFP for Utility Box Refresh Project - Pending “Work in Lieu” Partnership
- This project is currently on hold while we work through the process of preparing the utility boxes for the next mural installation. Before we can move forward, the existing paint and decals need to be removed. Staff is coordinating with Public Works and outside partners to identify the most effective method for cleaning and prepping the boxes so we can resume the project.
- Staff will provide an update at the September 2025 ACAC Meeting.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No impact on City resources at this time.
ATTACHMENT
None.