Report Prepared by: Jennifer Flachman, Senior Management Analyst, City Manager’s Office
Title
SUBJECT: Report from Staff on Deaccession of Utility Box Art and Utility Box Refresh Project
REPORT IN BRIEF
Staff to provide a report on the deaccession of 15 utility box art projects and an update on the status of the Utility Box Refresh Project.
RECOMMENDATION
Information Only.
Body
DISCUSSION
As part of our ongoing commitment to public art in Merced, we are proposing the deaccession of 15 pieces of public art currently displayed on city utility boxes. This decision is a significant step in making room for new, vibrant expressions of creativity that align with our updated program goals. The project to retire these works represents not only a shift towards refreshing our city’s visual landscape but also an opportunity to celebrate and honor the original artists who brought life to our very first Utility Box Art Project.
The City would like to acknowledge the artist’s contributions. In 2021, Merced launched its inaugural Utility Box Art Project, an initiative aimed at transforming everyday infrastructure into works of art that contribute to our city’s beauty and cultural narrative. This effort was warmly embraced by local artists who, with their unique talents and perspectives, transformed these utility boxes into colorful landmarks throughout our city. Each artist brought their own vision and creativity, helping us celebrate Merced’s identity and vibrancy through public art.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the artists for their dedication, inspiration, and hard work. Their contributions not only brightened our city’s streets but also enriched the lives of our residents and visitors, leaving a lasting impact on our community’s cultural landscape. As we prepare to retire these artworks, we recognize the role each artist played in making Merced a more beautiful, engaging, and thought-provoking place to live and visit.
Updated Utility Box Art Program
Updated Utility Box Art Program: The City of Merced will soon issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) as part of an updated Utility Box Art Program. In this new phase, the city intends to rotate artwork on these boxes every three to five years, fostering a dynamic and evolving public art experience. By rotating the artwork, we aim to give new artists an opportunity to participate, ensuring that our community continues to enjoy fresh perspectives and creative contributions.
Through this new program, we hope to encourage more artists to share their talents and to see our public spaces as an evolving canvas that reflects our community’s growth, diversity, and creativity. We look forward to seeing how future artists will contribute to Merced’s cultural narrative and help our city remain a vibrant and welcoming place for all.
Staff is researching qualified vendors with experience in producing and installing wraps on utility boxes. Once established, we will issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to move forward.