Report Prepared by: Jennifer Flachman, Senior Management Analyst
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of Arts and Culture Advisory Commission’s Recommended 250th Commemorative Mural Art Project
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers the Arts and Culture Advisory Commission’s (ACAC) recommended 250th Commemorative Mural Art Project to be installed on an exterior wall of the City of Merced Public Works Corp Yard facing West Avenue with expenditures not to exceed $15,000.00.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion approving the ACAC’s recommended 250th Commemorative Mural art project to be installed on an exterior wall of the City of Merced Public Works Corp Yard facing West Avenue and expenditures not to exceed $15,000.00.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by Staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by Staff; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to Staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
5. Continue to a future meeting.
AUTHORITY
Arts and Culture Advisory Commission Ordinance #2489, Section 2.54.060 Jurisdiction of the Commission.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the Council Goals and Priorities.
DISCUSSION
As part of the 2025/26 Budget, the City Council allocated $75,000 for art installations throughout the City of Merced. During the Fiscal Year 2026/27 budget process, the remaining funding was reallocated to Fiscal Year 2026/27 to support completion of the approved public art program. Of that amount, $58,000 is available for additional projects. The Arts and Culture Advisory Commission recommends allocating $15,000 to the 250th Anniversary Commemorative Mural Project.
• 250th Anniversary Commemorative Mural: Funding would support the design and installation of a mural on a City-owned exterior wall or structure. The artwork would commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States, celebrate California through imagery such as the California brown bear, California poppies, and the California quail, or incorporate a combination of these themes. The final artistic concept would be developed by the selected artist and be subject to City Council approval.
• The ACAC identified the following potential locations:
o The M Street Bridge at Bear Creek beneath the flag displays.
o An exterior wall of the City of Merced Public Works Corp Yard facing West Avenue.
The Arts and Culture Advisory Commission recommends allocating $15,000 for this project.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Sufficient funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2026/27 budget within the City Council's Professional Services Account (10000500-511012). No additional appropriation is required.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Recommended Mural Locations