Title
SUBJECT: Consideration of the Recommendation by the Arts and Culture Advisory Commission for a Street Mural with the Phrase “Black Lives Matter” on Canal Street (South of Bob Hart Square) and Provide Staff Direction on a Draft Policy for Public Art Projects on City Facilities and Public Rights-of-Way
REPORT IN BRIEF
Request made from the NAACP, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, WeCed and the United Way, as the lead applicant, to the Arts and Culture Advisory Commission for a proposed street mural with the phrase “Black Lives Matter” on Canal Street. Also seeks direction on a draft policy for public art projects on public facilities and public rights-of-way.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving the Arts and Culture Advisory Commission’s recommendation to support the proposed street mural of the phrase “Black Lives Matter” on Canal Street, south of Bob Hart Square; and
B. Provide staff direction on a draft policy for public art projects on public facilities and public rights-of-way.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve as recommended by the Arts and Culture Advisory Commission and staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to modifications by the City Council; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer back to staff for reconsideration of specific items (specific items to be addressed in the motion); or
5. Continue to a future meeting (date and time to be specified in motion).
AUTHORITY
City of Merced Charter, Section 200
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2020-21 Adopted Goals & Priorities, City Beautification, Public Art
DISCUSSION
On August 3, 2020, the City Council was provided a presentation by the NAACP, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and WeCed Organizations on the proposed “Black Lives Matter” street mural project as presented to the Arts and Culture Advisory Commission on July 16, 2020. The request made of the Arts and Culture Advisory Commission was to provide a recommendation to the City Council the location of the project as well as their support for the proposed mural. The Arts and Culture Advisory Commission unanimously voted to recommend the support for the proposed mural and approved the location with a 3-1 vote to place the proposed mural on Canal Street and 16th Street.
During the discussion on August 3, 2020, the City Council requested additional information regarding the proposed project. In addition, the City Council requested that staff prepare a draft public art policy that outlines the future use of City facilities and City rights-of-way for projects going forward.
Provided for the City Council’s consideration is the revised presentation by the lead applicant and community partners and a draft Public Art Policy.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
The proposed project has received funding from the community, no anticipated impact on city resources. Should the Council request staff to assist, in-kind staff time would be available to support the project.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Encroachment Permit Application
2. Summary of project, aerial of proposed project, COVID-19 proposed plan
3. Draft Public Art Policy