TO:
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THROUGH:
Bruce Moe, City Manager
FROM:
Mark Leyman, Parks and Recreation Director
Martin Betz, Cultural Arts Manager
SUBJECT:Title
Application and Selection Process for Public Art in City Hall and Other City Facilities; Update on Alternative Locations for “LOVE” Sculpture (Parks and Recreation Director Leyman).
RECEIVE AND FILE
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Recommended Action
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council receive and file this report regarding the process for selection of art to be placed in City Hall and other City facilities, as well as an update on alternative locations for installation of the “LOVE” sculpture.
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FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
There are no fiscal implications at this time.
BACKGROUND:
During the April 3, 2018, City Council meeting, Council approved issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for public art projects, including murals in Manhattan Beach and at City Hall, as well as Utility Box Beautifications. City Council also directed staff to provide an update on the application and selection process for commissioning art for City Hall and other City facilities.
Additionally, City Council discussed a proposed donation by Warren Lichtenstein of Robert Indiana’s “LOVE” sculpture. Council ultimately rejected the proposed location on the Strand, and directed staff to pursue alternative locations for the donated piece at the Metlox and Civic Center Plazas. Council requested that staff return at a future meeting with an update on those proposed sites for final City Council approval.
DISCUSSION:
The Public Art Selection process is detailed in the Art in Public Places Master Plan (Attachment 1), which was approved by the City Council on May 21, 2002. By referring to the guidelines, the process below will be implemented to select public art projects in City facilities, including City Hall.
1. The Cultural Arts Commission will identify the site(s), scope of work and budget, and will work with staff to create an RFQ. Selections will be made in accordance with the criteria suggested and identified in the RFQ and will be reviewed by the ad-hoc Art in Public Places Committee (described in #2 below).
2. The Cultural Arts Commission, with staff assistance, will appoint an ad-hoc Art in Public Places Committee. The ad-hoc committee will be selected to act in an advisory capacity and will be formed through a selection process. Qualified community members will submit an application, resume, areas of interest, and education. Staff will then present the applications to the Cultural Arts Commission for selection of the ad-hoc committee. The ad hoc committee will be comprised of five members, including one each of the following: local professional artist; Cultural Arts Commission member; community member at large; art student; and local business member.
3. The ad-hoc Art in Public Places Committee will review proposals and works of art and make a recommendation to the Cultural Arts Commission on the acquisition of an artwork for approval by the City Council.
4. Following City Council approval of an acquisition, City staff will prepare and negotiate the contract for the purchase or commission of the artwork. The contract is approved by the City Council and executed by the City Manager, the Director of Parks and Recreation, the Public Art Trust Administrator. The liaison between the artist (or provider of the artwork) in the administration of the contract is provided by City staff.
5. Dedication or unveiling of the work is coordinated with the Cultural Arts Commission and the City Council by City staff.
LOVE Sculpture
At the April 3, 2018, City Council meeting, Council discussed a proposed donation by Warren Lichtenstein of Robert Indiana’s “LOVE” sculpture. Council ultimately rejected the proposed location on the Strand, and directed staff to pursue alternative locations for the donated piece at the Metlox and Civic Center Plazas. Council requested that staff return at a future meeting with an update on those proposed sites for final City Council approval.
Upon review, Mr. Lichtenstein is not in favor of either of the alternative locations (Metlox or Civic Center Plazas). As a result, staff will not be presenting a loan agreement for City Council approval at this time.
PUBLIC OUTREACH/INTEREST:
Staff will advertise for applications for the ad-hoc Committee through an announcement on the City’s website, along with notifying residents on the City’s e-notification list-serve and social media avenues. In addition, staff will invite students through the Manhattan Beach Unified School District newsletter, and business owners through the Downtown Manhattan Beach Business and Professional Association, the North Manhattan Beach Business Improvement District and the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney has reviewed this report and determined that no additional legal analysis is necessary.
Attachment:
1. Art in Public Places Master Plan