REPORT TO ARTS COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Select a Final Sun Design Concept for the Sunnyvale Icons Project
Report
BACKGROUND
In November 2021, City Council approved an allocation of $100,000 from the Public Art Fund to implement new temporary public art, the Sunnyvale Icon Sculpture Project (formerly titled “Prefabricated Sculptures Altered by Artists” (Attachment 1 - RTC No. 21-0972)). The goal of this Project is to create public art that is iconic and distinctly Sunnyvale, while providing fun exploration of the community.
During the May 16, 2023 meeting, City Council selected a sun as the base concept for the Sunnyvale Icon Project (Attachment 3 - RTC No. 23-0582). Council also authorized the Arts Commission to approve the final design concept of the sun sculpture.
This report presents three sun design options and asks the Arts Commission to select one final sun design concept for the Sunnyvale Icon Project.
The City Council is not scheduled to review the final design concept.
EXISTING POLICY
Council Policy 6.04.01 Arts - Goals and Policies (Policy A.1, A.2, B.3, E.1.)
Council Policy 6.04.04 Art in Public Places
General Plan, Chapter 4, Community Character - Design (Policy CC 1.1, 1.1c, 1.1d, 1.4, 1.8a/b/c/d/e/f, 6.1, 9.1, 9.1c)
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Icon Project is exempt from environmental review pursuant to section 15303€ of the CEQA Guidelines (minor temporary use of land having negligible or no permanent effects on the environment), and because it will not result in direct or indirect changes to the physical environment (CEQA Guideline 15378(b)(5)).
DISCUSSION
Staff has identified the following phases to bring the Sunnyvale Icon Sculpture Project to fruition:
Phase 1: Identify Sunnyvale Icon - COMPLETE
City Council selected a sun as the base concept for the Sunnyvale Icon Project at their May 16, 2023 meeting (RTC No. 23-0582). Council also authorized the Arts Commission to approve the final design concept of the sun sculpture.
Phase 2: Design - IN PROGRESS
The Arts Commission is being asked to select one of the three sun designs presented in this report (Attachment 2). Once the Arts Commission selects the final sun design concept, staff will work with a fabricator to finish the design, which will determine the weight, height and cost of the base sculptures. The goal is to maximize the budget while providing sufficient “canvas” space for artists to work with. The final design may differ slightly than the design concepts presented in this report depending on the fabrication specifications for the design.
Phase 3: Artist Selection and Proposal Approval - WINTER 2023/24
At the May 16, 2023 meeting (RTC No. 23-0582), Council authorized the Arts Commission to approve the final artist selection and design proposals.
Phase 4: Execution and Installation of Approved Proposals - SPRING/SUMMER 2024
Each of the selected artists will receive the same (base) fiberglass sculpture to work with, mounted on a pole and welded to a square metal/aluminum plate for bolting into the concrete. Staff anticipates the sun sculptures will be four to five-feet tall and the final design will determine the number of sculptures that can be accommodated in the budget.
At the May 16, 2023 meeting, City Council approved six locations (DeAnza, Las Palmas, Ortega, Ponderosa, Columbia and Fairwood Parks) and directed staff to identify additional locations if the budget allows the project to be expanded. Currently, the sculptures are planned to be installed in groups of 3 to 5 per park. With the final number of sculptures identified, if staff are able to expand Icons into additional parks, these locations will be included in Phase 3, as part of the Request for Qualifications for artists.
FISCAL IMPACT
All project expenditures will be from the Public Art Fund, up to $100,000. Staff time for the project has been included in the general fund.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council meeting agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board at City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Public Library and in the Department of Public Safety Lobby. In addition, the agenda and this report are available at the NOVA Workforce Services reception desk located on the first floor of City Hall at 456 W. Olive Avenue (during normal business hours), and on the City's website.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Select option A as the base sculpture for the Sunnyvale Icons Project
2. Select option B as the base sculpture for the Sunnyvale Icons Project
3. Select option C as the base sculpture for the Sunnyvale Icons Project
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
There is no staff recommendation for this project. All three proposed sun design concepts meet the parameters set for the Icon Sculpture Project and the Arts Commission is authorized to select the final concept.
Staff
Prepared by: Kristin Dance, Recreation Coordinator
Prepared by: Trenton Hill, Recreation Manager
Reviewed by: Damon Sparacino, Recreation Superintendent
Approved by: Michelle Perera, Director of Library and Recreation Services
ATTACHMENTS
1. RTC No. 21-0972
2. Sun Designs
3. RTC No. 23-0582