RTC#24-1054REPORT TO ARTS COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Review and Approve 26 Artists and Their Conceptual Designs for The Suns of Sunnyvale Program
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 program is to create public art that is iconic and distinctly Sunnyvale, while providing fun exploration of the community.
On May 16, 2023, City Council selected a sun as the base concept for the Sunnyvale Icon Project (Attachment 2 - RTC No. 23-0582) and authorized the Arts Commission to approve the artist selection and final design concepts for the project. Council also requested additional locations and authorized staff to determine those locations.
In June 2024, the project was retitled "The Suns of Sunnyvale" and a Call for Artists/Request for Qualifications was distributed through public art websites, artist networks and the City's website inviting artists residing in Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Mateo, Contra Costa, San Francisco and Alameda Counties to apply for the commission (Attachment 3). A total of 39 artists applied and a committee juried the applications down to 26 artists.
This report presents 26 artists and their conceptual designs for the sun sculptures. The Arts Commission is being asked to review and approve the artists and their designs.
EXISTING POLICY
Sunnyvale Council Policy 6.4.4 - Art in Public Places
Master Plan for Public Art
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Sunnyvale Suns program 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
Sel...
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