Program Overview

Public Art Program Responsibilities

• Develop and implement plans and budgets for all public art projects annually.
• Develop and maintain a list of potential jurors and panelists and develop a maintenance survey/work plan.
• Coordinate the selection of artists or artworks for the Public Arts Program with a majority of public art commissions awarded to Oakland-based artists. (e.g. residence, studio or primary professional employment in Oakland)
• Serve as liaison between the Cultural Affairs Commission, Public Art Advisory Committee, City Manager's Office, other City Departments and Council.
• Solicit funds from foundations, corporations and public agencies for public art projects in Oakland.
• Revise Public Art Program policies as necessary

Constituency Served

The Public Art Program serves residents of, and visitors to, the City of Oakland by commissioning permanent and temporary works of art for placement throughout Oakland's diverse neighborhoods. The program also provides career opportunities for regional artists through the acquisition of their artwork by purchase or commission.

Funding Sources

Public Art funding derives from a 1.5% allocation from all eligible capital improvement projects including:

• Capital Improvement Projects for the City of Oakland
• Oakland Redevelopment Agency
• Eligible grant revenue

Review and Approval Process For Public Art Projects

1. Upon receipt of an annual Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) summary the Cultural Arts and Marketing Department (CAM) staff meets with staff from other City agencies to determine the most appropriate sites and project concepts for public art. The office of Community and Economic Development and the Landmarks Advisory Board, as well as other City agencies may also become involved in the public planning.

2. When potential sites, budgets and concepts are identified, staff submits a recommendation to the PAAC. Recommended sites and budgets are included in the Annual Arts Program Plan. The Annual Program Plan is submitted to the Cultural Affairs Commission and the Life Enrichment committee of the City Council. The Committee's recommendation is forwarded to the full City Council as a consent calendar item.

3. When a project has not been identified on the Annual Plan, the same steps are taken through this review and approval process.

4. Upon approval of project concepts and budgets, staff makes a recommendation to PAAC for method of artist selection, usually by a competitive process. A selection panel is established to review artist's materials and to select one or more artist to develop design proposal.

5. When the artist(s) has prepared a design proposal, it is reviewed by the Selection Panel for approval. The panel's recommendation to accept or reject the proposal is submitted by staff to the PAAC. The PAAC may accept or reject the panel's recommendation. If accepted, a report recommending acceptance is submitted to the Cultural Affairs Commission. If the Commission accepts the recommendation, it is forward to the Life Enrichment Committee of the City Council. The full City Council has final approval of all contracts/projects.

6. The artist(s) project design recommendations are reviewed by the CAM staff and staff of the participating agency (for budget, technical and logical feasibility), and by any community groups involved in the project (for appropriateness to the site and neighborhood).

7. Program staff monitors the artist progress with the fabrication and installation and guides the artist through the city's review and approval process. Staff also administers the artist's contract, prepares publicity materials and facilitates a dedication or a public reception.

Review and Approval Process For Gifts and Other Works of Art to be Placed on City Property

In addition to the commissioning of new works of art, the Public Art Advisory Committee reviews and make recommendations regarding prospective gifts or works of art to be placed on City property. The review process is conducted in accordance with the Oakland Gifts Policy.