Commission looking for downtown arts plan Commission looking for downtown arts plan (March 12, 2004)

Consultant needed to work with city on sites for art
by Teresa C. Brown

The Civic Art Commission unanimously voted recently to solicit bids for a master plan guiding public and privately funded public art projects downtown. The Request for Proposal (RFP) will be distributed seeking a public art and planning consultant who, while working with city staff, will also develop a comprehensive review of the development of potential sites, themes and strategies for future projects.

Future project sites include the Firehouse Arts Center, the Civic Center, Arroyo del Valle Trails, and Lions Wayside and Delucchi parks.

"We'll ask folks to submit three copies like we did with the Firehouse (Arts Center) and set a time and decide the top candidates for selection to interview and set up an interview panel," said Andy Jorgensen, Civic Arts manager.

He added that city staff hopes the planning process will begin by July, if not sooner.

The commission will have a master plan to identify and facilitate possible public art projects in the downtown area. The master plan is expected to follow the same geographic boundaries specified in the city's Downtown Specific Plan and the Downtown Parks and Trails Master Plan.

Using a list compiled by and maintained by Jorgensen and recommendations from other arts agencies, the RFP will be sent to individuals who meet specific criteria, Jorgensen said.

The commission is searching for a consultant who has public art experience including working through the community process as well as developing and implementing public art and civic planning.

Jorgensen cautioned the commission that he would not send out a "blanket request to all consultants" because they are looking for someone who has experience in all of these areas.

The budget for the master plan development is $20,000, Jorgensen said, which was approved by the City Council for the fiscal year 2003-04.

In other commission action, Nancy Scotto was elected to serve as chair and Gerald Hedstrom was selected as vice chair for this year. Scotto replaces outgoing chair Margene Gerton-Rivara.

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