HomeMy WebLinkAboutC35520F Call for Artists - San Pablo Ave Roundabout�
Contract No. C35520F
MEETING DATE
PREPARED BY:
REQUEST:
Recommendation
STAFF REPORT
CITY OF PALM DESERT
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
September 10, 2020
Amy Lawrence, Management Analyst
Consideration of Approval to Release a Call for Artists for the San Pablo
Roundabout Sculpture
By Minute Motion, approve the release of a Call for Artists for the of San Pablo Roundabout
Sculpture.
Commission Recommendation
At its regular meeting of July 8, 2020, the Art in Public Places (AIPP) Commission
recommended that the City Council approve release of the San Pablo Roundabout Sculpture
Call for Entries with a vote of 5-1-1, with Commissioners Adney, Boren, Darby, Hauer, and
Myrland voting aye, Commissioner Miller opposed, and Commissioner Campbell absent.
Strateqic Plan Obiective
Releasing the Call for Entries for the San Pablo roundabout sculpture is in line with the Arts &
Culture Mini-Vision contained in the Strategic Plan, which states:
"Arts and culture give a community its soul. Palm Desert is the cultural core of the
Coachella Valley. Cultural tourism drives economic growth in Palm Desert. The
community is host to internationally recognized cultural events that bring significant
economic benefits to the City. Palm Desert is a leader in arts education, ensuring a
well-rounded population that possesses high levels of creativity and critical thinking
skills.
Discussion
Phase I of the San Pablo corridor improvements have been completed, and staff is requesting
approval to release the Call for Entries for the roundabout sculpture. The sculpture in the
roundabout at San Pablo and San Gorgonio has been contemplated as an additional layer to
newly created streetscape.
The AIPP Commission voted to open the call to artists located in the United States, Canada,
and Mexico. Staff worked with both the AIPP Commissioners and Public Works staff to develop
the draft call to ensure a variety of elements are included, including traffic safety information.
Upon City Council approval, the Call will be sent to the City's Artist Registry, and will be
promoted both locally and on national websites to include Callforentry.org,
Americansforthearts.org, and Artshow.com. The proposal submittal deadline is tentatively
September 10, 2020 - Staff Report
San Pablo Roundabout Sculpture Call for Entries
Page 2 of 2
scheduled for December 14, 2020, and after various review processes by the AIPP
Commission, the recommended sculpture is scheduled to come before the City Council for
consideration in the spring of 2021. Installation date is to be determined; however, staff
anticipates installation to occur summer/fall 2021.
Fiscal Analvsis
There is no fiscal impact related to staff's recommendation. The project budget of $125,000 was
approved as part of the FY 2020/2021 Public Art budget (Fund 436). Funds are available in the
Public Art budget and no General Fund monies will be expended.
LEGAL REVIEW
N/A
DEPT. REVIEW
FINANCIAL
REVIEW
ASSISTANT
CITY MANAGER
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Ryan Stendell
Robert W. Director of
Hargreaves Community Janet M. Moore
City Attorney Development Director of Finance
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City Manager, Lauri Aylaian: ���
Andy Firestine
Andy Firestine
Assistant City Manager
ATTACHMENTS: Draft San Pablo Roundabout Sculpture Call for Entries
CITY OF PALM DESERT
CALL FOR ENTRIES
PUBLIC ART PROJECT FOR ROUNDABOUT AT
SAN PABLO AVENUE AND SAN GORGONIO DRIVE
Artist Eligibility
The City of Palm Desert, California, and the Palm Desert Art in Public Places Commission
announce a major public art competition open to experienced artists residing in the U.S.,
Canada, and Mexico. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
About Palm Desert
Located just over 100 miles east of Los Angeles,
Palm Desert is a premier resort destination and
year-round community located in the heart of
California’s Coachella Valley, comprised of 9
cities, each with a distinct character. At the west
end of the valley is Palm Springs, known for
midcentury modern architecture and historic
connections to Hollywood. To the east is Indio
with abundant farms and striking murals
depicting contemporary Latinx imagery.
Desert Willow Golf Resort
Situated in the center, Palm Desert blends elements of
both, along with its own upscale touch. Against a
backdrop of soaring mountains and expansive desert,
the city offers a balance of nature and culture. It is home
to the valley’s three sites of higher education; the
region’s largest indoor performing arts venue, the
McCallum Theatre; and El Paseo, a high-end retail
district of art galleries, boutiques, and dining. The
centerpiece of El Paseo is a rotating exhibition of public
art, running continuously since 1993, and featuring 18
sculptures by international artists.
A New Vision for San Pablo Avenue
San Pablo Avenue represents the next step in the city’s evolution. Located perpendicular to
and north of Highway 111 and El Paseo, the mile-long corridor connects these vibrant
commercial areas with residential neighborhoods as well as College of the Desert, Palm
Desert City Hall, and the Civic Center Park. Recent improvements to San Pablo Avenue
include landscaping, bicycle lanes, options for outdoor dining, pocket parks with interactive
amenities, community gardens, and a space for a farmer’s market and other special events.
Designed along a more intimate scale than El Paseo and with more opportunities for mixed-
use development, this family-friendly area is intended to become Palm Desert’s city center.
A video description of the project can be found here. An aerial video of project, to include
roundabout, can here.
El Paseo Exhibition – Untitled by Ross Kellogg
CITY OF PALM DESERT - CALL FOR ENTRIES
SAN PABLO ROUNDABOUT
Page 2
About the Project
The sculpture(s) in this roundabout will be the focal point for San Pablo Avenue. The
roundabout will serve as the transition from the commercial area into the residential area.
Illuminated artworks and multiple sculptures are acceptable as outlined in the specifications
below. Sculptures with water features will not be accepted.
Artwork Design, Safety, and Durability
Requirements
-Height requirements for singular sculptures may not
exceed 25’ centered in the roundabout.
-Site can handle multiple sculptures; however,
height requirements for multiple sculptures may not
exceed 15’ due to breakaway zone.
-The unpaved portion of the roundabout is 45’
diameter with a 32.8’ diameter workable space as
outlined in Exhibit “A”.
-Site of roundabout is on a 1.5% upward slope
running north to south.
-Foundations cannot be installed in some areas of
the roundabout due to underground utilities. Areas
not accessible are outlined in Exhibit “B”.
-The pad foundation standard detail for single object
sculptures is outlined in Exhibit “C”. Note that detail
has maximum weight requirements and other
design-related criteria that the artist will have to
work with a California registered Professional
Engineer (PE) on.
-Illumination of light-based sculptures must not intrude on neighboring homes or create a
disorienting situation or cause a distraction for drivers. Illuminance maximum is 20 watt.
-The artwork must not create a disorienting situation or cause a distraction for drivers (i.e.
highly reflective material discouraged).
-The artwork must improve and not detract from the safety of the site.
-The artwork must allow for visibility to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
-The artwork should be designed “in the round” and be equally intriguing from all angles.
-The artwork should be scaled to the attention of approaching drivers, but should not be
so detailed that it requires up-close or extended inspection for appreciation.
-Interactive artwork is discouraged and sculptures must not create a desire for pedestrian
activity (i.e. selfies). The roundabout is not intended to be a gathering spot, which would
cause pedestrians to cross traffic.
-The artwork must be fabricated in durable, permanent, outdoor media that is safe, easily
maintained, and proven its viability in public installations.
-The artwork must be able to withstand harsh weather conditions of the desert, which
include intense sun, summer temperatures above 110* Fahrenheit, and high winds. The
City of Palm Desert performs regular maintenance on public art, but prospective
applicants are advised to research colors and materials for durability.
-The artwork must be constructed to reasonably discourage or deter theft and vandalism.
-The artwork must be suitable for public viewing by all ages.
-The artwork art foundations must be breakaway in case of errant vehicles.
Randall Henderson Trailhead
CITY OF PALM DESERT - CALL FOR ENTRIES
SAN PABLO ROUNDABOUT
Page 3
Photos of the roundabout are outlined in Exhibit “D”. Additionally, a video description of the
project can be found here. An aerial video of project, to include roundabout, can here.
Construction plans are available upon request.
Submission Requirements
Interested artists or artist teams must submit
the following:
- Contact information for a client who
can verify the satisfactory completion
of at least one public art project.
- Contact information for two
professional references (separate
from the client above).
- Five images of relevant work
- Artist statement, not exceeding one
page, addressing the conceptual
approach to the project.
- Current resume, not to exceed two pages for each artist.
- Conceptual design drawings including information about the actual dimensions of the
artwork and placement in the roundabout.
- Estimated project budget.
- Timeframe in which the artist would be able to complete the work from award of contract
to installation.
- Description of materials to be used and their durability.
- If the sculpture contains lighting, provide wattage, lumens, and color of lighting.
- Explanation of foundation design and the ability to get a California registered
Professional Engineer to sign off on the design.
- Explanation of maintenance requirements.
Applicants must also submit the following:
- Ten digital images in high resolution JPEG format of relevant, recently completed
artwork, via Dropbox or on a flash drive.
- Image list identifying images by number, including title, media, completion date,
dimensions (HxWxD), and a brief description of the work.
NOTES: Do not staple or bind any of the materials. Applications will not be returned.
Project Budget
The budget for this project is $125,000. The selected artist or artist team will be responsible
for the design, fabrication, shipment to the site, and must work with City staff on installation.
The available budget must cover all artists’ expenses including, artist fees, taxes, insurance,
materials, tools, travel, expense contingency, and other associated costs. Installation,
uplighting costs, and permit fees will be covered by the City.
Swing N’ Hops Event
CITY OF PALM DESERT - CALL FOR ENTRIES
SAN PABLO ROUNDABOUT
Page 4
Selection Process
The Art in Public Places Commission will select up to three finalists for the project. All finalists
will be required to develop additional presentation materials and a maquette no higher than
two feet. Oral presentations will be scheduled in person or via Zoom video call. The City will
reimburse artists for the costs associated with creation of the maquette, up to $500. Receipts
must be provided for reimbursement.
The selection criteria are as follows:
-Proposed artwork exhibits artistic merit, quality, and innovative design.
-Proposed artwork is appropriate to the site in size and materials.
-Proposed artwork meets all requirements of this Call for Entries.
-Safety of proposed artwork is approved by the City’s Public Works Department.
The Art in Public Places Commission will make a recommendation to the Palm Desert City
Council. The City Council will make the final selection of the artwork. The selected artist(s)
must execute the City’s Agreement (draft copy available upon request).
Application Deadline
Applications must be received by Monday, December
14, 2020, at 4:00 pm. Late applications will not be
considered. Mail or hand-deliver applications to:
City of Palm Desert, Attn: Amy Lawrence,
Management Analyst
73510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California
92260
Submittal Timeline (subject to change at the City’s
discretion)
-Application deadline: December 14, 2020
-Three finalists notified: Week of February 15,
2021
-Oral presentation by finalists to the Art in Public
Places (AIPP) Commission: Week of March 8,
2021
-AIPP Commission recommendation to Palm
Desert City Council: March 25, 2021
-Finalists notified: Week of March 29, 2021
-Execution of City Agreement: April 30, 2021
-Deadline for installation: It is desirable that the artwork be completed and installed by
August/September 2021, if possible.
Additional Information
For additional information on this project, please contact Amy Lawrence at (760) 837-1664,
or via email at alawrence@cityofpalmdesert.org.
Disclaimer: The City of Palm Desert reserves the right, at any time, to modify this Call for Entries, to modify the City’s Agreement, to
reject any or all proposals, and to re-open the competition. The final artwork becomes the property of the City, and the City receives
all rights to reproduce the artwork.
Art Smith Trailhead
Exhibit "A"
Exhibit "B"
Exhibit "C"
Exhibit “D”
Facing South
Facing North
Exhibit “D”
Facing West
Facing Southwest
Exhibit “D”
Facing South
Facing Southeast
Exhibit “D”
Facing East
Facing Northeast
Exhibit “D”
Facing Northeast
Facing North
Exhibit “D”
Facing Northwest