HomeMy WebLinkAboutSculpture Pad In Front of City Hallr
CITY OF PALM DESERT
COMMUNITY SERVICES
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: CONSIDERATION FOR A SCULPTURE PAD TO BE
INSTALLED IN FRONT OF CITY HALL
SUBMITTED BY: Richard L. Twedt
DATE: December 8, 2005
CONTENTS: Photographs of proposed location
Recommendation:
By Minute Motion:
1. Approve the installation of a sculpture pad and lighting in front of City Hall.
2. Approve removal of wooden sign structure.
3. Estimated costs of $2,500; funds are available in Account #436-4650-454-
40-01.
Executive Summary:
The Art in Public Places Commission has expressed interest in having sculpture
pads installed in "key" locations with high traffic and visibility throughout the City.
One such site is in front of City Hall, where the current wood structure is used for
banners. The proposed pad would replace the wood structure. Sculpture placed
on it would not obscure the existing Palm Desert Civic Center bronze signage or
address. The sculpture pad would be used to exhibit temporary sculptures on
loan to the City, after receiving a recommendation by the Art in Public Places
Commission and approval by City Council. The sculptures will change
approximately every 20 to 24 months. Staff has consulted with the Parks and
Recreation Services Manager, Janis Steele, and Pat Scully, Senior Management
Analyst, who have expressed a positive response to installing the pad to display
temporary artworks. It was mentioned that there are better methods of
communicating special events than displaying banners. The City's website
advertises all Palm Desert events and the BrightSide publishes upcoming events
as well. The two new publications 92260 and Palm Desert both list future events
and activities in Palm Desert.
Discussion:
Staff was directed by the Art in Public Places Commission to conduct a survey of
local galleries and artists who might be interested in loaning large-scale,
professionally created public artworks for display in "key" locations with high
traffic and visibility throughout Palm Desert. One of these locations identified by
the Art in Public Places Commission is the northeast comer of Fred Waring and
San Pablo in front of City Hall. Many other locations such as the El Paseo
median between Highway 111 and Highway 74 and Portola Avenue and Highway
111; the Cook Street median between Frank Sinatra Drive and Dinah Shore; the
northwest comer of Country Club Drive and Washington Street; and the
southwest corner of Highway 74 and Highway 111 have been identified as some
of the twenty potential sites for displaying temporary public artworks.
The survey results indicated a majority of respondents would be interested in
loaning artworks to the City without any financial assistance; however, a couple
did state that they would be interested if the City provided nominal assistance
with shipping if it was required to get the artwork to Palm Desert. Possibly, a
$500 honorarium could be provided to offset shipping expenses.
The Art in Public Places Commission has reasoned that by providing pads in
"key" locations throughout Palm Desert for temporary public artworks, would be a
vehicle to present more artworks in the City with a minimum cost, which would
also add to the impression by citizens and visitors that Palm Desert is a cultural
art destination place.
Submitted by:
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Ri and Twedt, Public Arts Mgr. -�► hePS.illian, Assistant City Mgr.,
Community Services
Approval:
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Carlos Ortee, City Manager
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Paul Gibson, Director of Finance