Master Vision_FINAL_4-2-18

4. Temporary
Redwood City should encourage and support
temporary public art exhibitions. Temporary public
art plays an important role in any art scene.
It keeps the art scene active and continues
community engagement while working on longerterm
and higher budgeted permanent projects. It
is useful as the stopgap to keep the community
participating in public art happenings since
temporary public art can usually be done quickly
and for far lower costs. Logistically it is easier
to produce because many more materials are
appropriate for temporary art as they don’t need
to last like permanent pieces do. Furthermore,
the artist has greater freedom with narrative
and artistic intention and content. Topical issues
closer to the local community philosophy may
be addressed. Temporary public art is the best
opportunity to support local artists, as well as
students, families and children. It can also be a
testing ground for particular sites and community
input, or can be a placeholder for when funding
becomes available for a permanent public
artwork. Each project should help build a greater
sense of community and connectivity. All media
should be valued, including, but not limited to,
sculpture, kinetic art, murals, video and media,
performance art. Pop up exhibitions can easily be
created in partnership with schools, after school
programs, arts organizations, etc.
5. Support the local:
Local artists and arts organizations are key for the success of any public art project. They should be involved
in all aspects of any public artwork. Redwood City and Bay Area artists should create a high percentage
of the overall public art collection if the right artist exists for the specific scope of work. This allows for an
intrinsic connectivity to people and place, and the artists are easily available. Their presence in the city
while working on a public art project allows for additional communication and dialogue. They often have the
history and context that an outside artist does not. However, outside artists sometimes have a better ability
to see and work on a project with objectivity. When commissioning an outside artist, the local artist may be
very helpful in guiding the invited artists towards places, people, fun facts and inside stories allowing for the
outside artist to have a better foundation to build upon.
When the city is commissioning an artwork or launching a new initiative, it is advised that they invite the
local art community to be part of the process of drafting site selection, artwork themes and materiality. It is
important that these initial considerations are informed by artists. This process helps ensure that the creative
brief of an RFQ or RFP is thorough, relevant, and grounded— which is key to getting the right artist.
6. Utility box campaign
The current utility box campaign has been one of the most successful and widely seen efforts by the city.
This program should continue and grow so that every utility box has an artwork. This is a great opportunity
to support Redwood City artists who should be given priority. Due to liability issues, minors cannot do the
painting themselves. However, this campaign could allow non-painters and children to take part.
The city will consider a wide, inclusive open call search. Children and those artists who cannot paint their
designs could elect to have another local artist install their design. The city could create a list of artists
willing to assist in the installation and divide the 500 dollars accordingly. Although hand painted artwork is
preferred, some cities across the country transfer winning entries to vinyl and wrap the utility boxes. The city
should consider a hybrid of vinyl wraps and hand painted works, with priority going to local artists who have
the ability to paint the boxes themselves. It is important that as many Redwood City artists, residents, and
future artists participate to maximize community and resident engagement. Vinyl wrapping widens the type of
artist who can participate, encouraging photographers, graphic designers, etc. to apply. This would add great
diversify to the overall collection and look throughout the city.
installation at IAIA Santa Fe
Temporary and permanent
public art have equal roles
in place making.
Temporary public art also creates a sense of
urgency or happening so that viewers understand
their ability to experience the art is time based.
Temporary art often has collateral benefits such
as short-term increase in foot traffic, economic
benefits and long-term city marketing and
branding. Economic reports on Christo’s Gates in
Central Park and Olafur Elliasson’s Waterfalls in
Manhattan are included in the appendix. Although
these projects had multi-million dollar budgets, a
commensurate return is also seen from smaller
budget projects.
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