Revised City of Sonoma Public Art Policy to Include Temporary Installations

At the next meeting of the City of Sonoma Cultural and Fine Arts Commission on November 19, 2024 in the City Council Meeting Room, a proposal to the City Council for revisions to the Public Art Policy of the city will be reviewed. The meeting is open to the public.

The role of the Cultural and Fine Arts Commission (CFAC) is to develop and establish a balanced arts and cultural program that promotes, enriches and advances the cultural and fine arts community. The Cultural and Fine Arts Commission is comprised of seven members and an alternate.

Proposed key changes and additions to the existing policy include:

Expanded Scope to Include Temporary Art Installations: The revised policy introduces provisions for temporary public art installations. These installations typically range from a few weeks to a year and up to 10 years and are designed to enhance the City’s cultural landscape dynamically and flexibly. Temporary installations may include sculptures, murals, or digital media, adding variety to the City’s art offerings. This change supports the community’s evolving interest in diverse artistic expressions while still maintaining a commitment to long-lasting cultural impact.

Flexibility in the Use of Public Art Fund: The updated policy allows Public Art Fund resources to support both temporary and permanent art installations, promoting a wider array of cultural programs. Temporary installations may receive funding for costs related to transportation, installation, and maintenance, broadening the City’s engagement with art beyond permanent structures.

Enhanced Maintenance Protocols: The policy establishes separate maintenance guidelines for temporary and permanent installations. For example, permanent works require a lifespan of at least 20 years and maintenance planning to ensure longevity, while temporary installations prioritize easy removal and site restoration.

Roles and Responsibilities Clarifications: Expanded roles for the Cultural and Fine Arts Commission, City Council, and City staff are specified in the updated policy, with clearer delineation of authority in site selection, funding oversight, and artist selection, ensuring transparency and accountability in program administration.

Additional Recommendation for Future Consideration

The following funding mechanism, though not included in the revised draft, will be considered by the City Council as part of the City’s ongoing fee study: Proposed Public Art Requirement for Private Development: The ad hoc committee recommends introducing a 1% public art requirement for non-residential private developments within City limits valued over $250,000. Developers would have the option to incorporate public art directly into their projects or pay an in-lieu fee to the Public Art Fund. If approved, guidelines and processes would be developed to support the implementation of this new requirement.

This proposed mechanism would enhance the Public Art Fund, enabling a broader and more sustainable funding base for the City’s public art initiatives. However, as this recommendation is not part of the current draft policy, it is presented here as an additional note rather than a component for consideration.