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Report Regarding Recommendation of Artist Selection for the Mural at the New Aquatic Center at Orange Memorial Park. (Erin O'Brien, Business Program Manager)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that Cultural Arts Commission approve the recommendation of the selected artist for the mural at the New Aquatic Center at Orange Memorial Park.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The City of South San Francisco, in collaboration with the Public Art Subcommittee, conducted a competitive artist selection process for the New Aquatic Center mural at Orange Memorial Park. The project sought a vibrant, community-centered artwork that reflects the City's spirit, aquatic heritage, and commitment to public art excellence.
An open call for artists was issued in May 2025 to identify qualified artists for this opportunity. The call was both invitational, reaching artists listed on the City's Public Artist Inventory, and publicly posted on CaF? (CallForEntry.org), a national online portal for public art opportunities.
The opportunity was promoted through the City's website, newsletter and social media channels, resulting in 96 artist submissions from across the Bay Area and beyond at the closing of the RFQ in June 2025. The project's public art consultant and City staff vetted and recommended a manageable fifteen applicants to proceed with a thorough review and rating. An emphasis on considering local artists was included in the vetting process. The Public Art Subcommittee and City staff carefully reviewed all submissions and shortlisted four finalists based on artistic quality, relevance to the site, professional experience, and community engagement.
The four finalists met with the New Aquatic Center construction project team (ELS Architecture representatives, Swinerton project manager, and City staff) to review design plans for the New Aquatic Center, and specifically the dedicated mural space. Each finalist received a stipend of $500 to develop ...
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