Mountain View Visual Arts Committee Meeting – July 9, 2026

The Visual Arts Committee (VAC) held a meeting on July 9, 2026, beginning at 6:01 PM. The main focus was a detailed review of the draft Public Art Strategy, its associated work plan, and the establishment of a new artist selection pilot procedure for the Public Safety Building project. The meeting also included updates on capital improvement project (CIP) artworks, lobby gallery exhibitions, and recruitment for a new Public Art Administrator.

Consent Calendar

• The committee unanimously approved the minutes of the April 8, 2026 Visual Arts Committee meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• An in-person speaker praised the committee’s outreach efforts (noting 600+ subscribers) and suggested exploring a Mountain View Museum of Art, increasing outreach to non-artists (e.g., healthcare, police, military), and implementing sidewalk painting as public art (e.g., painted sidewalk blocks).
• Jesse (online speaker) expressed support for removing barriers to public art (e.g., permit fees, unexpected structural engineering permits), advocated for a “percent for public art” requirement on private development, recommended a consolidated public art fund that can carry over year‑to‑year, and urged the city to pursue additional grants (e.g., under the new Public Art Administrator).
• Later in the meeting, a committee member read feedback from a community member who asked for more integration with music, dance, theater, and poetry in the strategy.

Discussion Items

1. CIP Project Updates

• Evelyn Park and Bill Chiquita Park: Artists working with Public Works to fit art into engineering reviews.
• Shoreline Boat House: Artist Stephen Galloway visited the site with a city biologist to learn about local flora/fauna for his rendering.
• Fernanda Martinez’s mural (completed March 2026) remains on display.
• Vanessa Seto’s project: schedule being finalized, expected completion in fall 2026 (possibly September).
• Train Depot Public Art: Celebration held on June 11, 2026 (97°F), with 50+ attendees; mayor and artist spoke.
• Lobby Gallery Exhibitions at the Center for Performing Arts: New “open gallery hours” model launched; first event on June 8, 2026 (Yan Wang) drew ~30 people; next is Monday, July 27, 2026 (5–8 PM) with John Whitmarsh. The committee discussed improving advertising (posters, social media, partner organizations).

2. Visual Arts Committee Fiscal Year 2026‑27 Work Plan

• Staff presented a work plan with one addition: recommending public art for the Public Safety Building and Thompson Mini Park. The plan includes ongoing items (e.g., recommending artists for lobby, promoting exhibits) and key milestones tied to City Council adoption of the Public Art Strategy. Discussion focused on clarifying that the work plan covers fall 2026 through spring 2027; the committee agreed to add “ongoing” language. No formal vote was taken; the work plan will be incorporated into the strategy.<br>Note: The agenda and minutes were not available; the transcript indicates the work plan was presented but no motion was made on it separately.

3. Review of Draft Public Art Strategy

• Staff (Kirsten and Amanda) gave an extensive presentation covering:
  • Strategy development (June 2025 – March 2026): community outreach (over 700 participants, 2,800+ vision board stickers, 306 surveys, 26 map pins, 10 events).
  • Key community priorities: downtown Mountain View, parks/trails, murals, sculptures, functional art, whimsy/delight, supporting artist growth.
  • Vision: “Mountain View is an arts destination with public art that enriches the city’s innovative and creative culture and enhances the vibrancy of our diverse community.”
  • Goals: (1) Expand public art opportunities (diversity, equity, artist support, branding); (2) Improve administration, funding, and policy (staffing, pooled funding, streamlined procurement, policies for maintenance, conservation, deaccessioning).
  • Implementation plan: short‑term (1–2 years), mid‑term (3–5), long‑term (5+); cost ranges; potential partners. The final document will include photos and captions. Next steps: finalize design by October 1, post for public comment on Collaborate MV, then present to City Council for adoption on October 27, 2026.
• Committee members provided extensive feedback, including: clarify definitions (e.g., “modernize,” “user experience”); address property owner versus business owner interests; ensure equitable distribution of art (not just downtown); use city buildings (e.g., City Hall walls); remove the cap in Council Policy K5; include a signature event or artist‑in‑residence program; and strengthen collaboration with other committees (e.g., Performing Arts, Downtown Committee).
• Public comment on the strategy (speakers noted above) also urged removal of permit barriers, pooled funding, grant writing, and a collaborative space.

4. Artist Selection Pilot Procedure for Public Safety Building

• Staff proposed a pilot artist selection panel to evaluate RFQ submissions for the Public Safety Building project. The panel would include representatives from police/fire, downtown committee, human relations commission, neighborhood association, and an arts professional.<br>Options discussed: full VAC plus panel vs. an ad hoc VAC subcommittee. The committee decided to create an ad hoc committee of three VAC members (plus an alternate) to serve on the panel for Phase 1 (RFQ evaluation). The full VAC will see the resulting short‑list proposals and make the final recommendation. Timeline: project introduction at September 9 VAC meeting, RFQ issued mid‑September, panel review in late October/early November, RFP short‑list in early 2027, final selection spring 2027.

5. Staff Update

• Recruitment for the new Public Art Administrator position: the application period has closed; a strong pool of candidates was received, and the city is evaluating candidates. An update will be provided at the next meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes approved (unanimous).
• Public Art Strategy recommended to City Council (unanimous): The committee voted to recommend the draft strategy to the City Council, with the direction that staff incorporate all committee feedback and public comments before the October 27, 2026 adoption hearing.
• Ad Hoc Committee established (unanimous): A motion passed to create an ad hoc committee of three VAC members (likely Susie, Joe, and Lacey, with Stephanie as alternate) to participate in the artist selection panel for the Public Safety Building RFQ (Phase 1).
• Next steps: Staff will finalize the strategy design, post it for public comment on Collaborate MV by October 1, and present it to the City Council on October 27. The Public Safety Building pre‑qualification process will be introduced at the September VAC meeting.