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File Number: 16-527 <br />Public art can be a catalyst for economic development, showing that a community is thriving <br />economically and encouraging additional investment. Due to its size, mural art is a very <br />impactful medium for public art, garnering significant visibility and attention. Many mural <br />programs, such as the Philadelphia Mural Art Program, have found that murals increase <br />leasing, visibility, foot traffic, and publicity. <br />Many mural arts programs have been built on the principle that, in addition to beautification <br />and economic revitalization, murals deter the nuisance of graffiti vandalism. Mural art <br />replaces large, blank spaces with art, eliminating space for graffiti vandals to leave their <br />marks. Furthermore, numerous mural artists are well-respected in graffiti art communities, <br />and discourage vandalism based on their reputation alone. <br />Impactful mural art also fosters a unique identity for its host city. Many cities, such as Los <br />Angeles and San Francisco, have amassed enough interest in their public art to establish their <br />public art collection as a viable tourist attraction. Mural art is able to accomplish something <br />very challenging: it celebrates community, history, and heritage in a tangible, lasting fashion <br />that is available to all and contributes to the well-being of the community it represents. <br />Analysis <br />In January, 2016, Business Development staff began a conversation with Sorell Tsui, Director <br />of Athen B. Gallery, regarding the possibility of partnering for a mural art program in the City <br />of San Leandro. Mr. Tsui generated a list of international, regional, and local artists from his <br />impressive network of high caliber well reputed artists in the mural arts community. <br />The proposed mural arts program consists of two components. The first component involves <br />the installation of three murals in impactful, highly visible, privately owned locations. From a <br />pool of 17 locations, the following appear to staff to meet the standards: <br />·1605 Abram Court (visible from I-880 Marina Exit) <br />Artist selected: Pastel (Francisco Diaz) <br />·15000 Farnsworth Avenue (88 Market in the Washington Manor Neighborhood) <br />Artist selected: Kelly Ording <br />·1800 Merced Street (wall adjacent to Williams Street) <br />Artist selected: Troy Lovegates <br />Staff met with the property owners to discuss and negotiate the terms of the project. The <br />owners selected an artist for their location from the pool of accomplished artists created by <br />staff and Athen B. Gallery. Funding was allotted via the existing budget for the Façade <br />Improvement Program in the amount of $55,000 for the three murals. <br />A fourth mural is proposed for installation on the sub-station building at the Downtown San <br />Leandro BART station. The selection of an artist for this mural will be established via public <br />process, beginning with a call for artists issued by Athen B. Gallery. Upon completion of the <br />call for artists, City staff will work with BART staff and the consultant to select several finalists. <br />The Arts Commission will be asked to comment on the select finalists. The selected finalist <br />will be invited to a public meeting, along with City and BART staff, the consultant, members of <br />the Arts Commission and the public. The purpose of this meeting is to facilitate a dialogue <br />between the artist and members of the community, and to help establish a unified vision for <br />Page 2 City of San Leandro Printed on 10/11/2016