CITY OF COMMERCEAGENDA REPORTCITY OF COMMERCEAGENDA REPORT
CITY OF COMMERCE
AGENDA REPORT
CITY OF COMMERCE
AGENDA REPORT
Item No. Item No.
Item No.
Item No.
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: City Manager
SUBJECT: Arts in Public Places Program
Meeting Date: April 8, 2025
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council approve the following:
(1) The additional art installation by Calixto Shibaja at the Atlantic and Goodrich location, with a total cost not to exceed $30,000. (2) The City Council will consider selecting other artwork for installation at various locations within the City, with a cost not to exceed $30,000 per art piece. (3) Allocate $10,000 for the installation of lights and a commemorative plaque honoring the bridge art.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Commerce recognizes the transformative power of public art in enriching the urban landscape, celebrating cultural heritage, and fostering community pride. Through the dedicated efforts of the Arts in Public Places Committee, the city continues to explore new artistic opportunities to enhance its public spaces.
At the March 25, 2025, City Council meeting, the Council approved artwork by renowned artist Calixto Shibaja and expressed interest in seeing additional pieces from him for potential installation at the Atlantic and Goodrich Bridge. In response, the Arts in Public Places Committee has carefully reviewed various options and is presented to the City Council to make a selection of the artwork.
Additionally, the City Council may consider installing multiple art pieces at future locations within the Arts District in the City of Commerce. The Arts in Public Places Committee is actively collaborating with the Industrial Business Council and city staff to engage local businesses in identifying potential sites for art installations. 1`
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Additionally, the Subcommittee has identified acclaimed muralist Paul Botella, whose impressive portfolio includes over 40 large-scale murals across Los Angeles and beyond. To further elevate the city’s artistic presence, the Arts in Public Places committee proposes initiating a collaboration with Botella for a mural installation on Washington Boulevard, with the potential for additional projects within the Commerce Arts District.
Proposed artwork/murals from Paul Botella will be presented to the City Council at future meetings for review and final approval. This initiative reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to making Commerce a vibrant hub of artistic expression and cultural enrichment.
FISCAL IMPACT:
If the City Council accepts staff’s recommendation regarding this initiative, an appropriation from the City’s Art in Public Places cost center will need to be approved. The cost of the additional artwork at the Atlantic and Goodrich Bridge is recommended not to exceed $30,000. And additional allocation for installing lights at the Goodrich and Atlantic Bridge for showcasing the art and the plague.
ALTERNATIVES:
Approve staff recommendation
Disapprove staff recommendation
Provide further direction to staff
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC GOALS:
This item is related to a specific 2016 Strategic Goal to “Develop and invest in infrastructure and beautification projects and support economic growth.” Prepared by: Lena Shumway, Director of Administrative Services and City Clerk Reviewed by: Alvaro Castellon, Finance Director
Approved as to form: Noel Tapia, City Attorney
Respectfully submitted: Ernie Hernandez, City Manager