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: May 13, 2025
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council:
Receive an update from the Arts in Public Places Committee and view a video showcasing the completed artwork.
Receive a presentation from renowned and award-winning artist Andre Miripolsky.
Approve the installation of a public mural by artist Paul Botello at 5650 Jillson Street, at a total cost of $81,700.
Approve the installation of a public mural by artist Nerv at 5281 Washington Blvd., at a total cost of $12,000.
Authorize the creation of dedicated Facebook and Instagram pages for the “Rosewood Arts District.” Approve standardized templates for a Façade Agreement and Artist Agreement to facilitate future public art installations.
BACKGROUND
The City of Commerce remains committed to enriching the urban landscape and fostering civic pride through public art. The Arts in Public Places Subcommittee continues to identify impactful opportunities to collaborate with artists and enhance our public spaces. Recent efforts have focused on expanding mural installations and establishing a recognizable identity for the city’s budding Rosewood Arts District.
2. Introduction of Artist Andre Miripolsky
During a recent visit to the Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk, the Arts in Public Places Subcommittee met with Andre Miripolsky, a celebrated multimedia artist known internationally for his vibrant, large-scale work. Miripolsky has an extensive resume, including:
The design of Elton John’s iconic piano jacket (1980)
The “Fear No Art” campaign
Backdrops for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
Large-scale murals across Los Angeles, including school campuses and the Downtown Art Walk vinyl mural on Olive Street His visit to Commerce and interest in future collaboration exemplifies the City’s growing artistic footprint.
3. Mural Installation by Paul Botello at 5650 Jillson Street Paul Botello, a distinguished artists and muralist whose work was previously approved for the Telegraph and Goodrich bridge mural project, has submitted a proposal for a new mural at the Wesley Health Center (5650 Jillson Street). This mural—measuring 20 feet by 43 feet—will depict the history and evolution of the City of Commerce. The project cost is $81,700, which will be funded through the Arts in Public Places program (pending approval of a mural location by the property owner)
4. Installation of a public mural by artist Nerv at 5281 Washington Blvd.
Nerv has submitted a proposed mural design for the entire façade at 5281 Washington Boulevard, with a total project cost of $12,000. Funding for the mural will be provided through the Arts in Public Places program, and the property owner has confirmed their commitment to hosting the mural on the building.
The current condition of the building is shown below
The proposed mural’s color palette will incorporate the following hues Proposed concept
5. Creation of “Rosewood Arts District” Social Media Pages At the request of the Mayor and to increase public engagement, staff recommends the launch of standalone Facebook and Instagram pages branded as “Rosewood Arts District.” These platforms will:
Promote current and upcoming public art projects
Highlight featured artists and events
Strengthen community identity and branding around the Arts District
6. Façade and Artist Agreement Templates
To streamline and protect both the City and private property owners during future public art installations, staff has developed standard templates for both Façade and Artist Agreements.
Key Provisions of the Façade Agreement:
Term: The agreement has a five-year initial term, with automatic five-year renewals unless terminated by either party with notice.
Rights and Responsibilities:
The property owner grants the City the right to install, inspect, and maintain the mural.
The City covers all costs related to mural creation and installation.
The artist retains copyright of the mural, but the City and the owner may use images for non-commercial promotion.
Content Guidelines: The mural must be family-friendly, with no offensive or explicit content.
Maintenance:
Normal wear and tear is expected.
Any changes or maintenance that could alter the mural must be approved by the City and owner.
Termination:
In cases of wall damage or loss of public visibility, the agreement may be terminated.
Upon termination, the City will restore the wall to its original condition.
This agreement ensures mutual clarity and protects the artistic integrity of installations while setting consistent standards for future murals citywide.
FISCAL IMPACT
The proposed mural by Paul Botello has a total cost of $81,700, and the proposed mural by Nerv has a total cost of $12,000 to be funded from the Arts in Public Places account, pending Council approval. Appropriations of $93,700 will be added to account 32.1020.52001 if approved by the City Council.
No additional fiscal impact is anticipated at this time for the social media creation or adoption of agreement templates.
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