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: September 23, 2025
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council receive and file City staff’s presentation regarding the establishment of a pilot program entitled the Walls of Freedom public art project in the Bristow Park area.
BACKGROUND
The City of Commerce has a long-standing commitment to enhancing cultural, recreational, and artistic opportunities for its residents. Public art has been shown to strengthen community pride, deter vandalism, and create cultural landmarks that attract both visitors and investment.
The Bristow Park neighborhood provides a unique opportunity to develop a distinguished public art initiative that highlights the area’s identity and history. Establishing the Walls of Freedom at strategic sites will not only beautify the area but also create a destination point for art appreciation within the City.
ANLYSIS
City staff proposes the City Council consider creating a pilot program entitled the Walls of Freedom, which envisions community engagement and empowerment through the creation of multiple murals in the Bristow Park area. City staff is proposing the creation of a pilot program where the City Council takes the following actions:
Establish a standing committee consisting of three members of the City Council; Establish a panel of approved artists to lead the mural painting process; Establish a scope of permitted themes for the murals;
Appropriate $250,000 from the City’s Art in Public Places fund to support the implementation of the Walls of Freedom program; Delegate final decision making authority to the Walls of Freedom Standing Committee to select the artists from the approved panel, the mural design and approval of all necessary agreements.
The goal of creating the Walls of Freedom pilot program is to create a process that is inclusive of the City Council while streamlining decision making procedures to expedite the implementation of the Walls of Freedom program and the creation of murals.
City staff has identified the following locations as possible mural sites:
Bristow Park – 1466 S. McDonnell Avenue, Commerce, CA 90040 Dorothy F. Kirby Center Mental Health – 1500 S. McDonnell Avenue, Commerce, CA 90040 Bristow Garage Mural (Dunham Street) – 4684 Dunham Street, Commerce, CA 90040 These sites were identified due to their visibility, accessibility, and potential to serve as cultural landmarks. Murals will be designed and completed by different artists from the approved artis panel, ensuring a diversity of styles and perspectives.
The project’s goals are to:
Establish a distinguished characteristic for the Bristow area.
Foster art appreciation and cultural engagement among residents and visitors.
Create a destination neighborhood recognized for its public art.
Encourage collaboration with local youth, schools, and community groups where appropriate.
The Walls of Freedom project presents an opportunity to celebrate art, enrich the Bristow Park neighborhood, and establish Commerce as a destination for public art. By moving forward with this initiative, the City Council will demonstrate its commitment to cultural enrichment and neighborhood revitalization.
FISCAL IMPACT
The fiscal impact is $250,000 and funding for this pilot program will be allocated through the FY 2025-26 budget in Account No. 32.1020.52001.
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 Approved as to form: Noel Tapia, City Attorney
Respectfully submitted: Ernie Hernandez, City Manager