December 19, 2023
City Council
DATE: December 19, 2023
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Councilmember Cesar Zepeda, Councilmember Claudia
Jimenez, and Councilmember Soheila Bana
Subject:
Proposed Council Chamber Art Exhibit Pilot Program
FINANCIAL IMPACT: $5,000 funded from the General Fund
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The City Council Chamber Art Exhibition Pilot program
will offer residents and visitors a unique and engaging experience that reflects Richmond’s diversity and rich
history through quarterly exhibit.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
DIRECT staff to facilitate public art in the Council
Chambers in an amount not to exceed $5,000; and
AUTHORIZE the City Manager or her designee to
negotiate and enter into any required agreements or
contracts - Councilmember Cesar Zepeda (510-620-
6593), Councilmember Claudia Jimenez (510-620-6565),
and Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-620-6743).
AGENDA
REPORT
December 19, 2023
DISCUSSION:
To enhance the cultural and artistic vibrancy of Richmond through art that reflects the City of Richmond’s history, diversity, and future aspirations, a City Council Chamber art exhibition is being proposed in 2024. This art exhibition is proposed to begin in the first quarter of next year, 2024, and will be changed out every quarter to acknowledge Richmond’s diverse heritage and contemporary experiences. For example, February will contain art regarding Black History Month, April will have art for Asian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month, June will have art that represents Juneteenth and LGBTQI Pride, and September will have art for Hispanic Heritage month. The art that is being displayed will come from an artist who identifies with the art, whether it be ethnically or socially.
This is also an opportunity to include art pieces relative to our sister city relationships.
During the months of planned visits from sister city delegations, artwork relative to the visiting municipality can be incorporated into the exhibit.
This project will include a contract with a local artist who will curate the exhibits. The artist can work with public works staff to purchase the hardware and install the hanging art pieces. The hardware base is a wire system and will be installed in the City Council Chamber, and the hanging art will be connected to the stationary wire to allow hanging art to be changed quarterly. The estimated budget total is $5,000 for this project.
Estimated Budget
Hardware $2,000
Installation $500
Curator Stipend $500
Marketing $500
Lobby Receptions $1,000
Unanticipated Costs $500
Local artists will be invited to participate. This is a pilot project, championed by Councilmember Cesar Zepeda, and the City Council will work with staff to determine if any adjustments will need to be made.
These exhibitions will attract visitors, enhance tourism, and support local business, and could possibly increase the attendance at local meetings in the Council Chambers. The
December 19, 2023
initiative will provide a platform for local artists to showcase their work, promoting artistic growth and recognition.
The Richmond City Council Chamber will become a dynamic space, embodying the intersection of governance, community, and culture. Exhibitions will be curated to respect the decorum of the Council Chamber while adding aesthetic and intellectual value to the space.
A robust marketing campaign through Facebook, Instagram, and email channels will promote each exhibition, drawing in diverse audiences. Interactive social media campaigns will foster a sense of community and anticipation for upcoming exhibitions.
There will also be grass root efforts visiting Neighborhood Council meetings to promote and disseminate leaflets and speak with each Neighborhood Council.
Integrating these art exhibitions into the Richmond City Council Chamber will not only beautify the space but also strengthen community ties, promote cultural and educational values, and position Richmond as a city that celebrates art, heritage, and embraces its diversity, and looks forward to its future with innovation and creativity. This initiative promises to enhance the public’s experience of the Council Chamber, making it a hub of civic pride and cultural engagement.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – City Council Chamber Art Exhibit Pilot Program