Arts and Culture Division
Biannual Report
FY 2024 -2025
December 16, 2025
City of Richmond | Economic Development Department, Arts & Culture Division
Table of Contents
About the Arts & Culture Division ................................................................................. 3 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 4 City of Richmond’s Public Art Guidelines ..................................................................... 4 Public Art Projects and Initiatives in the City ................................................................ 5 Completed Public Art Projects and Initiatives in FY 24-25 ............................................. 5 Ongoing/In Development Public Art Projects and Initiatives .......................................... 6 Development Projects Funded through the 1% and 1.5% Ordinances ............................ 7 Current Public Art Maintenance Projects ..................................................................... 8 Public Art Contributions & Financial Stewardship ........................................................ 9 Updates on Public Art Contributions and Utilization of Funds .................................... 10 Capital Improvement Projects .................................................................................. 10 Private Developer Funded Projects ........................................................................... 11 State Funded Projects .............................................................................................. 14 Activities & Initiatives of the Arts and Culture Division ............................................... 17 Challenges & Barriers ................................................................................................ 19 Challenges .............................................................................................................. 19 Barriers ................................................................................................................... 19 Other Activities.......................................................................................................... 20 Conclusion & Next Steps ........................................................................................... 20
Report Prepared By:
Nannette Beacham, Director of Economic Development’
Winifred Day, Arts & Culture Manager
Jordon Nesbitt, Administrative Assistant
Kyle Lam, Management Analyst
This report is dedicated to the memory of Winifred Day, whose service and leadership guided the Arts & Culture Division
Economic Development Department | Arts & Culture Division Biannual Report | Fiscal Year 2024–2025
3 About the Arts & Culture Division
The Arts and Culture Division is one of six divisions in the City of Richmond’s Economic Development Department. The Division is staffed by an Arts & Culture Manager and an Administrative Assistant, who oversee program administration, public art project management, artist coordination, public art maintenance, community engagement, and cultural planning. The Division reports to the Director of Economic Development, who provides oversight and alignment with citywide goals.
The Arts and Culture Division carries out several core responsibilities that guide its daily operations and long-term program administration. These functions include:
Winifred Day, Division Manager Jordon Nesbitt, Administrative Assistant Support non-profit art organizations and local artists by collaborating with City departments, outside governmental entities, community-based organizations, foundations, and residents
Administer the 1% for Public Art amongst development and improvement projects
Implement additional arts and culture programs such as the Neighborhood Public Art Mini-Grants and activities of Richmond Poet Laureate Support the Richmond Arts and Culture Commission and Public Art Advisory Committee with staffing and administrative support
Economic Development Department | Arts & Culture Division Biannual Report | Fiscal Year 2024–2025
4 Introduction
The Arts and Culture Division plays an essential role in strengthening Richmond’s cultural identity, supporting
local artists, and integrating creativity into community development. This biannual report summarizes the
Division’s accomplishments, active pro jects, financial
stewardship, and strategic planning efforts for Fiscal Year 2024–2025.
This report also fulfills the reporting requirements of
Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 6.50, which requires
a written update to the City Council twice each year on the status of public art and cultural programming.
City of Richmond’s Public Art Guidelines
Richmond’s Public Art Program is governed by a formal policy framework adopted by the City Council:
Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 3.59 – Richmond Arts & Culture Commission (RACC) Establishes RACC as the City’s advisory body for arts and culture, responsible for project review, artist selection, community engagement, and public input.
Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 6.50 – Public Art Program Defines the Public Art Program, the 1% and 1.5% public art contribution requirements, maintenance responsibilities, and biannual reporting.
Public Art Policies and Procedures
Provides administrative guidance for artist selection, contracting, project review, developer coordination, and maintenance standards.
Public Art Master Plan
Provides a set of recommendations that guide how the City commissions, funds, places, and maintains public art in Richmond.
Together, these documents form the legal and administrative foundation for Richmond’s public art program.
Economic Development Department | Arts & Culture Division Biannual Report | Fiscal Year 2024–2025
5 Public Art Projects and Initiatives in the City
The Arts and Culture Division continues to manage a wide range of permanent and temporary public art projects throughout Richmond. These projects reflect the City’s commitment to fostering creativity, investing in cultural infrastructure, and enhancing the visual and civic landscape. The following sections summarize completed projects, ongoing initiatives, and maintenance efforts that shape Richmond’s evolving public art environment.
Completed Public Art Projects and Initiatives in FY 24-25 Throughout the reporting period, the Division completed several major community-centered public art projects that contributed to Richmond’s cultural vibrancy. The Parchester Village 88-panel mural multiyear project involving deep community participation—serves as a cornerstone example of how public art can strengthen neighborhood identity. Additional installations, including the Osprey Bird sculpture and the artwork at the Family Justice Center, dem onstrate the Division’s consistent delivery of high-quality public art in partnership with private developers and public agencies.
The Division also administered the FY 2024 –25 NPA Mini- Grants and continued its Poet Laureate program, ensuring continued support for local artists, storytellers, and creative practitioners.
Collectively, these projects reinforce the importance of public -private collaboration and the powerful role the arts play in celebrating Richmond’s identity.
Project Description Funding Source /
Amount
Location
Parchester Village
Sound Wall
88-panel mural $350,000 – Private
Developer Funds
3900 Giant Hwy
Osprey Bird Sculpture Sculpture
installation
$75,000 – Private
Developer Funds
6045 Giant Hwy
Contra Costa County
Family Justice Center
Sculpture
Site-specific
sculpture
$10,000 – General
Fund
256 24th St
FY 2024–25 NPA Mini-
Grants
Community-
driven arts grants
$65,000 – General
Fund
Citywide
2023–2025 Poet
Laureate
Literary arts
program
$2,000 – General
Fund
Citywide
Economic Development Department | Arts & Culture Division Biannual Report | Fiscal Year 2024–2025
6 Ongoing/In Development Public Art Projects and Initiatives The Division currently oversees more than 40 active public art projects . These projects span neighborhood activations, large-scale developer-funded installations, strategic planning initiatives, and City -wide cultural infrastructure efforts. The breadth of this portfolio reflects Richmond’s growing emphasis on embedding arts and culture into long -term economic development, public realm improvements, and community engagement strategies.
Key initiatives include annual organizational funding for Richmond Art Center (RAC), Nurturing Independence Through Artistic Development (NIAD) Art Center, and East Bay Center for Performing Arts (EBCPA); continued administration of the NPA Mini -Grants; development of the Citywide Cultural Plan; and the Arts Corridor Strategic Plan, which will guide future investments in cultural districts and public realm enhancements. The Division is also advancing long -term improvements in documentation, maintenance planning, and technical artist support —strengthening both program integrity and public access to Richmond’s rich cultural assets.
Project / Program Description Budget / Source Status
Annual Arts Organization
Funding
Multi-year support for arts
organizations
$600,000 –
General Fund
Ongoing
Neighborhood Public Art
(NPA) Mini-Grants
Annual community arts
awards
$110,000 –
General Fund
Ongoing
Cultural Plan Framework for Citywide arts
strategy
$100,000 In Development
Strategic Plan for
Richmond Arts Corridors
Planning for key cultural
corridors
$50,000 In Development
Public Art Maintenance
and Repair (IMR)
Contracted maintenance
services
TBD Next Fiscal
Year
In Development
Professional Photography
Service
Documentation of public art
inventory
$10,000 In Development
Public Art Storage
Solution
Dedicated facility for artwork
storage
TBD Next Fiscal
Year
In Development
Art Scholarship &
Nurturing Program
Academy of Art University
tuition scholarship
$100,000 value Ongoing
Poet Laureate Program Two-year literary arts
residency
$1,500/year Ongoing
Technical Assistance
Workshops
Training and orientation for
artists and grantees
N/A Ongoing
Economic Development Department | Arts & Culture Division Biannual Report | Fiscal Year 2024–2025
7 Development Projects Funded through the 1% and 1.5% Ordinances Several major projects are progressing under the public art requirements established by Ordinance Nos. 08-21 N.S. and 11 -25 N.S. These upcoming installations —funded through a combination of private development contributions and the 1.5% Capital Improvement Project (CIP) allocation — represent significant investments in Richmond’s visual landscape.
Projects currently in design or development include artwork for the Shields Reid Community Center, Allen Brothers Meat & Seafood Facility, IMTT, Kennedy Park, Nevin Plaza, and the Main Library Renovation. Collectively, these efforts strengthen the City’s g rowing collection of public art while ensuring that cultural investment remains integrated into both public and private construction.
These projects illustrate the critical role of the Public Art Ordinance in generating dedicated arts funding, elevating the quality of public spaces, and supporting professional artists.
Project Funding
Source Budget Status / Target
Completion Location
Shields Reid
Community Center
State Grant /
After-School
Program
$525,000 July 2026 1410 Kelsey St
Allen Brothers Meat &
Seafood Facility
Private
Developer
$250,000 July 2026 211 W. Cutting
Blvd
IMTT Private
Developer
$200,000 December 2026 100 Cutting Blvd
Kennedy Park
Sculpture (RACC)
Private
Developer
$100,000 In Development —
Nevin Plaza (24th St) Private
Developer
$287,824 In Development —
Port Terminal 3 Private
Developer
$247,232 Completed 1411 Harbour
Way
Main Library
Renovation
CIP 1.5%
Contribution
$318,928 Ongoing Civic Center
Area
Economic Development Department | Arts & Culture Division Biannual Report | Fiscal Year 2024–2025
8 Current Public Art Maintenance Projects
The Division continues to prioritize long -term stewardship of Richmond’s public art collection.
Maintenance activities completed or underway include sculpture cleaning, graffiti removal, tile restoration, signage replacement, and condition assessments.
These efforts ensure the City maintains safe, well -preserved public artworks and continue to enhance neighborhoods throughout Richmond.
Project / Location Activity Budget Status / Target
Completion
Annual Sculpture
Maintenance
(Citywide)
Routine cleaning
and repair
$15,000 Initiate before end of
CY 2026
Ferry Building Graffiti removal No cost Completed
Ookwe Park Repair artwork and
replace signage
$10,000 End of FY 2025–
2026
Richmond BART
Mural
Tile cleaning $5,000 End of FY 2025–
2026
Citywide Murals Condition
assessment and
restoration plan
$100,000 Initiate by end of CY
2026
Economic Development Department | Arts & Culture Division Biannual Report | Fiscal Year 2024–2025
9 Public Art Contributions & Financial Stewardship
The Division continues to manage both public and private art contributions responsibly and transparently:
• CIP 1.5% contributions generated approximately $318,928 for the Main Library renovation. • Private developers contributed approximately $802,734 in 2024, supporting a diverse array of public art installations.
• General Fund allocations continue to support NPA Mini-Grants, Poet Laureate programming, and operating support for Richmond’s core arts organizations.
Enhanced tracking systems —developed in collaboration with Planning and Finance —will be introduced in future reporting cycles to improve monitoring and communication of CIP -related contributions.
Private 1% Developers
CIP 1.5%
General Fund
RMC § 6.50.030 — requires private development
projects valued over $500,000 private developers
to provide 1% of Building Development Costs (via
on-site art, an in-lieu fee, or a designated public art space).
RMC § 6.50.020 — Public Art Appropriation for
City Capital Improvement Projects requires all
City Capital Improvement Projects valued over
$300,000 (including bond-measure and externally
funded capital projects) to allocate 1.5% of total
development costs for public art.
Economic Development Department | Arts & Culture Division Biannual Report | Fiscal Year 2024–2025
10 Updates on Public Art Contributions and Utilization of Funds
Capital Improvement Projects
Section 6.50.020 of the Municipal Code requires a 1.5 % public art contribution from qualifying Capital Improvement Projects valued over $300,000 (excluding grants, gas tax and Measure J funds).
The only current CIP project with a 1.5 % contribution is the Main Library Renovation, which will generate approximately $318,928 for public art. Staff are working with Planning and Finance to implement reporting systems for future CIP projects and will pr ovide project-specific updates in subsequent biannual reports.
The Richmond Main Library Renovation – Interior murals and possible suspended sculpture – approximately $318,928 (CIP 1.5 % contribution)
.
Economic Development Department | Arts & Culture Division Biannual Report | Fiscal Year 2024–2025
11 Private Developer Funded Projects
Private development projects valued over $500,000 must contribute 1 % toward public art. During calendar year 2024, 18 private development projects contributed a total of $802,734 in restricted funds. The list of developing projects in the previous sections identifies private developer funded projects and associated budgets
Port Terminal 3 (COMPLETED) – Mural and metal sculptures – approximately $247,232 Mural by: Brian Barneclo | Metal Sculptures by: Miriam Klein Stahl
Economic Development Department | Arts & Culture Division Biannual Report | Fiscal Year 2024–2025
12 IMTT Sculpture (In Development – Dec. 2026 Target Completion) Proposed Concept Design by Gordon Huether & Partners
Approximately - $200,000
Allen Brothers Meat & Seafood Facility (In Development – July 2026 Target Completion) Mural & Mosaic artwork–approximately $250,000
Proposed Mural Concept Design by Hungry Ghost Productions Proposed Mosaic Concept Design by Debbie Koppman
Economic Development Department | Arts & Culture Division Biannual Report | Fiscal Year 2024–2025
13 Parchester Village Sound Wall – 88-Panel Community Mural Project (COMPLETED) The Parchester Village Sound Wall is a large-scale community mural consisting of 88 painted panels led by muralist Richard Muro Salazar. The project was funded by a $350,000 public art contribution from Meritage Homes (Richmond Country Club development) an d completed with extensive community involvement. Public Works supported the project with approximately $75,000 in wall preparation, including cleaning, whitewashing, and the encroachment permit. This multi-year effort represents one of Richmond’s most significant neighborhood mural projects.
Economic Development Department | Arts & Culture Division Biannual Report | Fiscal Year 2024–2025
14 State Funded Projects
Shields-Reid Park Art Sites (In Development – July 2026 Target Completion) The Shields-Reid Park Renovation Project includes approximately $525,000 in State-funded public art, supporting sculptures, mosaic work, photography, and mural.
Five artists, Edwin Marmanillo, Javier Rocabado, James Moore, and Alexandra Bowman— were selected to create site-specific artworks as part of the overall renovation effort.
Economic Development Department | Arts & Culture Division Biannual Report | Fiscal Year 2024–2025
15 Shields-Reid After-School Art Program (State-Funded) The same $525,000 State grant package also funds the Shields-Reid After-School Art Program, providing youth with structured creative learning and hands-on arts activities. This program ensures that arts education is embedded into the larger Shields-Reid neighborhood revitalization project.
Shields-Reid Photography Class,
Raymond Holbert & Lewis Watts
Shields-Reid Sculpture Class,
James Moore
Shields-Reid Mosaic Tile Class, Javier
Rocabado Rocabado
Shields-Reid Architecture Class
Edwin Marmanillo
Shields-Reid Mural Class,
Alexandra Bowman
Economic Development Department | Arts & Culture Division Biannual Report | Fiscal Year 2024–2025
16 Richmond Arts & Culture Commission (RACC)
The Richmond Arts & Culture Commission (RACC) is the City’s advisory body for arts and culture, supporting the implementation of the Public Art Program and community-based cultural initiatives.
Commissioners represent Richmond’s diversity and serve as advocates, reviewers, and liaisons for arts activities citywide.
RAAC meets 2nd Thursday of the month, 7-9PM, at City Hall.
Ongoing Responsibilities
• Administers the Neighborhood Public Art (NPA) Mini-Grants • Serves on public art selection panels and acts as project liaisons • Conducts community outreach at events such as Cinco de Mayo, Senior Health Fair, Park Rx, Literacy Fair, and Juneteenth
• Provides technical assistance workshops for artists
• Supports commissioner recruitment and public participation • Holds an annual planning retreat to set priorities
New and Developing Initiatives
• Acceptance of public art gifts and private developer artworks • Art All Around Richmond – an online portal for publicly visible art • RACC Reports and Annual Coloring Book
• RACC Biannual Mixer for artists and partners
• Art in the Parks and Civic Center Paint Parties
• Arts Space Activation projects
Economic Development Department | Arts & Culture Division Biannual Report | Fiscal Year 2024–2025
17 Activities & Initiatives of the Arts and Culture Division The Division manages Richmond’s public art program, cultural policy initiatives, and long -range planning efforts that shape the City’s cultural landscape. In addition to overseeing individual projects, the Division provides staffing support to the Richmond Arts & Culture Commission (RACC), collaborates with multiple City departments, and works directly with community partners, artists, and cultural nonprofits to strengthen arts access throughout Richmond.
Program Administration and Artist Support
The Division continued to operate its core programs during this period, focusing on artist access, nonprofit support, and public art management. Key activities included:
• Providing annual operating support to the Richmond Art Center, NIAD, and the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts.
• Administering the Neighborhood Public Art (NPA) Mini-Grant Program. • Coordinating the Richmond Poet Laureate selection and contracting process. • Hosting technical assistance workshops to help artists navigate City contracting and licensing requirements.
• Updating public art inventory records and managing artist onboarding and project documentation.
These ongoing efforts help maintain a strong local arts ecosystem and ensure that artists and community partners can participate in City-supported programs.
Major Planning and Policy Initiatives
The Division advanced several long-term planning efforts that will guide future public art and cultural investment:
• Updates to the Public Art Ordinance and related policies. • Development of the Public Art Master Plan.
• Consultant procurement for the Citywide Cultural Plan. • Creation of new public-facing outreach materials.
• Early implementation of the Arts Corridor concept.
• State-funded restoration work on Caltrans mural assets. • Improvements to asset management, including updated signage and professional documentation
These initiatives create clearer processes and strategic direction as the City’s cultural programs continue to expand.
Economic Development Department | Arts & Culture Division Biannual Report | Fiscal Year 2024–2025
18 Projects and Initiatives in Development
The Division is currently developing or managing a number of upcoming projects, including:
• RFQs for public art photography, Cultural Plan services, and an IMR contractor list. • Management of the IMTT Public Art Project and the Allen Brothers Mural and Mosaic Project.
• Citywide mural restoration work.
• A citywide Public Art Community Survey.
These projects deepen the Division’s planning capacity, strengthen documentation and conservation practices, and expand opportunities for artist and contractor participation.
Resource Needs
As project volume and community expectations grow, the Division has identified several resource needs:
• Expanded support for artists navigating insurance and licensing requirements. • Stronger coordination with Planning, Public Works, Finance, and Risk Management. • Additional resources for community engagement and volunteer support. • Stable funding, including sustained General Fund support and pursuit of competitive grants.
These resource needs reflect rising project complexity, increased demand for cultural programming, and the City’s long-term commitment to strengthening Richmond’s arts and cultural ecosystem.
Economic Development Department | Arts & Culture Division Biannual Report | Fiscal Year 2024–2025
19 Challenges & Barriers
The following challenges and barriers describe the key issues impacting the Arts and Culture Division’s ability to deliver public art projects and programs effectively.
Challenges
Insurance Requirements:
The City’s insurance requirements are often cost -prohibitive and difficult for small -scale artists and organizations to meet, creating barriers to participation in public art opportunities.
Contractor Licensing:
State licensing requirements (C -33, C -54, and general contractor classifications) limit artists’ eligibility and range of projects.
CIP Fund Tracking:
CIP public art contributions are collected early in the project and require ongoing quarterly reporting, increasing administrative workload.
Recognition of Art Efforts:
Staff and volunteer residents have expressed concerns about ensuring artistic work and community contributions are fully valued and respected.
Barriers
Adapting to New Regulations:
Many artists are still becoming familiar with long-standing state licensing requirements, as well as the City’s insurance requirements, which have remained consistent for nearly two decades.
Internal Department Awareness:
Some City departments lack familiarity with public art regulations.
Professional vs. Emerging Artists:
Newer project requirements can disadvantage emerging artists who may not have contractor licensing or formal credentials.
High insurance
costs &
requirements
CSLB licensing
requirements
Need for CIP
tracking system
Equity & diversity
in artist
selection
Departmental
coordination
challenges
Economic Development Department | Arts & Culture Division Biannual Report | Fiscal Year 2024–2025
20 Other Activities
In addition to managing public art projects and cultural initiatives, the Arts and Culture Division participates in professional development activities and statewide collaborations that strengthen program administration, technical knowledge, and interagenc y coordination. These activities ensure staff remain informed about emerging best practices in public art management, funding trends, regulatory changes, and community engagement strategies.
During this reporting period, Division staff participated in the following activities:
Event / Training Location / Description
Americans for the Arts Conference Washington, D.C. (2022); Cincinnati (2025) Northern CA Public Art Administrators
Meetings
Quarterly
State of CA Public Art Administrators
Meetings
Quarterly
These activities support the Division’s ongoing commitment to maintaining professional standards, strengthening networks with other public art agencies, and ensuring Richmond remains aligned with best practices in public art administration.
Conclusion & Next Steps
The Arts and Culture Division continues to make significant strides in expanding public art, supporting local artists, and enriching Richmond’s cultural ecosystem. The progress made reflects strong collaboration between the Division, RACC, private developers, community partners, and City departments.
Over the next reporting period, the Division will:
• Deliver the next biannual report and presentation by the end of the fiscal year. • Finalize improved CIP tracking and financial reporting systems. • Advance the Public Art Master Plan and Cultural Plan by introducing new and strategic initiatives.
• Expand community engagement and outreach.
• Seek additional staffing and operational support to meet rising demand.
By investing in creativity, fostering community pride, and strengthening civic identity, the Arts and Culture Division remains committed to building a vibrant and inclusive future for all Richmond residents.