MEETING

Full Arts Commission Meeting

Meeting details

Date and time

to

How to participate

In-person

San Francisco Arts CommissionSan Francisco City Hall
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 416
San Francisco, CA 94102
Get directions

Online

Watch Recording Here

Overview

Members of the Commission will attend this meeting in person at the location listed above. Members of the public are invited to observe the meeting in person at the physical meeting location listed above or remotely on SFGovTV. Members of the public attending the meeting in-person will have an opportunity to provide up to three minutes of public comment on every agenda item. Arts Commissioners: Charles Collins, President; Janine Shiota, Vice President; JD Beltran, J. Riccardo Benavides, Seth Brenzel, Patrick Carney, Suzie Ferras, Mahsa Hakimi, Yiying Lu, Nabiel Musleh, Jessica Rothschild, Marcus Shelby, Debra Walker, Lydia So, ex officio (non-voting)

Agenda

1

Call to Order, Roll Call, Agenda Changes, Land Acknowledgment

  1. Call to order
  2. Roll call / Confirmation of quorum
  3. Agenda Changes
  4. Ramaytush Ohlone Land Acknowledgement

The San Francisco Arts Commission acknowledges that we are on the unceded ancestral homeland of the Ramaytush Ohlone who are the original inhabitants of the San Francisco Peninsula. As the indigenous stewards of this land and in accordance with their traditions, the Ramaytush Ohlone have never ceded, lost nor forgotten their responsibilities as the caretakers of this place, as well as for all peoples who reside in their traditional territory. As guests, we recognize that we benefit from living and working on their traditional homeland. We wish to pay our respects by acknowledging the ancestors, elders and relatives of the Ramaytush Community and by affirming their sovereign rights as First Peoples. As a department dedicated to promoting a diverse and equitable Arts and Culture environment in San Francisco, we are committed to supporting the traditional and contemporary evolution of the American Indian community

2

Approval of Minutes

Discussion and Possible Action

Discussion and possible action to approve April 7, 2025, and May 5, 2025, Draft Minutes

Presentation Time: Approximately 5 minutes

Explanatory Document: April 7, 2025, Draft Minutes, May 5, 2025, Draft Minutes

3

General Public Comment

Discussion

(This item is to allow members of the public to comment generally on matters within the Commission’s purview as well as to suggest new agenda items for the Commission’s consideration.)

4

Director’s Report

Discussion

Current administrative, budgetary, legislative and programming developments and announcements.

Staff Presenter: Director of Cultural Affairs Ralph Remington

Presentation Time: Approximately 10 minutes

5

Committee Reports and Committee Matters

  1. Civic Design Committee – Debra Walker, Chair
    1. Civic Design Committee Report
      Discussion

      Presentation Time: Approximately 5 minutes

      Report from the Civic Design Committee regarding activities of the Committee and the Projects.
  2. Visual Arts Committee – Suzie Ferras, Chair
    1. Visual Arts Committee Report
      Discussion

      Presentation Time: Approximately 5 minutes

      Report from the Visual Arts Committee regarding activities of the Committee and the Program.

  3. Community Investment Committee - Janine Shiota, Chair
    Discussion

    Presentation Time: Approximately 5 minutes

    Report from the Community Investment Committee regarding activities of the Committee and the Program.
  4. Executive Committee – Chuck Collins, Chair
    1. Executive Committee Report
      Discussion

      Presentation Time: Approximately 5 minutes

      Report from the Executive Committee regarding activities of the Committee and the Program.
6

Strategic Plan Update

Discussion

Staff Presenter: Bill Blake, AMS Planning & Research, Lauren Frankel, AMS Planning & Research

Presentation time: Approximately 10 minutes

Presentation of strategic plan updates from AMS Planning & Research.

7

Shaping Legacy Update

Discussion

Staff Presenter: Angela Carrier, Senior Program Manager

Presentation time: Approximately 8 minutes

Presentation of Shaping Legacy project updates.

8

SFAC Galleries Fall 2025 Exhibition

Discussion

Staff Presenter: Carolina Aranibar-Fernandez, Director of Galleries and Public Programs, and Jackie Im, Associate Curator

Presentation time: Approximately 5 minutes

Presentation of the upcoming fall 2025 exhibition in the SFAC Main Gallery.

9

Consent Calendar

Discussion and possible action

Presentation Time: Approximately 5 minutes

The following items are included in the Consent Calendar subject to withdrawal at the request of a commissioner.

  1. Motion to approve the May 19, 2025, Civic Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes.
  2. Motion to approve the April 22, 2025, Community Investments Committee Meeting Minutes.
  3. Motion to approve the May 21, 2025, Visual Arts Committee Meeting Minutes.

    Civic Design Review Committee Recommendations (May 19, 2025, link to agenda)
    Action

  4. Motion to approve Phase 1 Review for SFO West Field Campus: Cargo Building 626.1

  5. Motion to approve Phase 2 Review for SFO West Field Campus: Cargo Building 720.1 and 742

  6. Motion to approve Phase 2 & 3 Review SFO Recycled Water System Project - Control Room / Process Building

    Visual Arts Committee Recommendations (May 21, 2025, link to agenda)
    Action

  7. Motion to approve "Art for Everyone: Beautifying San Francisco Through Community Art Displays," a series of paintings by Janet Kai and Elizabeth Libao Francisco. The works will be installed at the SFMTA Parking Garage at 735 Vallejo Street and will be on display for up to one year. The display area is 9 ft. by 18 ft. The artwork will not become part of the Civic Art Collection and the artists will be responsible for the maintenance of the work.

  8. Motion to amend RESOLUTION NO. 1202-24-493 to extend the installation of "Heartfullness" by Katy Boynton, by six months. The work will be installed until December 7, 2025.

  9. Motion to approve the relocation of "Dancing in the Sea of Milk" and "African King with Animal Power," 1995 two sculptures by Martha Heavenston in the Civic Art Collection (Accession #1995.8.1-2) within the playground at Tenderloin Recreation Center, pending the completion of a feasibility and cost analysis.

  10. Motion to approve the temporary installation of six sculptures "Traces in Order to Remember," 2024, by Betsabee Romero. The works are fabricated from repurposed tires, paint, mirrors and metal with wooden bases. The sculptures will be installed along JFK Promenade in Golden Gate Park, between Conservatory Drive East and West, from June 3, 2024 – March 2026. The artwork will not become part of the Civic Art Collection and will be maintained by the Recreation and Park Department, with Illuminate the Arts.

  11. Motion to approve the temporary installation of a "Solar Arch," 2024 by Fnnch. The sculpture is fabricated from stainless steel, aluminum, acrylic, and LED lighting and will be installed along JFK Promenade in Golden Gate Park, at the intersection of JFK Promenade and Conservatory Drive East from June 1, 2025 – June 2026. It will be maintained by the Recreation and Park Department, with Illuminate the Arts. The artwork will not become part of the Civic Art Collection.

  12. Motion for the Director of Cultural Affairs to approve the artist honorarium in the amount of $4000 to Kija Lucas; $4000 to Aspen Mays; $3200 to Carmen Argote; and $800 to Sky Hopinka for the research and development of artwork for "To Bright Disturbances" on view at the SFAC Main Gallery, September 25 – December 13, 2025.

  13. Motion to approve Colin Choy Kimzey, Amir Khadar, Vida Kuang, Thad Higa, Patricia Wakida, and Adrian Arias as finalists for the 2026 Art on Market Poster Series, as recommended by the Artist Review Panel.

  14. Motion to approve the Project Plan for the San Francisco Fire Department Division of Training public art project.

  15. Motion to approve as installed the completed artwork titled "Metamorphosis" by Futureforms (Nataly Gattegno and Jason Kelly Johnson) located at Potrero Gateway on 17th St. at San Bruno Avenue and 17th St. Vermont Street. The artwork is composed of four sculptures made of stainless steel and range in size from 10 ft. 2 in. tall by 3 ft. 6 in. wide to 7 ft. 3 in. tall by 5 ft. 1 in. wide. The work will be maintained by Public Works, Dogpatch and Northwest Potrero Hill Green Benefit District and will not become part of the Civic Art Collection.

    Executive Committee Recommendations (May 28, 2025, link to agenda)
    Action

  16. Motion to approve the Cultural Center fiscal year 2025-2026 grant amount not to exceed $699,612, to the African American Art and Culture Complex (AAACC) that includes $8,881 of Cost of Doing Business funds that are pending confirmation; to support the operation, maintenance, and programming of this City-owned community cultural center and to ensure that this cultural center remains open, accessible and a vital contributor to the cultural life of the City; and to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a total grant agreement not to exceed $699,612 at this time.

  17. Motion to approve the Cultural Center fiscal year 2025-2026 grant amount not to exceed $422,396 to the Bayview Opera House (BVOH, also known as Ruth Williams Opera House) to support the operation, maintenance, and programming of this City-owned community cultural center and to ensure that this cultural center remains open, accessible and a vital contributor to the cultural life of the City; and to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a total grant agreement not to exceed $422,396 at this time.

  18. Motion to approve the Cultural Center fiscal year 2025-2026 grant amount not to exceed $682,233 to the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts (MCCLA) to support the operation, maintenance, and programming of this City-owned community cultural center and to ensure that this cultural center remains open, accessible and a vital contributor to the cultural life of the City; and to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a total grant agreement not to exceed $682,233 at this time.

  19. Motion to approve the Cultural Center fiscal year 2025-2026 grant amount not to exceed $777,184 to SOMArts to support the operation, maintenance, and programming of this City-owned community cultural center and to ensure that this cultural center remains open, accessible and a vital contributor to the cultural life of the City; and to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a total grant agreement not to exceed $777,184 at this time.

  20. Motion to approve the Cultural Center fiscal year 2025-2026 grant amount not to exceed $134,692 to SOMArts with sub-grantee Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center (APICC) to support the operation and programming of this virtual cultural center and to ensure that this cultural center remains a vital contributor to the cultural life of the City; and to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a grant agreement not to exceed $134,692 at this time.

  21. Motion to approve the Cultural Center fiscal year 2025-2026 grant amount not to exceed $134,692 to SOMArts with sub-grantee QCC-The Center for Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Art & Culture (QCC) to support the operation and programming of this virtual cultural center and to ensure that this cultural center remains a vital contributor to the cultural life of the City; and to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a grant agreement not to exceed $134,692 at this time.

  22. Motion to action to amend Resolution No. 0207-22-033 to increase the allocation by $75,000, from $300,000 to $375,000, so that the updated resolution reads: Motion to approve an allocation of $375,000 from the Public Art Trust to contribute to the implementation of sculptural street furniture for the Minna Natoma Art Corridor, which is a voluntary initiative funded in large part by Public Works, that integrates the work of artists into the street infrastructure with artist designed paving and sculptural street furniture on Minna and Natoma Streets between Transbay and Third Street along Minna and between Transbay and SFMOMA along Natoma. This project is located within the SOMA Pilipinas Cultural Corridor.
10

New Business and Announcements

Discussion

(This item is to allow the Commissioners to introduce new agenda items for consideration, to report on recent arts activities and to make announcements.)

11

In Memoriam

Discussion

12

Adjournment

Action

Meeting resources

Related documents

June 2, 2025, Agenda - Full Commission Meeting

June 2, 2025, Agenda - Full Commission Meeting

June 2, 2025, Minutes - Full Commission Meeting Draft

June 2, 2025, Minutes - Full Commission Meeting Draft

Notices

Timestamp

Agenda posted 5/28/25, 2:25 pm, MSD

Amended agenda posted 05/29/25, 11:50 a.m., MSD

Minutes posted 06/11/25, 1:12pm, MSD

Accessible Meeting Policy

Accessible Meeting Policy 
Per the American Disabilities Act and the Language Access Ordinance, Chinese, Spanish, and/or American Sign Language interpreters will be available upon request. Additionally, every effort will be made to provide a sound enhancement system, meeting materials in alternative formats, and/or a reader. Minutes may be translated after they have been adopted by the Commission. For all these requests, please contact Commission Secretary Manraj Dhaliwal at least 48 hours before the meeting at 415-252-2247, manraj.dhaliwal@sfgov.org. Late requests will be honored if possible. The meeting room is wheelchair accessible.
 
利便参與會議的相關規定
根據美國殘疾人士法案和語言服務條例，中文、西班牙語、和/或美國手語翻譯人員在收到要求後將會提供翻譯服務。另外，我們將盡力提供擴音設備。同時也將會提供不同格式的會議資料， 和/或者提供閱讀器。此外，翻譯版本的會議記錄可在委員會通過後提供。上述的要求，請於會議前最少48小時致電415-252-2247向 Manraj Dhaliwal, manraj.dhaliwal@sfgov.org 提出。逾期提出的請求，若可能的話，亦會被考慮接納。聽證室設有輪椅通道。
 
POLITICA DE ACCESO A LA REUNIÓN
De acuerdo con la Ley sobre Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (American Disabilities Act) y la Ordenanza de Acceso a Idiomas (Language Access Ordinance) intérpretes de chino, español, y lenguaje de señas estarán disponibles de ser requeridos. En adición, se hará todo el esfuerzo posible para proveer un sistema mejoramiento de sonido, materiales de la reunión en formatos alternativos, y/o proveer un leedor. Las minutas podrán ser traducidas luego de ser aprobadas por la Comisión. Para solicitar estos servicios, favor contactar a Commission Secretary, Manraj Dhaliwal, por lo menos 48 horas antes de la reunión al 415-252-2247, manraj.dhaliwal@sfgov.org. Las solicitudes tardías serán consideradas de ser posible. La sala de audiencia es accesible a silla de ruedas


Patakaran para sa pag-access ng mga Miting
Ayon sa batas ng American Disabilities Act at ng Language Access Ordinance, maaring mag-request ng mga tagapagsalin wika sa salitang Tsino, Espanyol at/o sa may kapansanan pandinig  sa American Sign Language. Bukod pa dito, sisikapin gawan ng paraan na makapaglaan ng gamit upang lalong pabutihin ang inyong pakikinig, maibahagi ang mga kaganapan ng miting sa iba't ibang anyo, at/o isang tagapagbasa. Ang mga kaganapan ng miting ay maaring isalin sa ibang wika matapos ito ay aprobahan ng komisyon. Sa mga ganitong uri ng kahilingan, mangyari po lamang makipag ugnayan kay Commission Secretary Manraj Dhaliwal  sa 415-252-2247, manraj.dhaliwal@sfgov.org. Magbigay po lamang ng hindi bababa sa 48 oras na abiso bago ng miting. Kung maari, ang mga late na hiling ay posibleng tanggapin. Ang silid ng pagpupulungan ay accessible sa mga naka wheelchair.

Agenda Item Information/Materials Available

The meetings of the Executive Committee will be held in “hybrid format” with the meeting occurring in-person at the War Memorial Veterans Building, 401 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 125 and available to view on WebEx.  

Agenda Item Information / Materials Available
Each item on the agenda may include the following documents:
1) Department or Agency or report;
2) Public correspondence;
3) Other explanatory documents.

Explanatory documents listed above, as well as documents created or distributed after the posting of this agenda to the Arts Commission will be available only electronically at https://www.sf.gov/departments/executive-committee-arts-commission, please contact: Commission Secretary Manraj Dhaliwal at manraj.dhaliwal@sfgov.org or 415-252-2247. PLEASE NOTE: The Arts Commission often receives documents created or submitted by other City officials, agencies or departments after the posting of the Arts Commission agenda. For such documents or presentations, members of the public may wish to contact the originating agency if they seek documents not yet provided to the Arts Commission. 

Disability Access

To obtain a disability‐related modification or accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services, to participate in the meeting, please contact Manraj Dhaliwal at manraj.dhaliwal@sfgov.org or 415-252-2247, at least 48 hours before the meeting, except for Monday meetings, for which the deadline is 4:00 p.m. the previous Friday.

Electronic devices prohibited

The ringing of and use of cell phones, pagers, and similar sound-producing electronic devices are prohibited at this meeting, except as necessary to participate remotely. The Chair may order the exclusion from participation of any person responsible for improper disruptions to this remote meeting. 

Instructions to view the meeting remotely

SFGovTV:  
To watch the meeting go to: SFGovTV.

NOTE: The San Francisco Arts Commission is discontinuing remote public comment for all public meetings starting in December 2023. Public comment will be taken in-person, with remote access provided for those who require an ADA accommodation. Requests for accommodation must be made at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting, pursuant to Administrative Code Section 97.7. Late requests will be honored if possible. Please reach out to art-info@sfgov.org or by calling 415-252-2255 with any questions or to make an accommodation request.

Lobbyist registration and reporting requirements

Individuals and entities that influence or attempt to influence local legislative or administrative action may be required by the San Francisco Lobbyist Ordinance (San Francisco Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code sections 2.100-2.160) to register and report lobbying activity.

For more information about the Lobbyist Ordinance, please contact the Ethics Commission at 25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 220, San Francisco, CA 94102, telephone 415/252-3100, fax 415/252-3112 and sfethics.org. 

Meeting procedures

1. Agenda items will normally be heard in order. Please note, that on occasion a special circumstance may necessitate that an agenda item be taken out of order. To ensure that an agenda item is not missed, it is advised to arrive at the beginning of the meeting. All agenda changes will be announced by the Chair at the top of the meeting. 

2. Public comment will be taken before or during the Committee’s consideration of each agenda item. Each speaker will be allowed to speak for the time allotted by the Chair at the top of the meeting or up to three (3) minutes.  

3. During General Public Comment, members of the public may address the Commissioners on matters that are within the Arts Commission’s jurisdiction and are not on the agenda. 

4. Any person speaking during a public comment period may supply a brief written summary of their comments, which shall, if no more than 150 words, be included in the official file. Written comments pertaining to this meeting should be submitted to art-info@sfgov.org. 

5. Persons attending the meeting and those unable to attend may submit written comments regarding the subject of the meeting. Such comments will be made part of the official public record and will be brought to the attention of the committee. Written comments should be submitted to Arts Commission staff via email to art-info@sfgov.org by 5:00 p.m. before the date of the meeting. Please note that names and addresses included in these submittals will become part of the public record. Submittals may be made anonymously. Written public comment submitted to SFAC staff will not be read aloud during the meeting. Communications not received prior to the meeting may be delivered to SFAC staff and will be shared with the commissioners.

Public Comment

Public comment in regard to specific agenda items will be taken before or during consideration of the item. Each speaker may speak for up to three minutes per agenda item, unless the Chair has announced a different length of time at the beginning of the meeting. Speakers may not transfer their time to another person. Any person speaking during a public comment period may supply a written summary of their comments to be included in the minutes if it is 150 words or less. 

NOTE: The San Francisco Arts Commission is discontinuing remote public comment for all public meetings starting in December 2023. Public comment will be taken in-person, with remote access provided for those who require an ADA accommodation. Requests for accommodation must be made at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting, pursuant to Administrative Code Section 97.7. Late requests will be honored if possible. Please reach out to art-info@sfgov.org or by calling 415-252-2255 with any questions or to make an accommodation request

Sensitivity to chemical-based products

In order to assist the City’s efforts to accommodate persons with severe allergies, environmental illnesses, multiple chemical sensitivity, or related disabilities, attendees at public meetings are reminded that other attendees may be sensitive to various chemical-based products. Please help the City accommodate these individuals.

Sunshine Ordinance

Government’s duty is to serve the public, reaching its decision in full view of the public. Commissions, boards, councils and other agencies of the City and County exist to conduct the people’s business. This ordinance assures that deliberations are conducted before the people and that City operations are open to the people’s review. For more information on your rights under the Sunshine Ordinance or to report a violation of the ordinance, contact by mail to Administrator, Sunshine Ordinance Task Force, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 244, San Francisco CA 94102-4689; by phone at 415-554 7724; by fax at 415-554 7854; or by email at sotf@sfgov.org. 

Citizens interested in obtaining a free copy of the Sunshine Ordinance can request a copy from by printing Chapter 67 of the San Francisco Administrative Code on the Internet, http://www.sfgov.org/sunshine/

Wheelchair-accessible entrances

Wheelchair-accessible entrances are located on Van Ness Avenue and Grove Street. Please note the wheelchair lift at the Goodlett Place/Polk Street is temporarily not available.  After multiple repairs that were followed by additional breakdowns, the wheelchair lift at the Goodlett/Polk entrance is being replaced for improved operation and reliability.  We anticipate having a functioning lift after the completion of construction in May 2025.  There are elevators and accessible restrooms located on every floor.