MEETING
Full Arts Commission Meeting (11.03.2025)
Meeting details
Date and time
How to participate
In-person
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 416
San Francisco, CA 94102
Online
Meeting details
Date and time
How to participate
In-person
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 416
San Francisco, CA 94102
Online
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, Nabiel Musleh, Al Perez, McKenna Quint, Jessica Rothschild, Marcus Shelby, Debra Walker, Lydia So, ex officio (non-voting)
Agenda
Call to Order, Roll Call, Agenda Changes, Land Acknowledgment
- Call to order
- Roll call / Confirmation of quorum
- Agenda Changes
- 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.
Approval of Minutes
Discussion and Possible Action
Discussion and possible action to approve October 6, 2025, Draft Minutes
Presentation Time: Approximately 5 minutes
Explanatory Document: October 6, 2025, Draft Minutes
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.)
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
Committee Reports and Committee Matters
- Civic Design Committee – Debra Walker, Chair
Civic Design Committee Report
Discussion
Presentation Time: Approximately 10 minutes
Report from the Civic Design Committee regarding activities of the Committee and the Projects. - Community Investment Committee – Janine Shiota, Chair
Community Investment Committee Report
Discussion
Presentation Time: Approximately 10 minutes
Report from the Community Investment Committee regarding activities of the Committee and the Program. - Visual Arts Committee – Suzie Ferras, Chair
Visual Arts Committee Report
Discussion
Presentation Time: Approximately 10 minutes
Report from the Visual Arts Committee regarding activities of the Committee and the Program.
SFAC Galleries Mentorship and Exhibition Fellowship
Discussion
Staff Presenter: Jackie Im, Acting Director of Galleries and Public Programs
Presentation time: Approximately 5 minutes
Presentation of the artists selected for the Mentorship and Exhibition Fellowship.
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.
- Motion to approve the October 20, 2025, Civic Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes.
- Motion to approve the October 28, 2025, Community Investments Committee Meeting Minutes.
- Motion to approve the October 15, 2025, Visual Arts Committee Meeting Minutes.
Civic Design Review Committee Recommendations (October 20, 2025, link to agenda)
Action - Motion to approve Phase 3 Review for West Field Cargo 720.1 and 742.
- Motion to approve Conceptual Review for Moccasin Warehouse Building.
Community Investments Committee Recommendations (October 28, 2025, link to agenda)
Action - Motion to approve recommendations to award two (2) Special Project Grants, to the following organizations and to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into grant agreements with each organization for amounts not to exceed the following at this time:
- SOMA Pilipinas Cultural District Support – Filipino-American Development Foundation, $145,000 for 25 months for an arts and culture nonprofit located in the SOMA Pilipinas cultural district that is dedicated to a long-term programming vision for a new narrative focused on culturally relevant placemaking. Funding will be used to support temporary public art, storefront art, arts festivals, art and education programming throughout SOMA Pilipinas, addressing the cultural district’s economic recovery and narrative change, or arts and education programming in the geographic area.
- Citywide Night of Ideas – Circuit Network, $120,000 for 31 months for a nonprofit arts and cultural 501(c)(3) organization or fiscally sponsored entity to curate performances for the San Francisco Public Library’s Night of Ideas, scheduled for dates in Spring 2026, 2027 and 2028. The organization is responsible for partnering with the SF Public Library to curate approximately six (6) performances for the evening.
- SOMA Pilipinas Cultural District Support – Filipino-American Development Foundation, $145,000 for 25 months for an arts and culture nonprofit located in the SOMA Pilipinas cultural district that is dedicated to a long-term programming vision for a new narrative focused on culturally relevant placemaking. Funding will be used to support temporary public art, storefront art, arts festivals, art and education programming throughout SOMA Pilipinas, addressing the cultural district’s economic recovery and narrative change, or arts and education programming in the geographic area.
- Motion to approve a grant of up to $300,000 to The American Indian Cultural Center of San Francisco to support office and space renovations for programming for San Francisco artists; and to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a grant agreement with the American Indian Cultural Center not to exceed $300,000 at this time as permitted under Section 21G.3(a)(3) for grants made for improvements to property by a property owner.
- Motion to approve the update to resolution number 1101-21243 and authorize $300,000 be granted directly to The American Indian Cultural Center of San Francisco as the organization is now a compliant 501c3 nonprofit entity; to support administration and operations over two years and to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a grant agreement with The American Indian Cultural Center of San Francisco not to exceed $300,000 at this time.
Visual Arts Committee Recommendations (October 15, 2025, link to agenda)
Action - Motion to approve When One Sees A Rainbow, a mural design by Leah Rosenberg. The mural will be installed on the facade of Contemporary Jewish Museum, located at 736 Mission Street, between 3rd and 4th streets in District 6. The mural covers 6 windows (four H 99 in by W57 in.; one 120 in. by 101 in.; one 88 in. by 99 in.) and 34 steps (8 ft. by 14 in.). The artwork is funded by Art All Around Program of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development and will not become part of the Civic Art Collection. The artwork will be maintained by the Yerba Buena Community Benefit District.
- Motion to approve Jaguar Creativo, a mural design by Ivan Lopez. The mural will be installed at Artillery Ceramics, 2751 Mission Street, in District 9. The mural measures approximately H18 in. by W17 ft. 5 in. The artwork is funded by SF Shines Grant, a program of the Community Economic Development (CED) division of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development and will not become part of the Civic Art Collection; the artwork will be maintained by the artist as well as Artillery Ceramics.
- Motion to approve and accept into the Civic Art Collection 2024.1, Whorl Whirl: Our Circular Nature by Norie Sato. The painted aluminum and stainless-steel sculpture on the north façade of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Southeast Wastewater Treatment Plant on Evans Avenue measures approximately 31 ft. high by 335 ft. wide.
- Motion to approve and accept into the Civic Art Collection 2025.12, Pacific Transit, 2024, by Jesse Schlesinger at Judah St. and 43rd Ave. and Judah St. and Lower Great Highway. The artwork is composed of ten sculptures made of concrete, stone, and bronze. Seven sculptures are located at 43rd Ave., and three are located at Lower Great Highway. The sculptures range in size from 4 ft. to 7 ft. tall and 1 to 1-1/2 ft. wide.
- Motion to retroactively approve and accept into the Civic Art Collection 2019.59, W.F.T. (San Francisco), 2019, by Joseph Kosuth, a text-based illuminated neon artwork installed on the western-facing façades of the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium.
- Motion for the Director of Cultural Affairs to approve an honorarium in the amount of $5000 to Shirin Makaremi to be a mentor of the two selected mentorship and exhibition fellowship artists for the period of November 2025 – March 2026.
- Motion for the Director of Cultural Affairs to approve a curator honorarium in the amount of $5000 to Shirin Makaremi for the development of the fellowship exhibition (title TBD) and public programs to be held in the SFAC Main Gallery from May 28 – August 22, 2026.
- Motion for the Director of Cultural Affairs to approve a fellowship honorarium in the amount of $5000 to Kelley Finley and $5000 to Tricia Rainwater for the period of November 2025 – March 2026.
- Motion for the Director of Cultural Affairs to approve the artist honorarium in the amount of $3000 to Kelley Finley and $3000 to Tricia Rainwater for the development of artwork for the fellowship exhibition (title TBD) to be held in the SFAC Main Gallery from May 28 – August 22, 2026.
- Motion to approve the final design and construction documentation of Barrio Fiesta, an integrated-wall artwork by Cece Carpio for the Gene Friend Recreation Center Public Art Project, located at 6th and Folsom Streets in SOMA.
- Motion to approve the conceptual design proposal You’re Here by Jenifer Wofford for the Terminal 3 West Arrivals Art Wall Public Art Project, as recommended by the Artist Review Panel.
- Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with Jenifer Wofford for an amount not to exceed $200,000 for the design, fabrication, insurance, transportation, and consultation during installation of an artwork for the Terminal 3 West Arrivals Art Wall Public Art Project.
- Motion to approve the conceptual design proposal by Teresa Baker for the Terminal 3 West Wheelchair Lounge Art Wall Public Art Project, as recommended by the Artist Review Panel.
- Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with Teresa Baker for an amount not to exceed $300,000 for the design, fabrication, insurance, transportation, and consultation during installation of an artwork for the Terminal 3 West Wheelchair Lounge Art Wall Public Art Project.
Removal of the Vaillancourt Fountain
Discussion and possible action
Motion to approve the removal of the Embarcadero Fountain by Armand Vaillancourt (SFAC Accession No. 1971.46) to protect the health and safety of residents and visitors from the identified structural deterioration and move it to storage, following the provision of required notice to the artist and interested members of the community under the California Art Preservation Act, to allow for further investigation of the extent of deterioration to the physical structure, and consideration of possible restoration, repair, relocation, repurposing or other future actions relating to the fountain; and to affirm the Planning Department’s determination under the California Environmental Quality Act that this action is statutorily exempt from further review under Section 15269 of the CEQA Guidelines. This action constitutes the Approval Action for the project for the purposes of CEQA, pursuant to San Francisco Administrative Code Section 31.04(h).
Public Submission for Administrative Record - Vaillancourt Fountain Removal - SFAC 2025-11-03 Agenda Item #8
New Business and Announcements
Discussion
(This item is to allow the Commissioners to introduce without discussion new agenda items for consideration, to report on recent arts activities and to make announcements in accordance with Prop D.)
Adjournment
Action
Meeting resources
Related documents
November 3, 2025, Agenda - Full Commission Meeting
November 3, 2025, Agenda - Full Commission MeetingVaillancourt Fountain Public Comments - ART-Info - (As of 11/3/2025, 1:30pm) Full CommissionNovember 3, 2025, Slide Deck - Full Commission MeetingNovember 3, 2025, Minutes - Full Commission MeetingPublic Record Request - Vaillancourt Fountain - SlidesNotices
Timestamp
Agenda posted 11/14/2025 at 5:00, msd
Appeal Rights
CEQA Appeal Rights under Chapter 31 of the San Francisco Administrative Code
(1) When the Planning Department or other City department provides notice of a public hearing on the Approval Action for a project that it has determined to be exempt from CEQA, the notice shall:
(A) Inform the public of the exemption determination and how the public may obtain a copy of the exemption determination;
(B) Inform the public of its appeal rights to the Board of Supervisors with respect to the CEQA exemption determination following the Approval Action and within the time frame specified in Section 31.16 of this Chapter; and
(C) Inform the public that under CEQA, in a later court challenge a litigant may be limited to raising only those issues previously raised at a hearing on the project or in written correspondence delivered to the Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission. Planning Department or other City board, commission or department at, or prior to, such hearing, or as part of the appeal hearing process, if any, on the CEQA decision.
(2) Additionally, when the Planning Department provides a notice under Planning Code Section 311 or Section 312 of the opportunity to request a discretionary review hearing before the Planning Commission on a Building Permit application, the notice shall:
(A) Contain the information required by this Section 31.08(f) in addition to any notice requirements in the Planning Code;
(B) Inform the notification group that if a discretionary review hearing is requested before the Planning Commission, the Approval Action for the project under this Chapter 31 will occur upon the Planning Commission's approval of the Building Permit application, if such approval is granted; and
(C) Inform the notification group that if a discretionary review hearing is not requested, the Approval Action for the project will occur upon the issuance of a Building Permit by the Department of Building Inspection, if such permit is granted. The notice also shall advise the notification group of how to request information about the issuance of the Building Permit.
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 San Francisco Arts Commission will be held in-person at City Hall Room 416, available to view on SFGovTV2, Comcast 78/Astound 28 and AT&T Uverse 99.
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.