Paul Madonna advocates for Pier 29 art residency project at San Francisco meeting

The San Francisco County meeting held on May 19, 2025, featured a series of public comments focused on the proposed Pier 29 residency art program. The meeting began with an invitation for public speakers, allowing each individual two minutes to express their views.

Paul Madonna, a long-time resident and professional artist, was the first to address the assembly. He passionately advocated for the art residency project, emphasizing its potential to enrich the community and provide vital resources for young artists. Madonna shared his personal journey, highlighting how such a space could have significantly impacted his life when he first arrived in San Francisco. He urged the committee to support the initiative, framing it as essential for maintaining the city's creative identity.

Following Madonna, David Keenan, a director of special projects at CAST, provided insights into the project's development. He detailed his extensive work over the past year and a half, collaborating with port regulators to ensure the project's safety and affordability. Keenan expressed confidence that the residency could serve as a model for similar initiatives in other cities, but he requested a waiver to facilitate a nimble build-out phase due to the project's two-year timeline.

The meeting also included support from local businesses, with a representative speaking on behalf of Mac Libert, the owner of Pier 23 Cafe and Restaurant. Libert's letter expressed strong backing for the residency program, emphasizing the importance of community building along the San Francisco waterfront.

The meeting concluded with no additional speakers coming forward, marking a significant moment for the proposed art residency as community members rallied in support of its development. The discussions underscored a collective desire to enhance the cultural fabric of San Francisco, fostering creativity and collaboration among artists and residents alike.