The City of Palo Alto is considering the deaccession of a prominent interactive artwork that has graced the city hall lobby since its installation in early 2016. This decision comes after years of maintenance challenges and technological issues that have hindered the artwork's functionality.

Originally commissioned in 2014, the artwork was designed to engage the community through a dynamic display that pulled in local, national, and global news feeds. It was recognized by Americans for the Arts as one of the most ambitious artworks of its year. However, as technology evolved, the piece became increasingly unstable, leading to difficulties in maintaining its intended interactive experience.

During a recent Public Art Commission meeting, city officials discussed the ongoing issues with the artwork, including its reliance on outdated software and hardware. The artist, Susan Narduli, has been informed of the potential deaccession and has expressed understanding of the situation. The commission emphasized that the decision to remove the artwork is not taken lightly, as it has been a significant part of the city’s cultural landscape.

If the commission moves forward with the deaccession process, a formal recommendation will be presented in December or January, with discussions about the future of the artwork and its components expected to follow. Importantly, the monitors that display city-related content will remain in place, ensuring that the visual aspect of the lobby continues to engage visitors.

The commission is also exploring the possibility of commissioning a new media artwork that may be less technologically demanding, although any decisions will depend on the outcome of the deaccession process. As the city navigates this transition, it remains committed to enhancing public art and community engagement in Palo Alto.