The South Pasadena Public Art Commission reviewed plans for an artist registry and selection procedures at its July 21 meeting, proposing an online sign-up to notify local artists about RFQs and RFPs and discussing whether the commission should vet artists for developers.
Vice Chair Rena Velasco, presenting the roster-of-local-artists ad hoc, said commissioners should prepare a shortlist of qualified artists for invitational selection and recommended an online registry so artists receive targeted email notifications. “Our recommendation for the open selection is to provide a South Pasadena artist registry on the city's public art program webpage and with this registry, we would provide email notifications specific to new public art opportunities for professional artists,” Velasco said.
The ad hoc described three selection methods in the draft guidance: open selection (RFQ/RFP), invitational selection (shortlist invited to submit qualifications), and direct selection (used when schedules are aggressive or very specialized experience is required). Staff and commissioners discussed practical elements for an online registry, including using Microsoft Forms for applications that can include up to 10 media items and asking for a website link so artists can keep portfolios current.
Commissioners debated the commission’s role as a curator versus a directory. One commissioner raised concern that presenting a vetted list to developers could create liability or imply the commission certifies an artist’s fitness for a job; another said a simple contact list with websites would be useful and that the commission should encourage artists to apply for RFQs when opportunities arise. Commissioners also discussed outreach to local arts groups; Rena Velasco reported a conversation with Spark’s president offering assistance identifying local artists.
No formal vote was taken. The ad hoc will draft the registry form and the short-list criteria, clarify how the registry will be used by developers, and coordinate outreach logistics with staff. Commissioners requested that presentation materials and the draft application be provided electronically to the commission.