Sunnyvale Arts Commission outlines 2025 projects, sets Hands on the Arts for May 3

The Sunnyvale Arts Commission on Jan. 15 reviewed potential projects for 2025, including Hands on the Arts on May 3, Arts and Humanities Month programming in October, small-scale murals and artist-designed benches, and possible amphitheater performances such as dance, music and spoken-word events.

Kristen, a city staff member leading the presentation, told commissioners: "every year, we have our hands on the arts festival. And, this year, it's going to be May 3, 2025." She said the commission typically staffs a booth at the festival and that commissioners are asked to take shifts, two at a time, to avoid creating a quorum.

Why it matters: commissioners said the items under discussion could raise the commission's public profile and increase resident participation but could also require additional planning time and funding. Several proposals — including neighborhood-driven park projects, community banners and temporary installations — would likely require transfers from the city’s Public Art Fund and, in some cases, a community survey cited in the Public Art Master Plan.

Key details and options

- Hands on the Arts: Staff said the community festival will be held indoors at the community center this year, with fewer booths but similar features and multicultural programming. Commissioners were asked to propose booth ideas and…