Sonoma council approves Cultural & Fine Arts Commission 2025 work plan, funds utility-box art pilot

The Sonoma City Council on May 7 unanimously approved the 2025 work plan proposed by the Cultural & Fine Arts Commission (CFAC), authorizing staff to move forward on several public-art initiatives including a utility-box art wrap pilot and creation of a public-art toolkit.

Sarah Tracy, the city’s senior management analyst and public information officer, presented the commission’s plan. Key elements include producing a public-art toolkit (templates, engagement tools and site maps), launching a utility-box wrap pilot with a call-to-artists in June and installations likely in fall 2025, and exploring a public-art master plan in coordination with a forthcoming Parks and Recreation director. The utility-box pilot was described as the first temporary art project to use the newly activated public art fund and carries an estimated budget of $15,000.

Connie Schleyling, chair of the Cultural & Fine Arts Commission, said the commission has long prioritized a master plan and that recent changes—Measure T funds and the imminent Parks & Rec director—create an opportunity to move from planning to implementation. The commission also plans to reconnect with past awardees, continue annual artist and student award programs and expand rotating exhibits.

Council members praised the commission’s work and suggested possible locations for future public art, including the plaza fountain and a vacant park site on Fifth Street West as places to prioritize. The council voted to approve the work plan by voice vote; the motion passed unanimously.

The approval activates a funding pathway for temporary and small-scale public art projects and instructs staff and the commission to continue work on public-art policies, community engagement and pilot projects through 2025.