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Arts Commission approves West Portal murals funded by District 7 participatory budget
Summary
The San Francisco Arts Commission on April 7 approved a series of murals by artist Chris Granillo for West Portal, funded by a District 7 participatory budget and to be maintained by neighborhood groups. Commissioner Susie Farris recused herself; installation is slated to begin May 1.
The San Francisco Arts Commission approved a series of public murals for the West Portal neighborhood on April 7, voting to allow installations funded through District 7’s participatory budget to proceed after staff confirmed permits and maintenance plans.
The murals, designed by artist Chris Granillo, will be installed at five locations in West Portal: a retaining wall at Ulloa Street and Claremont Boulevard (owned by San Francisco Public Works), a storage locker at the West Portal Library (SFPW), and four traffic-signal cabinets at West Portal Avenue and Vicente Street, West Portal Avenue and 14th Avenue, and Portola Drive and Vicente Street (owned by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency). City staff said the total mural area is approximately 680 square feet and that installation is planned to begin May 1 with the artist aiming to finish by July.
The commission heard from Arianne Davidian of the Arts Commission staff, who told commissioners the project was initiated by the Greater West Portal Neighborhood Association and funded by District 7 Supervisor Malagar’s participatory budget. Davidian said the Greater West Portal Neighborhood Association and the Local Merchants Association will maintain the works and that the project will proceed through San Francisco Public Works’ Love Our Neighborhood mural-permit process.
Commissioner Susie Farris recused herself from the item, stating she had “a working relationship with artist Chris Grenillo [sic] who is represented at my gallery.” The commission accepted the recusal and proceeded without her participation.
Commissioner Beltran moved to approve the murals; Commissioner Walker seconded. The motion carried unanimously among voting commissioners. Staff said the artist will supply anti‑graffiti top coat, cleaning materials, and that the community groups will monitor the murals on a weekly basis; funds have been reserved for major touch‑ups if needed.
Commissioners asked how long the neighborhood groups would be responsible and what the maintenance response timeline would be under the Love Our Neighborhood permit; staff said the permit includes maintenance requirements and that community partners would be required to respond within specified timeframes if damage or graffiti is reported. The Arts Commission noted the murals will not become part of the City’s civic art collection and will remain community‑maintained on city property.
Installation is scheduled to begin May 1, with the artist anticipating completion by July. Staff will continue coordination with SFPW and SFMTA on permitting and site access.
