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Artist calls for transparency after Sao Paulo mural finalists list draws criticism
Summary
An artist appearing during public comment urged the council to investigate the mural-selection process for the Sao Paulo project, alleging conflicts of interest and that local artists were disadvantaged; she asked for transparency and a response from the Arts & Culture Commission.
During the public‑comment period March 4, Santa Ana muralist Kimberly Duran told the City Council she had concerns about the selection process for the city’s Sao Paulo mural project and asked the Arts & Culture Commission and staff for transparency and a formal response.
Duran identified herself as a Santa Ana native, an award‑winning muralist with more than 23 years of public‑art work and said she has painted “over a hundred murals” in universities and commercial developments. She said the project’s scoring process lacked justification and that the top-ranked finalist did not meet the project’s residency requirement, alleging conflicts of interest among commissioners and finalists.
“There is no justification or feedback, and I’m demanding basic respect from Arts and Culture,” Duran said, describing concerns that commissioners or supporters had relationships with the top-ranked artists. She said the call for finalists to be provided translation or interpreter services also appeared unequal and asked for full transparency on scoring and a formal reply.
The council did not take immediate action during the meeting; the clerk reported that five emailed comments had been distributed to the council and that public‑comment rules applied. Councilmembers did not discuss the issue at length during the remainder of the meeting. The Arts & Culture Commission and staff were not recorded responding during the council session.
