Council supports bringing Goldenvoice's 'Taffy' to Civic Center Park pending formal approval

City staff presented a proposed 10‑year collaboration with Goldenvoice — the producer behind Coachella artworks — to install Taffy, a public sculpture by artist Stephanie Lin, in Civic Center Park.

Erica Powell summarized the piece as five vertical towers (25 to 50 feet) made of lightweight frames wrapped in translucent scalloped mesh fabric that create a shifting moiré effect in sunlight. Circular benches at the base would provide shaded seating and park activation. Powell said Goldenvoice would retain ownership and the public art company would coordinate transport, installation and long‑term maintenance; the city would prepare site foundations, lighting and landscape modifications.

Staff told the council the total project cost was not expected to exceed $300,000 and would be paid from the public art fund rather than the general fund. When a councilmember asked about fund balance, Powell said the city currently had approximately $1,500,000 in the public art fund and that the artwork had been appropriated in the capital improvement program. The proposed lease term was described as 10 years with extension options in the draft agreement.

Councilmembers who spoke during the study session expressed general support. One noted the cultural and tourism benefits cities hosting Coachella artworks have reported, and another asked about engineering for wind and structural performance; staff said the piece would be fully engineered for wind and structural stability. Powell said Goldenvoice would assume responsibility for damages.

The council did not vote on the item at this meeting; staff indicated the lease agreement and supporting materials would appear on an upcoming agenda for formal approval.