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PUC-funded public art projects highlighted; external affairs official Laura Spangen announces departure
Summary
The Arts Commission described a series of PUC-funded public art projects, including a Ned Kahn installation at the new PUC headquarters and a McLaren Park trail project; Laura Spangen said she will leave the SFPUC in April to join Houston city government.
Laura Spangen, external affairs lead working with the Arts Commission, told the commission that roughly 2% of eligible infrastructure funds through the WESIP program are set aside for public art, totaling about $5 million over the life of the program, with roughly $800,000 spent to date.
Jill Manton of the Arts Commission reviewed current and planned projects funded by the PUC art-enrichment pool. Highlights included a permanent installation called "Firefly" by local artist Ned Kahn at the PUC—s new headquarters at 525 Golden Gate (LED strips responsive to wind), a recycled-material ADA trail project at McLaren Park called "Philosopher's Walk," prototype kinetic wind elements for the Bridle Museum facade, and a proposal for a temporary, year-long installation (a large sculptural Buddha) to tie into a Sister City celebration in Civic Center.
Spangen announced she will leave the SFPUC in April to become environmental director for Mayor Annise Parker in Houston. She said she was "happy and sad to announce that I will be leaving the SFPUC at the April to take on a position as, the environmental director for Mayor Anise Parker in Houston, Texas." Commissioners and staff offered congratulations and thanked her for work on programs including GoSolar SF, GreenFinance SF and recycling initiatives.
Jill Manton described how the PUC—s art-enrichment funding operates: because many PUC facilities are not publicly accessible, funds are pooled with the Arts Commission and used for projects that are publicly visible or otherwise site-appropriate. She described collaborations with DPW and Rec and Park and noted an emphasis on recycled materials and community involvement in project design at McLaren Park.
Commissioners raised questions about linking art projects to PUC functions and educational opportunities. One commissioner asked for a clear policy so pieces funded by PUC dollars reflect the utility—s mission; staff agreed to work on policy details with the general manager and Arts Commission.
No formal action was taken specific to art policy at the meeting; staff said they would return with additional details and policy proposals as requested.
