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Commission approves Illuminate laser installations and accompanying entertainment with staff conditions
Summary
The commission approved Illuminate the Arts’ laser and light installations (including Ferry Building beams and Grace Cathedral programming) and limited live entertainment, pending port permits and staff conditions.
The Entertainment Commission approved an entertainment permit for Illuminate the Arts to operate large-scale laser-light installations during Bridal weekend and related summer dates, alongside limited live programming at some sites.
Presenter Bennett (Ben) Davis, founder and chief visionary officer of Illuminate, described the group’s history in San Francisco (including Bay Lights and other public artworks) and explained technical safeguards: the group is coordinating with the Port of San Francisco and secured FAA approvals where needed for beams that terminate in the sky; some beams will terminate on nearby structures to avoid FAA jurisdiction. Davis said the installations are free and open to the public and emphasized neighborhood coordination with the Hyatt and Port tenants.
Staff recommended approval with the condition that an approved SF Port permit be returned to staff and with the usual sound and safety conditions; commissioners voted to approve the application and to require staff follow-up on port approvals. Authorizations granted are conditioned on compliance with sound limits and security provisions in the staff memo.
Selected quote: Ben Davis said, “We’re dedicated exclusively to San Francisco,” and described this as a multi-site public art activation that pairs spectacle with local music and free programming.
Provenance: Item introduction and staff recommendation — SEG 566 to SEG 590; presenter remarks and discussion — SEG 591 to SEG 780; vote and follow-up instructions — SEG 941 to SEG 955.
