Arts Commission highlights galleries, SFO art opportunities and new video-art installation

At the Sept. 6 meeting the Visual Arts Committee (VAC) report summarized several public-art developments. Commissioner Susie Farris said the VAC approved relocation of two historic whale sculptures created for the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition; staff described plans to reinstall the work as a centerpiece in a student success center on the City College campus.

Farris also highlighted the 49 South Van Ness Video Art Program, which after technical delays is now publicly viewable in a pavilion space; 11 artists were commissioned to create site-specific videos that address labor, San Francisco's history and culture, and the building's community. "This is one of the first of its kind in this medium for San Francisco," Farris said.

The VAC report included a conceptual design, "Zawazawa (buzz buzz)," by Harumo Sato for a Mission-based school, a collaboration with San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD). Commissioners asked whether student engagement components could be added; staff said they would look into opportunities for student participation in the SFUSD collaboration.

Staff also described a public-art Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for SFO Terminal 3 West, listing several site opportunities (F Plaza skylight, suspended sculpture, outdoor deck sculpture and integrated two-dimensional work) and a submission deadline of 10/07/2024 at 11:59 p.m. The VAC report referenced the broader goal of creating a continuous art experience in Terminal 3 West and noted the program would include both identity artwork and a collection of purchased works.