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Commission staff recommends Matthew Mazzotta to design Grand Connection Crossing art plan
Summary
City staff presented the selection of artist Matthew Mazzotta to create an art plan and a preliminary artwork concept for the Grand Connection Crossing; the panel cited his community-based outreach and prior large-scale work, and staff said contracting and community engagement are next steps with a draft plan targeted for fall.
The Arts Commission heard staff present the recommended selection of artist Matthew Mazzotta to develop the public art plan and a preliminary artwork concept for the Grand Connection Crossing, a planned pedestrian-and-bicycle bridge that will connect gateway nodes and span Interstate 405.
Staff member (S9) told commissioners the selection panel—comprised of seven reviewers including a panel chair—narrowed 20 applicants to four finalists and recommended Mazzotta by a near-unanimous vote. The panel highlighted his community outreach methods, prior international and U.S. projects and his track record of collaborating with local artists. "The key factors in that selection were his approach to community outreach," S9 said, adding that references described him as "a collaborator, good listener, flexible, accountable, responsible."
Why it matters: The crossing will be a highly visible civic landmark that, according to staff, will be seen by "hundreds of thousands of people every single day." The commission must later consider design details and endorsing a preliminary concept; staff framed the artist contract to include both an art plan and a preliminary concept scalable to multiple budget levels.
What was presented: S9 described the artist scope as two principal deliverables: an art plan (the guiding principles and inventory of permanent and temporary opportunities across the crossing) and a preliminary artwork concept with two scalable budget options. S9 gave the example ranges the selection considered: a preliminary concept sized between about $300,000 and $1,000,000 and a larger option between about $1,000,000 and $2,000,000. S9 also summarized Mazzotta's prior work—community-created pier projects in Croatia, mobile 'Open House' performance pavilions, the Cloud House concept and a large, award-winning installation at Tampa International Airport—to show how his practice informs public engagement.
Questions and next steps: Commissioners asked how the artist will engage local communities and noted the bridge's design is still changing. S9 said the artist will travel, has a travel budget, and will use interpreters or local partners where needed. Staff said the next steps are contracting, a project orientation and a community engagement period that would produce a draft art plan to return to the commission; the draft plan was targeted for a September–October timeframe, contingent on bridge design progress.
What was not decided: The commission did not vote on final design or funding levels for a permanent artwork at this meeting. Staff said a separate fabrication and installation contract will follow after design phases and that contracts can be amended as conditions change.
Ending: Staff recommended the commission endorse the panel's selection and proceed into contracting and community engagement; the commission voiced support during the discussion and will receive future briefings as the art plan and draft concepts are developed.
