Public Art Commission approves Micro Gallery pilot and expenditure; Samueli Foundation may donate first unit

The Tustin Public Art Commission approved a pilot Micro Gallery program and authorized staff to proceed with program details and up to $4,000 in spending for an initial box if required. Staff reviewed procurement options: a local contractor (Painting and Decor) initially quoted more than $4,000 but later revised an estimate to about $2,800; an ACE youth trades program quoted roughly $1,500 but could not commit to producing a single unit; and staff reported that the Samueli Foundation offered to fund and donate one unit at no cost, pending confirmation that the donated box meets the city’s specifications (secure location, weatherproofing and removable interior panels).

Under the draft memorandum of understanding (MOU) discussed at the meeting, the school district would curate artwork for the micro gallery as a rotating exhibition of student art. Staff said the program parameters in the MOU (on display duration and curation roles) would go to City Council after the MOU is finalized; for the pilot the commission approved program details and the contingent expenditure authorization.

Commissioners asked about rotation frequency, summer handling of exhibits and signage/branding (suggestions included a QR code directing the public to a schedule or artist information). Staff said exhibit durations were set in the draft MOU as a minimum of one month and a maximum of three months and that summer arrangements would be negotiated with the school district. The commission approved the program and the expenditure and asked staff to incorporate discussed edits to the draft MOU.

Staff emphasized next steps: confirm the donated unit meets the city’s technical and security requirements, finalize the MOU with the school district, and send the program package to City Council for authorization of the program approach if needed.