Commission endorses plan to seek artists for public artwork at North Surprise police substation

The Surprise Arts & Cultural Advisory Commission on June 3 reviewed an initial concept for public artwork at a new police substation in North Surprise and indicated support for staff to proceed with an artist call and selection process.

Staff described the site as a highly visible wall fronting 163rd near San Ysidro, directly across from a fire station, and said the city wants an artwork that helps embed the police presence in the neighborhood. An agency representative described three core attributes the department wanted the work to reflect, saying it should speak to "service, integrity, and adjusters," and to the relationship and trust the department aims to maintain with residents.

Commissioners and staff discussed material and access considerations. Staff recommended a steel‑cut installation rather than a painted mural so imagery would read at distance and allow for integrated lighting and perforations. Staff estimated the wall would be roughly 8 feet tall and about "100‑ish" feet long (approximate) and gave an artwork budget of about $165,000, including contingency. A commissioner asked whether pedestrians would be able to approach the work; staff and commissioners noted a gravel pad and questioned the accuracy of the rendering’s setback, stressing the artist must account for sidewalk placement and a nearby traffic control cabinet.

Staff outlined the process: put out an artist call, assemble an artist selection panel that will include commission representation, proceed to a design phase, then fabrication and installation. Staff said the budget had been approved by the city council and that commission approval to move forward was the next step. Multiple commissioners said they supported moving the project forward and agreed to participate on the selection panel.

The commission flagged the importance of designing the artwork to complement the adjacent fire station and the public‑safety campus aesthetic, rather than replicate it. Staff also noted practical constraints (utility equipment, traffic sight lines) that artists must accommodate in proposals.

Next steps: staff will publish the artist call, convene the selection panel (with commission representatives), and invite the commission back to review finalist designs prior to fabrication. The commission’s indication of support was recorded as direction to staff rather than a formal recorded ordinance or funding vote.