The six-month extension must be approved by the Visual Arts Committee, the full Arts Commission and then Recreation and Parks. Both the Feb. 18 Visual Arts Committee meeting and the full Arts Commission meeting on March 2 will provide opportunities for public comment on the proposal.
A spokesperson confirmed that Recreation and Parks does not incur any costs from the installation of R-Evolution.
In a presentation created by Building 180 and the Big Art Loop for next week’s meeting, R-Evolution is framed as a convenient placeholder until Embarcadero Plaza and Sue Bierman Park renovations begin. Recreation and Parks currently lists that project’s construction start date as “TBD.”
Other arguments to extend the sculpture’s stay include a form of advertising for the Big Loop itself. “Extending the current installation sustains momentum while encouraging artists to submit proposals for future opportunities, rather than pausing activity at the site,” the presentation reads.
Surveys undertaken by Building 180 and the Big Art Loop show 85% of respondents support extending the artwork’s installation. The presentation does not detail how many people were surveyed.
The Visual Arts Committee meeting will take place Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 2 p.m. in City Hall’s room 416.