On January 31, 2024, at the request of Commissioner Bhatt, the Mayor and City Commission approved the referral of item C4 Z to the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee (FERC or Committee) to discuss funding options for an artistic, informational, and placemaking installation at the City Hall Plaza facing 17th Street. 

The artistic wayfinding installation proposed for City Hall facing 17th Street, is intended be a standalone piece, not subject to current city-wide signage standards or style. The artistic signage would serve not only to inform pedestrians of points of interest in proximity to City Hall, but also provide the opportunity for branding and placemaking.  

In considering funding this project, direction is needed on the overall vision, size, and nature of the desired artistic wayfinding signage.  

Based on the FERC's  feedback, the potential design path would either follow a direct route with contracting a designer or, if a visual artist were required, the engagement of the Art in Public Places (AiPP) process would be implemented. Should AiPP be engaged, once the location and funding have been identified, an open Call to Artists would be issued to begin the artist selection process. This would have an approximate six (6) month timeline. 

The following artist selection process is recommended: 

The Facilities and Fleet Management and the Tourism and Culture departments would collaborate to recommend options and identify funding needs.  

In consideration of the foregoing, the Administration recommends the Committee discuss and provide feedback on the option of making this sign creative or artistic. In addition, the Committee should discuss prioritizing funding for FY25 to begin design or a call to artists for the wayfinding signage at City Hall.