Many of the Arts Commission's public art programs take years to come to fruition due to multi-year construction timelines. Here you can check in on the status of several of our largest projects currently underway.
Chinatown Public Art Program
Upcoming public art opportunities will soon be available for three major publicly funded capital improvement construction projects taking place in Chinatown: Portsmouth Square, Chinatown Public Health Center, and Chinatown Him Mark Lai Branch Library. Eligible artists will be selected from the Chinatown Artist Registry.
Learn more about the Chinatown Public Art Program
Learn more and apply for the Chinatown Artist Registry RFQ
(Deadline to submit qualifications: September 11, 2024 by 11:59 p.m. PDT.)
Dr. Maya Angelou Monument
In 2018 the Board of Supervisors passed the Women’s Recognition Public Art Fund ordinance which called for the Arts Commission to erect a statue of Dr. Maya Angelou at the Main Library. This marked a new City policy requiring that at least 30% of nonfictional figures in the public realm represent significant women whose accomplishments embody our City's values and ideals. The proposal by Berkeley artist Lava Thomas was selected for this commission. The sculpture representing Dr. Angelou will be located outside of the San Francisco Main Public Library. (Thomas's rendering is seen at right.) This monument will honor one of the most significant literary artists and activists of our time, and will be an ever-present role model and inspiration to all, and especially to girls and young women. Most of the sculptures that honor individuals were gifts to the city made in the late 19th Century, and recognize white men. The sculpture of Dr. Maya Angelou will begin to redress this gender imbalance by venerating a woman of color.
We anticipate the sculpture will be installed in fall 2024. (Please note, this date is subject to change.)
Learn more about the Dr. Maya Angelou Monument
Treasure Island Arts Program
The Treasure Island Public Art Program is guided by the Treasure Island Arts Master Plan, which is funded by one percent of the construction costs of Treasure Island’s redevelopment.
Learn more about the Treasure Island Arts Program