Public Art Program

The Downtown San Rafael Arts District is a collaboration of local arts leaders, businesses, city officials, and community members. It grew from the leadership of Youth in Arts, Marin Society of Artists, California Film Institute, Art Works Downtown, and the Downtown San Rafael Business Improvement District. Its mission is to promote well-being, equity, and inclusivity through the arts.

Local Edition Creative is an arts consulting and production agency with experience delivering impactful public art projects across the Bay Area. They partner with municipalities, businesses, and artists to produce meaningful arts and culture experiences.

• Share feedback through digital surveys and in-person review events in October 2025.

• Attend the Public Art Review Board meeting (January 2026) and City Council review (Feb 2026) to provide public comment.

The process includes:

1. Call for Artists – Between June 27 and July 25, 2025, an open call for artists was published on the Call For Artist Entry (CaFÉ) website. The call is now closed, however information is still available at the links below.  

• Three (3) mural opportunities for artists and artist teams residing in California.

• Two (2) sculpture opportunities, one permanent and one temporary, are available to artists residing in the United States.

2. Jury Review – Arts District steering committee and community arts leaders evaluated artists and selected a shortlist of candidates.

3. Semifinalist Designs – The semifinalists were invited to develop site-specific proposals for one of the five locations. Link to Jury Selection Criteria. 

4. Public Input – Semifinalist designs will be available for public view and comment via a digital portal. Feedback will be shared with the artists.

5. Final Selection – The Jury recommends artists and designs to the Public Art Review Board, then City Council for approval.

All sites are city-owned, high-visibility areas that are accessible to the public and feasible for installation within the grant’s timeline.

Art works are being reviewed by Jurists with the following goals and criteria in mind.

Artwork Goals:

• Attract culturally responsive & artistically significant visual art installations

• Increase economic vitality through the arts

• Enhance public awareness of San Rafael as the hub of Marin County

Voting Criteria:

• Originality: Fresh perspectives and unique interpretations. Artworks should showcase an individual artistic voice that stands out from the other applicants.

• Technical Proficiency: A high degree of skill is necessary to ensure quality & efficiency of execution. This also means experience to complete the job.

• Consistency: A cohesive body of work often makes a stronger impact. Consistency in style, theme, or technique can demonstrate focus and will provide a clearer understanding of the artist’s approach to this project if selected.

• Presentation: This includes the quality and selection of the artworks submitted, but also how the work fits with its proposed setting and its overall visual impact.

• Artist’s Statement: A thoughtful statement will share the artist’s motivation, intent, inspiration, or process. Look for genuineness, sincerity, and excitement.

The Public Art Program is funded by a $250,000 California Arts Commission grant, awarded as part of San Rafael’s designation as one of California’s 14 Cultural Arts Districts.

The program aims to:

• Enhance San Rafael’s identity as the arts hub of Marin County.

• Increase the economic vitality of Downtown.

• Celebrate diversity and creativity through public art.

Installations are expected to begin in May/June 2026 and will be completed by Summer 2026.