City offices will be closed on November 27 and 28 for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Emergency services are available 24/7. Upcoming community engagement session for the 350 Merrydale Interim Shelter Project on December 9 at Venetia Valley School from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  
Art Works Downtown mural

Public Art Program

City of San Rafael

About the Program 

San Rafael Arts District Cultural CenterThe City of San Rafael has launched a Public Art Program to enhance Downtown vitality and celebrate the city’s cultural identity. Funded by a $250,000 California Arts Council grant, the program will bring five new public art installations—including murals, mosaics, and sculptures—to highly visible locations across downtown. 

The program aims to: 

  • Enhance San Rafael’s identity as the arts hub of Marin County. 
  • Attract culturally responsive & artistically significant visual art projects for permanent installations Downtown.
  • Increase the economic vitality of Downtown. 
  • Celebrate diversity and creativity through public art. 

The program is facilitated by the arts curation firm Local Edition Creative, with guidance from the Downtown San Rafael Arts District (DSRAD) steering committee. 

Project Timeline

Horizontal project timeline from 2025 to 2026 showing key milestones. In June 2025, City Council authorizes the program and a call for artists begins. In August, semifinalists are selected by an arts jury. In October, semifinalist artwork goes to public review. In November, artwork proposals are selected. In winter, the Public Art Review Board evaluates final designs and City Council gives approval. In spring 2026, artworks are installed. By summer 2026, artworks are installed and ready to enjoy.

Public participation opportunities are highlighted in orange.

Public Participation

In June 2025, the City Council authorized the Public Art Program. The City of San Rafael announced a call for artists that ended at the end of July. In August 2025, the arts jury reviewed applications and selected semifinalists.

The public was invited to provide feedback on the semi-finalist proposals during the public comment period beginning on October 20th and ending on November 3rd, 2025. Feedback was collected through digital surveys and in-person review events on October 24 and 25, 2025.

The public comment period is now closed, but proposals remain available online for viewing only at bit.ly/sanrafaelpas.

The Public Art Program Jury will review all proposals and take all public comments into account before selecting the final designs. Selections will be presented to the Public Art Review Board in Winter 2026. The San Rafael City Council with then give final approval.

The artwork is expected to be installed by summer 2026 and enjoyed by all.

Project Locations

Five city-owned sites have been identified for artwork installations: 

  1. Court Plaza – 1000 4th Street 
  2. C Street @ 3rd Street Garage 
  3. 2nd Street @ Ida Street Retaining Wall 
  4. 2nd & 4th Street Project Lane Divider 
  5. Outside City Hall 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the selection criteria for the Public Art Program 2025 – 2026?

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. 

How are artists and artworks selected for the Public Art Program 2025 – 2026?

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.   
  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. 

How were the locations chosen for the Public Art Program 2025 – 2026?

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

Downtown San Rafael Art District (DSRAD)

The Downtown San Rafael Arts District (DSRAD) collaborates with local arts leaders, businesses, city officials, and community members to create a vibrant and engaging environment that promotes well-being, equity, and inclusivity through the arts.

Visit DSRAD.org or the California Cultural Districts

Downtown San Rafael is designated one of 14 California Cultural Arts Districts by the California Arts Council (CAC) and has received a critical grant of financial support for this project. California Cultural Districts “celebrate the diversity of California while unifying under an umbrella of shared values—helping to grow and sustain authentic grassroots arts and cultural opportunities, increasing the visibility of local artists and community participation in local arts and culture, and promoting socioeconomic and ethnic diversity.”

Get connected with the Downtown San Rafael Arts District!

 

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