County of Santa Clara Public Art Program Enlivens Community Spaces
SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF. – Public art is a way for a community to express its unique personality. It can even be a source of civic pride and cohesion.
Recognizing the importance of public art to our regional culture and economy, the County of Santa Clara established the One Percent for Public Art policy, which allocates 1% of the funding from most of the County’s large capital projects for art that is accessible to the public.
The program has produced a pair of remarkable installations so far, one at the Vietnamese American Services Center (VASC) in San José and the other at the Animal Services Center in San Martin, with more on the way.
“When you travel to other communities, one of the first things you look at is: What kind of art do they have?” said Cindy Chavez, who recently stepped down from the Board of Supervisors after serving two terms. “Because it tells you a little bit about the community they’re in. Do they spend money on art? Is it embedded in their buildings? How does it reflect the culture and the feeling and the vibe you have in that community?”
The colorful lighting design on the exterior of the VASC was created by California-based artist Kyungmi Shin, who has also done commissions for Netflix and the Intuit Dome, the new home of the Los Angeles Clippers. The cost of the project was $250,000.
The installation at the Animal Services Center, which features pixelated images of shelter animals, is the brainchild of artist Ivan Depeña, who is based in North Carolina. The installation of an engaging video and five metal panels outside the 37,000-square-foot facility cost $385,000.
There are two other projects in development at Valley Health Center Morgan Hill and the new Child, Adolescent and Behavioral Health Services Center that’s under construction in San José.
The One Percent for Public Art policy applies to large construction or renovation projects on County property that will be accessible to the public. Funds generated under the policy can be used on the project in question or publicly accessible areas of other County facilities.
In addition to One Percent for Public Art, the County directs all its hotel tax revenue every year, about $700,000, to SV Creates, a community partner that funds local arts organizations.
Art provides joy and delight as well as solace in the face of tragedy, said Deputy County Executive Sylvia Gallegos, who serves as the County’s public art administrator. It also helps define a community.
“We hope through our public art program that we help build a sense of place and build a sense of community identity,” Gallegos said.