New Public Art Curatorial Strategy Will Reflect Special Nature of Port Tidelands

Friday, 10 February 2012
Contact: John Gilmore (619) 686-6222, (619) 686-7206

The Port of San Diego is implementing its first comprehensive public art curatorial strategy, which outlines a new innovative approach to public art commissions and exhibitions for the Port District's tidelands.

Envisioned are projects by local, state, national and international artists whose works will underscore the Port District's role as an environmental steward, an economic engine and a provider of community services.

•  Public Art Curatorial Strategy 2012-2016 (1002.49 kB)

Projects, for example, will include commissioned artworks relating to climate, light, water and import and export of goods and materials shipped through the Port.

"This new strategy is going to help shape the visual look and character of the waterfront for years to come," said Board of Port Commissioners Chairman Lou Smith. "We envision artworks that are going to reflect the diversity of the Port and that are going to draw more people to the tidelands."

The Board of Port Commissioners approved the five-year public art strategy in January 2012.

The curatorial strategy was developed by the Public Art Office with guidance from the Public Art Committee, a 13-member group composed of volunteer visual arts professionals. The strategy is designed to heighten the public's appreciation of public art and to provide a diversity of artworks – both large-scale and small - to be exhibited on Port lands.

"It is a forward-thinking and dynamic strategy that will serve as a catalyst in bringing innovative new forms of public art to the tidelands," said Port District Public Art Curator Yvonne Wise.

Included in the curatorial strategy is the launch of an artist residency program in which artists will conduct in-depth exploration of the working port, culminating in a final project that reflects the Port's maritime industry.

The Port's Public Art initiatives began in the early 1980s as a way of providing a community service, improving the look of the waterfront in each of the Port's five-member cities and attracting people to the tidelands.

The Port's Public Art Office is committed to presenting opportunities for residents and visitors to the region to experience public art that embodies the essence of the Port's maritime, environmental and civic character. The Public Art Office encourages the creative expression of artists in order to enhance the visual excitement, aesthetic appeal and cultural richness of the tidelands.

The Port of San Diego was created by the state legislature in 1962. Since then, it has invested $1.7 billion in public improvements in its five member cities – Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City and San Diego.

The Port District oversees two maritime cargo terminals, two cruise ship terminals, 17 public parks, the Harbor Police Department and the leases of more than 600 tenant and sub tenant businesses around San Diego Bay.