Welcome to the Public Art Deaccessioned Art page! This page features and honors art that has been removed from the City's for public view, yet still remains in the City's Public Art Inventory.

Art that is permanently removed from a collection is considered deaccessioned.  Art museums, libraries, municipalities and other collecting institutions may use a deaccession process to remove pieces from their collections for a variety of reasons. 

Explore our Deaccessioned Art

Learn about the artists behind the City's deaccessioned art.

Deaccessioned Art Process 

This process outlines the necessary steps and considerations for the relocation, alteration, or removal of City-owned artworks, with separate procedures for temporary and permanent pieces. Changes may be required for various reasons, but they must be handled with caution to preserve the integrity of the artwork, respect the artist's interests, and address the needs of the community. Whether dealing with temporary or permanent art, any action involving relocation, alteration, or removal must align with the City’s Visual Arts in Public Places program goals.

Reasons for Relocation, Alteration, or Removal of Permanent Artworks

Permanent City-owned artworks may need to be relocated, altered, or removed from public display under the following circumstances:

1. Significant Site Changes: Major alterations in the design or function of the site or facility where the artwork is located that no longer supports the original placement or vision of the work.

2. Protection of the Artwork: When the artwork is at risk of damage due to construction, vandalism, environmental hazards, or natural disasters, temporary or permanent relocation may be necessary to preserve the piece.

3. Necessary Repairs or Restoration: Some maintenance or restoration efforts may require the artwork to be moved to a new location or temporarily removed to facilitate proper care and conservation.

4. Public Health and Safety:  Artworks that pose a risk to public safety or health must be addressed, which may include modifying or relocating them to prevent harm.

5. Promotion of Public Interest: Occasionally, removal or relocation may be necessary to support the evolving goals of the City's public art program or to serve a greater public interest.

Approval Process for Relocation, Alteration, or Removal

While relocation or removal may be necessary in some cases, it should be viewed as a last resort, given that most artworks are created with a specific site and context in mind. The following steps must be taken to ensure compliance with legal standards and the rights of all stakeholders:

1. Initial Review: A thorough assessment will be conducted by the Public Art Coordinator in consultation with relevant city departments, the artist (if possible), and stakeholders to determine if relocation, alteration, or removal is necessary and feasible. This review will include considerations of the artist’s original intent, the significance of the artwork in its current context, and potential alternative solutions.

2. Legal Considerations: In accordance with state laws, such as California's "moral rights" protections for artists, any alteration or removal must ensure the artist's rights are upheld. This includes safeguarding the artwork against unauthorized changes or destruction.

3. Public Notification and Input: Before any final decisions are made, the public will be informed of the proposed changes, and feedback will be sought from the community to gauge public sentiment and concerns.

4. City Council Approval: Any decision to relocate, alter, or remove City-owned artworks must receive formal approval from the City Council. This ensures transparency and adherence to the city’s public art policy and goals. Only after all considerations and consultations have been completed will the City Council vote on the proposed action.

Post-Approval Actions

Once the relocation, alteration, or removal is approved, the following actions will be taken:

1. Artist Consultation: The artist will be notified of the decision, and efforts will be made to engage them in the process, especially in the case of alterations or potential relocation to a new site. 

2. Documentation: Full documentation of the artwork, its original site, and the reasons for relocation, alteration, or removal will be preserved in the City’s Public Art Archive. This ensures transparency and maintains historical records.

3. Relocation or Removal Process: The artwork will be safely relocated or removed in accordance with professional conservation practices, ensuring minimal risk to the integrity of the piece.

4. Public Communication:  A public announcement will follow the approved action, explaining the reasons for the change, acknowledging community feedback, and highlighting the City’s continued commitment to supporting public art.

Relocation, Alteration, or Deaccession of Temporary Artworks

Duration of Box Art Display

• Downtown Core: Utility Box Art murals in the Downtown Core will be on display for 3 to 5 years, with a regular refresh schedule to promote economic vitality and attract visitors.

• Other Locations: Outside the Downtown Core, murals will remain on display for up to 10 years, ensuring long-term engagement in residential areas and less-trafficked locations.

Deaccessioning Criteria

Utility Box Art murals may be deaccessioned under the following circumstances:

• Significant Repairs: Murals subject to extensive graffiti, vandalism, or damage from traffic signal casings or mechanical upgrades will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine whether repair or replacement is necessary. If significant repairs are needed, the box will be prioritized for the next painting phase.

• Location-Based Refreshing: Boxes in the Downtown Core will be deaccessioned and refreshed every 3 to 5 years, while those in other locations will be refreshed approximately every 10 years, based on maintenance needs and available funding.

Archival and Deaccessioning of Box Art Murals

At the end of the mural’s lifespan or when deaccessioned due to repairs, relocation, or other reasons, the artwork will be archived to preserve its historical and cultural significance.

• Archival Process: To maintain the legacy of the Utility Box Art program, both print and digital archival methods will be employed. This could include:

  • Print materials such as brochures, interactive coloring books, postcards, and commemorative books.
  • Digital resources such as high-quality images, virtual tours, and a searchable database accessible through the City’s website.

This process reflects the City’s commitment to maintaining and evolving the Utility Box Art program while respecting the lifecycle of temporary public art.