Five finalists advance in convention-center public-art contest; CIB to release list Jan. 21

The public-art subcommittee updated the commission on the convention-center artwork selection. Commissioners learned the competition drew more than 100 applications and that staff and reviewers have narrowed that field to five finalists.

"So that list will actually be released on January 21 at the CIB meeting," one presenter said, describing a timeline that includes public feedback on finalists and a final selection in May. Presenters emphasized that the Capital Improvement Board (CIB) — which manages the convention-center funding pot — has final authority over the selection and that the arts commission’s subcommittee provided recommendations to the CIB’s recommendation committee.

Commissioners asked how public feedback will be gathered; presenters said proposals and design materials will be posted online for public comment and that commission members may be invited to sit in on interviews. Reviewers named in the meeting included Natalie Amanza and Maya Michelson; commissioners said both internal review and external expert reviewers were used to narrow the field.

No formal vote or final decision occurred at the meeting; staff said the commission’s role is to recommend and facilitate public engagement while the CIB makes the funding determination.