Redondo Beach commission approves RFQ for Artesia Boulevard Phase 1, selects two commissioners for community panel

The Redondo Beach Cultural Arts Commission on Jan. 28 approved a request for qualifications to solicit artists for Phase 1 of the Artesia Boulevard public-art program and named two commissioners to serve on the community selection panel.

The commission voted to release a single RFQ, managed through the Submittable portal, to create an artist pool for seven different installation opportunities that staff and the consultant described as two median monuments, five bench enhancements, a bike-path crosswalk installation, and an allocation for an LGBTQ+ artwork near the North Branch library. Consultant Beau Labass of LaBasse Projects told the commission the process is two-stage: the RFQ builds a qualified pool, and later an RFP will request site-specific concepts and stipends.

Why it matters: the RFQ sets how artists will be invited, vetted and shortlisted, and it determines how John Parsons Public Art Fund dollars will be allocated for concept stipends and final commissions. Commission members pressed for clearer budget language for per-piece ranges and for outreach that ensures local artists can compete.

Staff and consultant presentation
Labass described the technical process the consultant team will use to vet applications before the community panel reviews a shorter list, saying the approach reduces panel workload and expands outreach. "Typically, we see 200 to 300 applications for these types of projects," Labass said, and the consultant will presort unqualified submissions before the panel evaluates finalists. Labass also said stipends for concept development are included in the project budgets and range by complexity.

Commissioners sought specific clarifications: multiple members asked that bench budgets be shown in a per-piece format (for example, "$8,000 × 5 benches"), and that the RFQ and associated materials explicitly encourage local artists while keeping scoring criteria that reward local connectivity. Labass said the RFQ and scoring rubric already call out inclusivity and local connection, and staff agreed to add clearer budget language on the individual opportunity pages.

Selection panel and next steps
The commission agreed the community panel will include two community members, one city staff representative (likely public works), and two Cultural Arts commissioners. After volunteers and discussion about residency and conflicts of interest, the commission selected Commissioner Melendez and Commissioner Christian Kelly as the two commissioner representatives on the panel; the motion was approved by voice vote. Staff said the commission and then city council will make final approvals of selected artworks and contract amounts that will draw from the John Parsons Public Art Fund.

Public comment and ancillary items
Members of the public urged cohesion across the corridor and proposed themes and local outreach; one resident suggested salvaging and reusing existing signs or design motifs to preserve historic character. Commissioners also asked staff to make the John Parsons fund report a recurring liaison item on future agendas and to notify members when related council items will appear so they can attend.

What happens next: staff will incorporate the minor edits discussed, release the RFQ, open a two-week question period for applicants, and allow roughly two months for applications before the consultant and community panel shortlist finalists. Final artworks and contracts will return to the commission and then to city council for approval; the target installation completion window for Phase 1 is July 31, 2027.