In a recent meeting, the San Francisco Arts Commission outlined significant developments regarding the city's monuments and memorials, emphasizing a commitment to equity and community engagement. This initiative, titled "Shaping Legacy," is driven by recommendations from the NMAC report, which focuses on power, justice, and representation in public art.

The commission announced that San Francisco is one of nine municipalities nationwide to receive a $3 million grant from the Mellon Foundation as part of the Monuments Project initiative. This funding will support a three-year effort to critically assess and reimagine the city's civic art collection, ensuring it reflects a more inclusive narrative of history. The president of the Mellon Foundation, Elizabeth Alexander, highlighted the importance of transforming the commemorative landscape to better convey the complexities of history and inspire public spaces.

The "Shaping Legacy" project aims to engage communities historically excluded from discussions about public art. It will include an equity audit to identify inequities in the current monuments and memorials, leading to recommendations for removal, relocation, or contextualization of certain pieces. The project will also facilitate artist-led activations and temporary installations that envision future monuments.

During the meeting, commissioners discussed the importance of reaching out to underrepresented communities, particularly those that may not have established organizations to advocate for their interests. Commissioner Hakimi raised concerns about ensuring that the voices of newer immigrant communities, including BIPOC queer women and the SWANA community, are included in the engagement process. The Arts Commission acknowledged the need for ongoing dialogue and input from diverse community members to shape the project effectively.

The commission is currently in the initial phase of the project, which includes hiring staff, conducting the equity audit, and engaging with artist advisors. A final report is expected to be released in early 2025, detailing findings and recommendations based on the audit.

As the project progresses, the Arts Commission is committed to transparency and accountability, recognizing that confronting historical and current injustices requires humility and a willingness to learn. The initiative represents a significant step towards creating a more equitable public art landscape in San Francisco, one that honors the complexity of its diverse communities and histories.