The San Francisco Arts Commission convened on July 4, 2025, to discuss significant cultural initiatives, including an exhibition inspired by the writings of activist Esex Hemphill and updates on the "Shaping Legacy" project focused on the city's monuments and memorials.

The meeting began with a presentation on a new exhibition featuring four artists: Carrie Johnson Riggs, Jay Rivera Panza, Andres Singleton, and Sherry Cole De La Rose. Each artist brings a unique perspective, exploring themes of identity, community, and the complexities of race and queerness. Riggs, a New Jersey-based artist, uses paper construction to create vibrant scenes that reflect on kinship and belonging. Rivera Panza, from Oakland, employs sculpture and performance to highlight the agency of overlooked objects. Singleton, also from Oakland, is a multidisciplinary artist and activist whose work celebrates the African diaspora. De La Rose, a queer Filipinx artist, challenges colonial narratives through various mediums, including performance and sculpture.

Commissioners expressed appreciation for the exhibition's focus on diverse representation and the courage of the artists involved. They acknowledged the importance of public expression of identity and the extensive research required to curate such a show.

Following the exhibition discussion, the meeting transitioned to the "Shaping Legacy" project, led by Director of Cultural Affairs Ralph Remington. This initiative aims to assess and re-evaluate the city's monuments and memorials to ensure they reflect the diversity of San Francisco's communities. Remington emphasized the need for an equity audit to address historical imbalances in representation, particularly concerning women and marginalized groups.

Angela Carriere provided an update on the project's progress, highlighting the involvement of a 13-member advisory committee composed of community leaders and art experts. This committee has been instrumental in recommending updates to public art policies and guidelines, ensuring that the narratives associated with monuments align with contemporary values.

The meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to confront the legacy of white supremacy, patriarchy, and colonialism in public art. The Arts Commission aims to create a more inclusive representation of San Francisco's history and communities through these initiatives.

As the meeting concluded, no public comments were made, and the commissioners expressed their commitment to continuing this vital work. The discussions highlighted the importance of recognizing and honoring the diverse stories that shape the city's identity, paving the way for future actions and implementations in public art.