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CAC Public Art Subcommittee - ACTION ITEM: (1) Discussion of Culver Current by Nate Mohler related to current status and proposed updates to the temporary art installation including deaccessioning plan in 2028; (2) Provide Comments as Appropriate; and (3) Make Recommendations to Cultural Affairs Commission
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Meeting Date: September 30, 2026
Contact Person/Dept: Sally Unsworth / City Manager - Office of Economic & Cultural Development
Phone Number: (310) 253-6003
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: Yes [] No [X]
Public Notification: Meetings and Agendas - Cultural Affairs Standing Public Art Subcommittee (09/28/26)
Department Approval: N/A
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RECOMMENDATION
Cultural Affairs Staff recommends that the Standing Public Art Subcommittee (1) Discuss Culver Current by Nate Mohler, including its current technical status, proposed maintenance/operational updates, show programming, and deaccessioning/demolition plans; (2) Provide comments as appropriate; and (3) Make recommendations to the full Cultural Affairs Commission regarding the project’s future roadmap and contingency plans.
BACKGROUND
Culver Current, an interactive dynamic digital sculpture created by artist Nate Mohler, was commissioned under the Culver City Arts in Public Places program. Opened in December 2019 at City Hall’s central fountain, it was initially commissioned as a temporary one-year installation. The artwork consists of custom thermoformed, CNC-milled Corian® housing 494 internal addressable LED panels displaying generative digital video artwork.
Having outlived its initial one-year timeframe, the artwork has remained active for six years, serving as a recognizable visual anchor to the front of Culver City Hall. As the installation approaches the 2027-2028 timeframe, staff and the artist team have prepared an evaluation of its current physical and technical condition, proposed operational upgrades, a final exhibition schedule, and a plan for eventual deaccessioning and removal.
DISCUSSION
Key highlights from artist presentation and discussion with staff:
• Current Operational & Technical Status: The core LED tiles and physical structure have proven durable. However, internal computer components and portable Wi-Fi hotspots are prone to failure from summer heat and constant use. Power supply cooling fans were replaced in 2024 with a central circulation fan. The outer Corian® shell requires cleaning, potential light sanding, and roof re-caulking.
• Proposed Operational Improvements: To increase system uptime and remote monitoring, the artist proposes installing a dedicated, exterior weatherproof Wi-Fi lockbox near the garage steps, establishing remote media upload capabilities, implementing a quarterly cleaning schedule, and maintaining full-night illumination.
• Show Schedule (2026-2028): The artist proposes introducing two new light and animation shows per year (Spring/Fall) leading into 2028, along with special themed animations (e.g., Olympic sports iconography). Estimated show costs range from $20,000 per full 10-minute show.
• Deaccessioning & Demolition Plan: A non-invasive hand-disassembly process has been formulated with Mario Romano Studios. Removal of the outer shell and interior steel frame is estimated to take 1-2 days. The estimated total cost for removal, tools, and trucking is $10,000.
• Contingency Plan: A reserve of one-third of the LED tiles and power supplies is currently available on standby. The Subcommittee should discuss establishing a protocol on whether to conclude the project early should major system failures exceed available reserve parts.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
There is currently $20,776 remaining and available in Nate Mohler's active contract to support immediate maintenance, repairs, Wi-Fi hardware relocation, and show updates.
Proposed expanded show programming ($20,000/show) and final deaccessioning/removal ($10,000) exceeding this existing contract allocation will require dedicated additional allocation from the Cultural Trust funds upon recommendation and approval.
RECOMMENDED MOTION
That the Cultural Affairs Commission Public Art Subcommittee:
1. Discuss the current status, proposed updates, programming schedule, contract fund availability, and deaccessioning plan for Culver Current;
2. Provide comments as appropriate; and
3. Formulate recommendations for consideration by the Cultural Affairs Commission.