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CAC - ACTION ITEM: Consideration of (1) a Recommendation by the Public Art Subcommittee Pertaining to Art Installation “Culver Current” by Nate Mohler; (2) an Artist Proposal Related to Current Status and Proposed Updates Including Deaccessioning Plan in 2028; and (3) Provide Comment as Appropriate.
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Meeting Date: October 20, 2026
Contact Person/Dept: Sally Unsworth / City Manager - Cultural Affairs
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 (10/14/26)
Department Approval: N/A
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommend that the Cultural Affairs Commission (CAC) (1) Consider a recommendation by the Public Art Subcommittee pertaining to Art Installation “Culver Current” by Nate Mohler; and (2) Consider a proposal from Artist related to current technical status, proposed maintenance/operational updates, show programming, and deaccessioning/demolition plans; and (3) Receive updates from staff regarding a contract amendment and terms; and (4) Provide comments as appropriate.
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
At a Special Meeting on September 30, 2026, the CAC Public Art Subcommittee considered a detailed proposal and presentation by Nate Mohler regarding current operation, technical status, operational improvements, potential show schedule for 2026 to 2028, deaccessioning plan, and demolition plan.
Staff also provided detailed background about the history, the ongoing maintenance, plans for improvement, status and terms of the services agreement, and options for the next one, two or three years of the artwork installation.
Based on these presentations, and in consultation with staff, the CAC Public Art Subcommittee recommends the following strategy, work plan, and contract amendment for the Artist and for “Culver Current”.
• Execute immediate repairs and improvements needed to increase system uptime and remote monitoring, including purchase and installation of new equipment; and
• Accept the Artist proposal to create one new 10-minute light and animation show in 2026 - 2027; and
• Encumber necessary funds to be reserved for deaccessioning and demolition (non-invasive hand-disassembly costs estimated at $10,000 for removal, tools, and trucking); and
• In approximately one year, the Public Art Subcommittee and staff shall analyze the functioning and durability of the temporary artwork, and its ongoing status in City Hall courtyard.
• At that time the Subcommittee will have the option to authorize the Artist to create a second new 10-minute light and animation show for 2028 along with special themed display (e.g., Olympic sports iconography).
Staff will carry out the necessary contract and amendments to implement this plan.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
There is approximately $20,000 available in Nate Mohler's currently active professional services agreement that will be used for immediate maintenance, repairs, hardware relocation, and one new show in 2026-2027.
Additional $10,000 will be encumbered and allocated for final deaccessioning/removal. Additional $20,000 will be included for possible creation and implementation of another show in 2028 (based on status review and with additional consent from the CAC Public Art Subcommittee). The Adopted Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2057 includes sufficient funding for the recommended amendment in CIP Account No. PZ676 (Temporary Art Displays & Exhibits) which can be found in the Capital Improvement section of the budget book under Cultural Trust Fund (Fund 413).
RECOMMENDED MOTION
That the Cultural Affairs Commission:
1. Consistent with the recommendation from the Public Art Subcommittee, accept the Artist Proposal for immediate repairs, equipment upgrades, and for creation of one new light/animation show for “Culver Current”;
and
2. Recommend allocation of Cultural Trust funds for future deaccession plan and for potential additional show in 2028;
and
3. Authorize the Public Art Subcommittee to make future determination if Artist will create show for 2028.