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CAC Public Art Subcommittee - Consideration of (1) Artwork Acquisition of “Old Growth (New/Now)” by Alison Wright; and (2) Artwork Installation at Veterans Memorial Park as part of the Art in Public Places Program Permanent Collection; and (3) Make a Recommendation to the Cultural Affairs Commission if Desired

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Meeting Date: November 4, 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: [X]   

Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - Cultural Affairs Commission (11/2/26)

Department Approval: N/A

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RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommend that the Public Art Subcommittee of the Cultural Affairs Commission  (1) consider the presentation of a possible artwork acquisition of “Old Growth (New/ Now)” by Alison Wright; and (2) consider the possible permanent installation of the artwork at Veterans Memorial Park; and (3) consider adding the artwork to Culver City’s Art in Public Places Program’s permanent collection.

BACKGROUND/ DISCUSSION

“Old Growth (New/ Now)” is a large-scale artwork that was previously installed on National Boulevard, between Venice and Washington Boulevards.

The artist Alison Wright describes it as follows:

“Part art installation, part historical exhibition, “Old Growth (New/Now)” looks back to a time when electric poles were associated with cutting edge technology. The installation consists of an array of glass panels imprinted with imagery related to the area’s history, which are mounted to cross arms on actual electric poles, like those that originally served the Red Car Trolley Line. The denser development occurring near new transit corridors today is pushing the art installation, “Old Growth (New/Now)” to seek a new location. The artwork is solar powered because “Old Growth (New/Now)” tells the story of the electric pole’s change from old growth tree to influencer of the development of cities by providing electrification with transportation, followed by its contemporaneous obsolescence making way for alternative energy sources.

Among the images on display are historical photos from the archives of Southern California Edison and the Culver City Historical Society, including an image of the Big Creek Waterfall from 1921, a source of some of Los Angeles’ early electricity. The installation’s two 40-foot-tall poles are not connected by power lines. Instead, the solar-powered artwork glows in the dark, illuminating the night sky in a celebration of evolving technology. “Old Growth (New/Now)” is a good example of how public art can be fixed but provide a variety of experiences. The appearance of the glass panels varies by the seasons, the weather and the time of day. Lower information panels on the poles give more detailed information for the pedestrian passerby who one day decides they are curious and have an extra moment to spare.”

Cultural Affairs staff have discussed the possible acquisition with both Hope Parrish, Culver City Historian and Tomas Herrera-Mishler, PRCS Director. Both are in support of acquiring the artwork and siting it on the exterior of the Veteran’s Memorial Building near the parking lot and entrance to the Culver City Historical Society.

The attached presentations were prepared by the artist, Alison Wright, for consideration by the Public Art Subcommittee for possible acquisition and installation of the artwork.

FISCAL ANALYSIS

The cost for acquisition, transportation, and installation has been estimated, by Alison Wright, to be $62,900. There are additional City staff costs associated with project coordination, preparation of a covenant, documentation and materials.

ATTACHMENTS

1.                     2026-11-04_ATT 1_Old Growth (New/Now) at Veterans Memorial Park Proposal

2.                     2026-11-04_ATT 2_Presentation of Old Growth (New/Now) by Alison Wright

MOTION

That the CAC Public Art Subcommittee:

1.                     Consider an Artwork Acquisition of “Old Growth (New/Now)” by Alison Wright; and

2.                     Consider Installation of Artwork at Veterans Memorial Park as part of the Art in Public Places Program Permanent Collection; and

3.                     Make a Recommendation to the Cultural Affairs Commission if Desired