The program aims to: Enhance San Rafael’s identity as the arts hub of Marin County. Increase the economic vitality of Downtown. Celebrate diversity and creativity through public art.
The Public Art Program is funded by a $250,000 California Arts Commission grant, awarded as part of San Rafael’s designation as one of California’s 14 Cultural Arts Districts.
Art works are being reviewed by Jurists with the following goals and criteria in mind. Artwork Goals: - Attract culturally responsive & artistically significant visual art installations Increase economic vitality through the arts Enhance public awareness of San Rafael as the hub of Marin County Voting Criteria: Originality: Fresh perspectives and unique interpretations. Artworks should...
The process includes: Call for Artists – Between June 27 and July 25, 2025, an open call for artists was published on the Call For Artist Entry (CaFÉ) website. The call is now closed, however information is still available at the links below. Three (3) mural opportunities for artists and artist teams residing in California. ...
Share feedback through digital surveys and in-person review events in October 2025. Attend the Public Art Review Board meeting (January 2026) and City Council review (Feb 2026) to provide public comment.
Local Edition Creative is an arts consulting and production agency with experience delivering impactful public art projects across the Bay Area. They partner with municipalities, businesses, and artists to produce meaningful arts and culture experiences.
The Downtown San Rafael Arts District is a collaboration of local arts leaders, businesses, city officials, and community members. It grew from the leadership of Youth in Arts, Marin Society of Artists, California Film Institute, Art Works Downtown, and the Downtown San Rafael Business Improvement District. Its mission is to promote well-being, equity, and inclusivity...
The San Rafael Police Department is continuing to investigate the origin and cause of the apartment fire at 516 Canal St. We are requesting the public’s assistance in obtaining witness information, photos, and videos of the fire incident. If you have any information about the fire, please call the San Rafael Police Department at 415-485-3000....
Tonight, all of the residents who were displaced after the apartment fire transitioned from the shelter at Albert J. Boro Center into short term housing. Please refrain from bringing donations to the Albert J. Boro Community Center. All community programs are cancelled over the weekend, and will resume on Monday. Canal Alliance and Marin Community...
At 5:36 a.m. yesterday, the San Rafael Fire Department responded to a major structure fire at 516 Canal Street. The cause of the fire, originally listed as undetermined, is now classified as suspicious. Today, investigators located a deceased victim on the back side of the apartment complex. We do not know the identity of the...
The Bayside Acres Beach Sewer Relocation Project - Phase B2 began on February 25th. The installation of five residential pump systems, and site restorations took place within a two month period. As of August 2025, the project is 90% complete. The Contractor is working with the District and PG&E to ensure a residential electrical system...
The Bayside Acres Beach Sewer Relocation Project - Phase B1 was successfully completed on September 18th, 2024. A Notice of Completion was filed with the County of Marin on October 30th, 2024, and recorded on November 5, 2024. For further information about the project, please contact, Cindy Diaz, Project Engineer, via email at cindy.diaz@cityofsanrafael.org.
PG&E will be working and closing the road on St Francis Ln at Palm Ave to conduct electrical work. The closure will happen Monday, 8/25, between 9am-3pm. They have an approved encroachment permit EP2401-023, and affected properties have been notified. Please note St Francis Ln is a dead-end street, and ends in a cul-de-sac, so...
5:30 Update on the city’s response to the Canal St. Apartment fire. Currently, we have 58 people who are registered at the registered at shelter. The City has provided cots, and are serving dinner and breakfast. Members of the public should come to Al Boro Center if they are displaced or need resources. Dinner and...
San Rafael, CA – At 5:36 a.m. this morning, 911 dispatchers received a report of a structure fire at a three-story, wood-frame apartment complex located at 516 Canal Street, where approximately 55 people lived. When the first San Rafael Fire Department units—just blocks away—arrived, the building was already fully engulfed. Residents were fleeing, and firefighters...
