Introduction
Contemporary art has been an integral part of the development of UCSF Mission Bay since its inception. The growing collection includes a diverse array of large-scale site specific installations, sculpture, design, painting, drawing, and photography by over 40 internationally recognized artists, including many who live and work in California.
An ardent advocate of the arts, Chancellor Mike Bishop pledged one percent of UCSF Mission Bay construction costs to establish initial funding for a public art program, later to be augmented by gifts. As is the case at other UCSF sites, Chancellor Bishop is committed to enriching campus life at Mission Bay by integrating a wide range of art into public space, reflecting the diversity of the community and representing various artistic disciplines and points of view.
"Our purpose is to create an environment that will be a credit and benefit to the entire community, a stimulating and pleasant place to work and visit, and a permanent legacy to the city," said Chancellor Bishop in March 1999, when he first appointed the Mission Bay Art Planning Committee to develop a world-class public art program at the site.
Broadly representative of the UCSF community, the committee works closely with an art advisory board, created at the committee's recommendation to guide its efforts. The board comprises four leading art experts who together assist in the selection of artists by making recommendations to the committee. Ultimately, the committee recommends commissions, acquisitions, and loans of works to the chancellor.