Cultural Commission | City of Santa Clara

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The Cultural Commission acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council in matters pertaining to the enhancement of multi-cultural experiences and beautification of the City through art.

Upcoming Meetings

For current and past meeting agendas and materials, visit Legistar. Below are some general details:

When: Generally meets on the 1st Monday of each month at 7 p.m.
Where: Santa Clara Senior Center - Room 205, 1303 Fremont St.
City Staff Liaison: Robin Shaddle, Recreation Supervisor, 408-615-3154

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Events & Programs

2025-26 Temporary Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit

The Santa Clara Cultural Commission is excited to announce the installation of a temporary sculpture exhibit at City Hall Plaza. Created by Adrian Landon, "Nebula Rider" is a 2,500-pound, self-standing Pegasus sculpture made of stainless steel and aluminum. The sculpture is on display at City Hall Plaza, 1500 Warburton Ave. until May 22, 2026. For more information about the artist, visit his website.

Silver Pegasus Sculpture in front of a sunset

Sculpture Theme

"Catalyst - A New Possibility" invites exploration of the transformative power of change and the emergence of new realities. Ultimately, "Catalyst - A New Possibility" encourages artists to embrace change as a source of inspiration and to use their art to envision a better future.

Change as a Force: Art could depict change as a dynamic, often unpredictable force, like a rushing river, a volcanic eruption, or a sudden shift in perspective.
The Catalyst: Art can demonstrate the catalysts – the sparks that ignite change. This could be a single event, an individual, an idea, or even a seemingly insignificant occurrence. Consider representing catalysts as vibrant colors, unexpected juxtapositions, symbolic objects, or an interactive “nudge” that redirects kinetic energy.
Emergence of New Possibilities: The focus shifts to the outcomes of change – the new realities, unforeseen opportunities, and potential for growth that emerge. Ultimately, "Catalyst - A New Possibility" encourages artists to embrace change as a source of inspiration and to use their art to envision a better future.

Concerts in the Park

Street Dance

Home Decorating Contests

Utility Box Art Program

The goal of this program is for artists to capture and interpret the unique essence of Santa Clara by creating visuals that tell the City’s evolving story. In doing so, plain metal traffic control boxes are transformed into community-inspired art. Check out the Utility Box Art Program webpage for more details.

Explore the live story map of public art, murals, and statues around the city, including all completed utility boxes.

Commissioners

Debra von Huene
Chair
Term Expires: June 30, 2027

Candida Diaz
Vice Chair
Term Expires: June 30, 2028

Abinas Roy
Term Expires: June 30, 2027

Neetu Garg
Term Expires: June 30, 2029

Louis Samara
Term Expires: June 30, 2026

Kuku Das
Term Expires: June 30, 2028

Charles Pontious
Term Expires: June 30, 2029

How Are Commissioners Chosen?

The Cultural Commission consists of seven commissioners who are volunteers and are appointed by the City Council. To be eligible:

You must be a resident of Santa Clara.
You must be a registered voter.
You may not hold any paid office in, or be employed by, the City of Santa Clara.

For details, call the City Clerk's office at 408-615-2220. The Cultural Commission may also be reached at culturalcommission@santaclaraca.gov.

Last Updated:

04-27-2026