San Francisco to unveil Chinese New Year Snake Sculpture in Union Square celebration

This article was created by AI using a video recording of the meeting. It summarizes the key points discussed, but for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Link to Full Meeting

The San Francisco City Commission meeting on January 6, 2025, featured a proposal for a temporary public art installation titled the Chinese New Year Snake Sculpture. The initiative, presented by Mary Chu, the director of the civic art collection and public art program, aims to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year by displaying the sculpture at Union Square, specifically at the corner of Powell and Post Streets.

This project is part of a series of installations organized by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, which have been approved by the commission in previous years. Notably, the last installation was a dragon sculpture displayed in 2024. The tradition of showcasing zodiac sculptures began in 2021 as a response to the cancellation of the Chinese New Year parade in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative symbolizes resilience and strength within the Chinese community in San Francisco.

Tony Lau, the director of the Chinese New Year Festival and parade, elaborated on the significance of the sculpture for this year, which represents the Year of the Snake. He emphasized the importance of continuing the celebration of Chinese New Year despite past challenges, stating that the Chamber of Commerce aims to bring the festivities directly to the community. This year’s event will include opportunities for visitors to engage with the installation through photo contests and social media, fostering a sense of community and cultural pride.

The commission's approval of this project underscores the city's commitment to supporting cultural celebrations and public art initiatives, enhancing the vibrancy of San Francisco's diverse community.

Converted from City of San Francisco - Video Open Video Only in Windows Media Player - Jan 06, 2025 meeting on January 06, 2025
Link to Full Meeting