Summary
- In partnership with London-based artist Joshua Sofaer, we provided project management and community engagement leadership
- public art initiative commissioned by the Cities of Sacramento and West Sacramento and funded by the National Endowment for the Arts
- The project culminated in a permanent lightbox installation honoring two cherished community members
- Through writing workshops, public meetings, and partnerships with local organizations, we engaged over 650 residents, gathering personal stories and nominations
- River Crossing exemplifies socially engaged public art, transforming civic spaces into platforms for connection, remembrance, and cultural storytelling
Project Goals
- Engage a large, diverse group of Sacramento and West Sacramento residents in nominating individuals (living or deceased) whose names would be assigned to the Sacramento Dock and West Sacramento Dock
- Facilitate meaningful community-driven storytelling through workshops and events
- Use public art as a platform to amplify community voices and foster cross-city connection
Problems We Solved
- The artist’s remote location made in-person meetings, events, and workshops impossible without a trusted local partner
- A need to authentically engage individuals from a broad range of backgrounds, including historically marginalized groups, without existing regional connections
- Limited direct relationships between the artist and local organizations, which were critical for community participation
Why They Chose Art Tonic
As an international artist based in London, Joshua Sofaer required a Sacramento-based project manager to serve as on-the-ground support, manage logistics, and lead extensive community engagement. Art Tonic’s established relationships with local organizations and familiarity with the region’s communities made us the ideal partner to deliver authentic and inclusive outreach for this socially engaged public art project.
Services Provided
Art Tonic provided end-to-end project management tailored for socially engaged public art:
- Regular project coordination with the artist and city representatives
- Developed a community-centered marketing strategy alongside the Sacramento Office of Arts and Culture
- Hired and managed a project team, including a graphic designer/animator, website developer, social media manager, and writing instructor
- Assembled a diverse judges panel of respected local residents to select the final dock names from 650+ nominations
- Produced a printed publication featuring the two honorees and 31 additional individuals whose nominations resonated deeply with the judges
- Researched and recommended vendors for the art installation and maintenance of the lightboxes
- Organized a public celebration and dedication event at the Sacramento Dock
Strategies for Community Engagement
- Hosted writing workshops to guide residents in composing nominations
- Set up booths at major community events in both cities to promote the project and collect nominations
- Recruited and trained 20 volunteer Art Ambassadors to raise awareness and gather nominations at community gatherings, including Sacramento Pride and River City Marketplace
- Conducted outreach to marginalized community members, including seniors in nursing homes, community centers, and Indigenous groups, ensuring broad, equitable participation
Results and Impact
- 650+ nominations received from residents and community members
- 3,000+ individuals engaged through workshops, community events, and direct outreach
- Installed two large-scale lightbox artworks spelling out the new names of the docks — Isabel S. Naranjo (Sacramento Dock) and Etenesh Zeleke (West Sacramento Dock) — in international maritime signal flags
- Launched a dedicated website and printed publication highlighting the honorees and a selection of 31 other compelling nominations
- Strengthened civic connection between Sacramento and West Sacramento through public art and shared community storytelling
What the Client and Community Experienced
- Relief and confidence from the artist and city partners, knowing there was capable, trusted local leadership facilitating crucial in-person engagement
- Community pride in public artworks honoring beloved local figures and reflecting the region’s values of inclusion, immigration, and diversity
- Strengthened civic ties between Sacramento and West Sacramento, using art as a vehicle for unity and shared identity
- Visually striking lightbox artworks now serve as cultural landmarks, symbolizing connection across the Sacramento River
