FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Kate Patterson, San Francisco Arts Commission
Tel: 415-252-4638 E: Kate.Patterson@sfgov.org

KEITH HARING SCULPTURE REMOVED FROM MOSCONE CENTER
FOR RESTORATION

Keith Haring Foundation contributes $65,000 towards restoration 
SAN FRANCISCO, April 24, 2012- The San Francisco Arts Commission has temporarily removed the colorful, three-figure sculpture by famed pop artist Keith Haring located on the corner of 3rd and Howard streets at Moscone Center. The sculpture was removed for a comprehensive restoration that will include: cleaning, removing vandalism such as tagging, addressing any corrosion issues, and a complete repainting.  In addition to the conservation work, the sculpture's pedestal will be updated with new light fixtures to illuminate the artwork at night. The restoration project is being generously funded with a $65,000 grant from the Keith Haring Foundation along with approximately $10,000 in private donations to ArtCare, the city's fund dedicated to the care and maintenance of the Civic Art Collection. The sculpture will be re-installed in the summer of 2012.

"We are so grateful to the Keith Haring Foundation and to our ArtCare donors for making this restoration possible," said Director of Cultural Affairs Ton DeCaigny. "San Francisco is home to one of the most prestigious public art collections in the country. However, in recent years, we've had to find creative ways to raise the funds we need to provide a high level of care to a collection that is aging and vulnerable to the elements. I hope this recent success inspires people to share the responsibility of caring for this collection so that it can be enjoyed for years to come."

Keith Haring's Untitled (Three dancing Figures), 1989 was purchased and installed by the city in 2001 with art enrichment funds generated by the expansion of the Moscone Convention Center. The purchase came on the heels of a wildly successful temporary exhibition of the artist's sculptural works throughout the city. For the artist's biography, visit http://www.haring.com/about_haring/bio/index.html.

About ArtCare
San Francisco is home to a world-renowned Civic Art Collection consisting of some 4,000 artworks valued in excess of $90 million. This collection helps distinguish San Francisco as an important cultural destination. Unfortunately, due to limitations set upon the funding sources used to commission new artwork and the city's budget crises, the Arts Commission has received inadequate funding to restore many of the works in the collection. Established in 2010 in partnership with the San Francisco Art Dealers Association, ArtCare is a fund dedicated to the conservation and maintenance of the Civic Art Collection. ArtCare provides a vehicle for the private sector to become involved with preserving the city's public monuments and artworks so that future generations can enjoy these works for many years to come.

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