The San Mateo City Council recently greenlit the acclaimed artist Rafael Blanco for the Racial Equity Art Project, scheduled to be showcased at the B Street Pedestrian Mall in Downtown San Mateo from October 2 through October 31. According to the City of San Mateo, the project, first pitched on June 20, is designed to provoke dialogue about the import of racial equity and foster community unity.

In collaboration with Blanco, the Civic Arts Committee (CAC) spent time fine-tuning the design for this project. The CAC held a study session on August 14, receiving public feedback, as well as input from the City Council and the CAC itself, on his preliminary designs. Post these deliberations and revisions, Blanco's final designs achieved unanimous approval on September 11.

Likewise, the Racial Equity Art Project plans to showcase the contributions of diverse racial and ethnic groups to the history of San Mateo. At the helm of the project, Rafael Blanco aims to open dialogues about greater city-wide equality. Leading such work, Blanco is set to make this project a major conversation catalyst in the community.