Introducing the Golden Mile Project
Illuminate is leading an ambitious activation of a mile-long stretch of JFK Promenade in Golden Gate Park.
This fast-moving effort, which brings a tapestry of civic groups, diverse artists, and community partners, will reveal the promise and potential of the newly minted former roadway – turned promenade – which became permanently car-free in April per a San Francisco Board of Supervisors vote. A November ballot measure now threatens this oasis.
Temporary activations will include 12 large-scale street murals, live music on two stages every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, a weekend beer garden, grand pianos in the middle of JFK, the addition of 100 golden Adirondack chairs, coffee kiosks, street games, culinary delights, storyboards, street performers, and more. Visitors to The Golden Mile Project will be immersed in a whimsical kaleidoscope of art, music, food, play, relaxation, and beauty.
We are thrilled we’ve quietly raised more than 50% of this project budget, but we still have a ways to go. We invite you to help support this effort here, Search for #GoldenMileProject to follow our progress.
MONUMENTAL RECKONING
Illuminate and artist Dana King have unveiled “Monumental Reckoning,” an extraordinary new installation in Golden Gate Park.
Monumental Reckoning fully encircles the memorial to Francis Scott Key that was partially toppled by protestors last Juneteenth by placing “350 ancestors” standing in judgment. The 350 individual statues all linked together around the Key memorial represent the first slaves that came to the US from Africa.
In a ceremony that drew more than 1,000 people into the park, San Francisco Mayor London Breed formally unveiled King’s dramatic presentation.
A temporary installation, Monumental Reckoning will remain in the park for two years.
Grace Light
Filling the iconic Grace Cathedral with a mesmerizing curtain of moving light and music.
Grace Lights is an unparalleled immersive installation that immediately upon its debut became one of San Francisco’s most sought-after experiences.
Featuring an original score by Gabriel Gold, the 100-foot curtain of shifting light offers an extraordinary, almost other-worldly experience. As light emanates from the uppermost eaves directly above Grace Cathedral’s famed labyrinth, a slight atmospheric haze envelopes viewers in a colossal curtain of gorgeously shifting light.
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Revival!
Illuminate’s renovation of the bandshell in Golden Gate Park is complete.
Formally called the Spreckels Temple of Music, the bandshell was slated to debut in time to celebrate the Park’s 150th anniversary in April but the project was halted in March due to Covid-19 restrictions. When restrictions on work were finally lifted, work commenced again and final work on the massive upgrade was completed. The full renovation features a brilliant new multi-level stage, professional-grade theatrical lighting, and a state-of-the-art new sound system.-
This project, led by philanthropists Carla and David Crane – with support from JP Conte – marks a new beginning for this long-dormant and underutilized jewel for public performance. When it’s safe to return fully to the park, a sparkling new Spreckles will be front and center.
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Conservatory of Flowers
Experience the nightly brilliance of Photosynthesis in Golden Gate Park. Illuminate and SF Rec & Park are lighting up the famed Conservatory of Flowers again this year. Come out and see it after dark!
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The Bay Lights
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Illuminate is proud to announce the Lisa and Douglas Goldman Fund has joined us as our newest Illuminary providing critical operating support. Thank you for your extraordinary commitment to public art in San Francisco.
Learn more about our Illuminary program
About Us
ILLUMINATE
Illuminate's mission is to rally large groups of people together to create impossible works of public art that, through awe, free humanity's better nature.
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