San Jose’s Arena Green to Host New Peace Monument
San Jose is set to welcome a significant new public art installation, the Mario Chiodo-designed Seeds of Peace Monument, to Arena Green West. This ambitious project, a collaborative effort between the Rotary Club of San Jose and local philanthropist Diane Brandenburg, received unanimous approval from the San Jose City Council on October 7th, marking a pivotal step toward its realization.
Bringing the Seeds of Peace to Life
The Seeds of Peace Monument, a creation by renowned sculptor Mario Chiodo, is destined for Arena Green West, situated next to the iconic SAP Center. This location will transform a prominent civic space into a dedicated area for reflection and community engagement, reinforcing San Jose’s commitment to peace. Rotary Club of San Jose President Matt Braker confirmed that the proposal garnered overwhelming support from club members, highlighting the broad community backing for this initiative.
A Vision Aligned with Global Values
Audrey Fox, President of the Rotary Club of San Jose Foundation, emphasized the profound alignment of this project with Rotary International’s core mission. “Rotary International’s No. 1 focus area is promoting peace, so Mrs. Brandenburg couldn’t have brought us a better project,” Fox stated in a recent release. This sentiment underscores the monument’s role not just as a local landmark, but as a symbol reflecting global peace efforts.
A Powerful Community Partnership and Funding Initiative
The realization of the Seeds of Peace Monument is a testament to a robust community partnership. Philanthropist Diane Brandenburg initiated the collaboration by approaching the Rotary Club of San Jose, demonstrating a shared vision for enhancing public spaces with meaningful art. Her commitment includes covering the substantial $2 million fee for the sculptor’s design and the monument’s intricate fabrication.
Complementing Brandenburg’s generous contribution, the Rotary Club of San Jose Foundation is actively fundraising an additional $1.5 million. This crucial funding will be allocated to several key aspects that will ensure the monument’s integration into a vibrant public space.
| Contributor | Primary Contribution Focus | Funding Committed/Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Diane Brandenburg | Sculptor’s Design & Monument Fabrication | $2 Million (Committed) |
| Rotary Club of San Jose Foundation | Civic Arrival & Gathering Space, Lighting, Landscaping, Infrastructure, Programming | $1.5 Million (Fundraising Goal) |
The additional funds raised by the Foundation will specifically address:
- Creating an inviting civic arrival and gathering space.
- Adding essential lighting, sound, and enhancing overall visibility.
- Developing a beautifully landscaped setting designed to encourage public connection and interaction.
- Supporting the complex installation, strategic placement, and necessary safety infrastructure.
- Introducing thoughtful donor recognition and complementary design features.
Long-Term Engagement Through the Rotary Peace Committee
Beyond its physical installation, the project envisions an ongoing impact. The Rotary Club of San Jose anticipates forming a dedicated Rotary Peace Committee. This committee will be instrumental in developing educational curriculum, programming performances, and cultivating the monument’s site as a dynamic space for reflection, learning, and dialogue for years to come.
Project Timeline and How to Support
The community can look forward to the official installation of the Seeds of Peace Monument, which is anticipated for late fall 2026. For those wishing to contribute to this enduring legacy project, donations can be sent to the RCSJ Foundation (EIN 94-6112270) at 1690 Senter Road, San Jose, CA 95112.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Peace Monument
- What is the Seeds of Peace Monument?
It’s a new public art installation, designed by Mario Chiodo, intended to promote peace and create a space for reflection in San Jose. - Who are the main partners behind this initiative?
The project is a partnership between the Rotary Club of San Jose and local philanthropist Diane Brandenburg. - Where will the monument be located?
It will be installed at Arena Green West, which is adjacent to the SAP Center in San Jose. - When is the monument expected to be installed?
The installation is anticipated to occur in late fall 2026. - How can I contribute to the project?
Donations are being accepted by the RCSJ Foundation at 1690 Senter Road, San Jose, CA 95112.
The Seeds of Peace Monument promises to be a powerful addition to San Jose’s cultural landscape, offering residents and visitors alike a place to connect, reflect, and celebrate the universal pursuit of peace. Keep an eye on local updates for upcoming events and opportunities to engage with this meaningful community project.
San Jose to host Seeds of Peace Monument
