Title
A Resolution of the City Commission approving the concept and donation of a work of public art by Jaume Plensa in conjunction with the 4241 Aurora Ave. development project, in fulfillment of the Art in Public Places requirement for public art in private development and applying funds set aside in escrow in conjunction with the 4225 Ponce de Leon Blvd. development project (unanimously recommended by the Arts Advisory Panel approval/denial vote: 7 to 0; unanimously recommended by the Cultural Development Board approval/denial vote: 6 to 0).
Body
4241 Aurora, LLC (the “Developer”) is constructing a development project, at 4241 Aurora Ave. (the “Project”). The Developer has chosen the option of petitioning for a waiver of the Art in Public Places Fee requirement by commissioning and installing artwork as specified in the Zoning Code, Article 9, Section 9-103 B.
Pursuant to Resolution 2022-284, Developer entered into an Escrow Agreement and is fulfilling the terms of the Agreement by obtaining a waiver of the AiPP contribution, conditioned upon approval of the proposed artwork.
The development team selected the sculpture “Minna” by artist Jaume Plensa as the proposed artwork for the Project.
Background of Artist:
Spanish artist Jaume Plensa is a renowned contemporary sculptor celebrated for his large-scale public installations that explore themes of humanity, language, and spirituality. His work spans public art, graphic art, and collaborations with theater and opera. Plensa studied at the Llotja School of Art and Design and the Sant Jordi School of Fine Arts in Barcelona. He launched his career with his first exhibition in 1980. Plensa has held teaching positions and delivered lectures at numerous institutions worldwide. He has taught at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Plensa's work has been exhibited in prominent museums and galleries across Europe, the United States, and Asia. His public sculptures are installed in major cities worldwide, including Chicago, New York, London, and Tokyo.
Description of artwork from the concept proposal:
“Minna” presents itself as a monumental presence of an iconological young lady that simultaneously emanates peace and serenity. This sculpture is cast in bronze and painted, depicting a young woman with her eyes closed in a state of repose rising from a firm raw and pure stone.
This work, like his others, addresses the very condition of being: its physical and spiritual essence, ontological awareness of present and past, moral codes and dogmas, and our relationship with nature. What we cannot explain is, precisely, what makes us human. Plensa’s objective is not to create objects, but to develop relationships that embrace everyone.
The artwork exemplifies the artist’s use of materials, sensations and ideas, including his references to literature, especially poetry, music, religion and thought.
The concept proposal is attached as Exhibit A to the proposed Resolution.
The cost of the proposed artwork is estimated at $722,000 (Seven hundred, twenty-two thousand dollars). Funds toward the artwork should not replace expenses toward any lighting or infrastructure requirements for the project. The artwork and all related expenses for the art will be the responsibility of the Developer. Any difference in cost is to be issued as a check for deposit into the Art Acquisition Fund.
Furthermore, Developer is required to provide for the perpetual maintenance of the artwork, which will be realized as a one-time contribution of ten percent of the value of the artwork into a public art maintenance fund with the City.
The maintenance of the artwork, hereafter, will be the sole responsibility of the City, in accordance with the City of Coral Gables Art in Public Places: Funding, Goals, and Implementation Guidelines. The cost of annual maintenance is anticipated to be minimal and is being proposed through use of the general fund as ordinary maintenance.
The Arts Advisory Panel and the Cultural Development Board voted unanimously to recommend the proposed artwork by artist Jaume Plensa at their respective meetings on January 15, 2025 and January 21, 2025.
Recommended Action
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