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Cultural Development Board Meeting of February 04, 2020.
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PERSONAL APPEARANCES:
Suzy Breitner with the Dave and Mary Alper JCC was present to discuss a cultural grant change request.
NEW BUSINESS:
a. ARTS & BUSINESS COUNCIL PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS:
Ms. Cathers stated that one of the partnership programs between the City and the Arts & Business Council is to offer scholarships for up to five organizations to attend the annual Miami Arts Marketing Partnership workshop series. The Board was asked for recommendations for this year’s scholarships. The Board discussed and agreed it should be a fair process; however, smaller organizations have limited resources and greater need. The Board was provided with a list of this year’s cultural grantees and their scores from the review and scoring meeting. The Board asked staff to request interest in the scholarship from grantees and confirm their commitment to attend all sessions. With no further discussion, the following motion was made:
A motion was made by Mr. Pantin to delegate scholarship selection to staff based on response, commitment to attend the full series, and whether the organization has previously received this scholarship. Dr. Alvarez-Perez seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
b. CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT BOARD MEETING LOCATION
Board members discussed the acoustics of the Perrin International Hall in the Museum where Board meeting currently take place. They commented on the positive aspects of the space; however, they also expressed how difficult it is to hear speakers and presentations. Board members asked for this to be addressed, and in the meantime, to move meetings back to the Historical Resources and Cultural Arts department. With no further discussion, the following motion was made:
A motion was made by Mr. Pantin to move Cultural Development Board meetings to the Historical Resources & Cultural Arts Department until such time as the acoustics can be improved in the Perrin International Hall at the Museum. Dr. Alvarez-Perez seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
CULTURAL GRANTS - REQUESTS, UPDATES, REVIEWS:
a. CHANGE REQUEST - DAVE AND MARY ALPER JCC
The Board was provided with a cultural grant change request from the Dave and Mary Alper Jewish Community Center (JCC). Ms. Breitner addressed the Board and requested permission to modify the grant from four to three speakers. She explained that one of the writers cancelled their appearance at the last minute due to a family crisis. The Board discussed briefly and with no further discussion, the following motion was made:
A motion was made by Dr. Alvarez-Perez to accept the change request from the Dave and Mary Alper JCC, changing the program from four to three speakers. Mr. Martinez seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
b. CHANGE REQUEST -DRANOFF 2 PIANO FOUNDATION
The Board was provided with a cultural grant change request from the Dranoff 2 Piano Foundation. Ms. Cathers reviewed the organization’s request to change the proposed date earlier. Board members commented on the late notice of the request. Board members who were able to attend commented favorably on the program. With no further discussion, the following motion was made:
A motion was made by Mr. Pantin to accept the date change request from the Dranoff Piano 2 Piano Foundation. Dr. Alvarez-Perez seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
c. CHANGE REQUEST - SOUTH FLORIDA CHAMBER ENSEMBLE
The Board was provided with a cultural grant change request from the South Florida Chamber Ensemble. Ms. Cathers reviewed the request for date changes. With no further discussion, the following motion was made:
A motion was made by Dr. Alvarez-Perez to accept the date change requests from the South Florida Chamber Ensemble. Mr. Pantin seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
d. BOARD MEMBER REVIEWS
Board members shared cultural programs they’ve attended, including: the Miami Jewish Film Festival at the Coral Gables Art Cinema, general films at the Art Cinema, GableStage, Dranoff 2 Piano Foundation, and Actors Playhouse.
OLD BUSINESS:
There was no old business.
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES UPDATES:
a. PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING
Staff provided a brief update on the Public Safety Building public art process. The Board was reminded that a full process was completed but an artist was not approved. Staff stated that a new Request for Qualifications (RFQ) will be released with the intent of using a new on-line submission process.
b. FIRE STATION 2 & TROLLEY BUILDING
The Board discussed the high visibility of the new Fire Station and Trolley building along US1 and the importance of having a prominent artwork at this location. Private development public art projects along US1 were also mentioned.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Mr. Pantin asked for an assessment of the public art collection and an addition of lighting for all artworks. He specifically mentioned the Jean Ward sculptures at Ingraham Park and asked about relocating them within the park. Staff responded that the artworks are designated for restoration this year and the City has received feedback from residents to keep the artworks in their current location.
ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY:
Ms. Cathers asked the Board to consider appointing a member to speak on behalf of the Board regarding the Cultural Grant updates at the next City Commission meeting. After a brief discussion, the following motion was made:
A motion was made by Dr. Alvarez-Perez appointing Ms. Morris to speak on behalf of the Board to the City Commission regarding the Cultural Grant process updates. Dr. Mayorga seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.