Title
A Resolution of the City Commission accepting a proposal from Latin Art Core for acquisition of a sculpture by artist Agustín Cárdenas, Untitled, (recommended by the Arts Advisory Panel approval/denial vote: 6 to 2; and recommended unanimously by the Cultural Development Board approval/denial vote: 7 to 0); authorizing the City Manager or his or her designee to enter into an agreement with Latin Art Core; authorizing an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 amended budget to recognize as revenue a transfer from the Art in Public Places reserve, and appropriating such funds to put toward the cost of acquisition, installation, and related expenses regarding the artwork.
Body
The City Commission has consistently expressed interest in building the City’s permanent public art collection with artworks by prominent, world-renowned artists.
On March 10, 2026, Mayor Lago advised the City Commission of interest in acquiring an additional artwork by Artist, Agustín Cárdenas and presented images of the proposed piece, Untitled. The Commission then passed a motion approving that the proposal be brought through the Art in Public Places acquisition process.
Following the process for existing artworks, staff requested an appraisal of the artwork.
On May 6, 2026, the Arts Advisory panel reviewed a proposal from Latin Art Core for Untitled by artist Agustín Cárdenas, along with the appraisal, and made a motion recommending acquisition to the Cultural Development Board.
On May 14, 2026, the Cultural Development Board reviewed the proposal from Latin Art Core for Untitled by artist Agustín Cárdenas, the accompanying appraisal, and the recommendation of the Arts Advisory Panel, and made a motion recommending acquisition to the City Commission.
About the artist:
Agustín Cárdenas (1927-2001) was a Cuban sculptor of Afro-Caribbean descent whose work is internationally celebrated for its organic, fluid forms and cultural depth. After relocating to
Paris in the 1950s, Cárdenas became an active member of the Surrealist movement under the
leadership of André Breton.
Cárdenas developed a distinct sculptural language that merged abstraction with influences
drawn from African artistic traditions, Surrealism, and modernist principles. His work often
explores themes of identity, form, and symbolism, resulting in pieces that are both visually
striking and culturally resonant.
Over the course of his illustrious career, Cárdenas’ sculptures have been exhibited in and
collected by major museums and institutions around the world. He is widely regarded as one of
the most important sculptors of the 20th century, with a legacy that continues to inspire artists
and audiences alike.
About the artwork:
The artwork is another exceptional example of Cárdenas’ mature style - marked by elegant abstraction and rich symbolic content.
The work stands out not only for its artistic excellence but also for its cultural relevance within the broader context of Latin American art, closely aligning with the values that Coral Gables promotes: diversity, artistic excellence, and cultural enrichment.
Untitled is a unique work with no further editions and is sculpted from a single piece of Carrera marble with an accompanying marble base designed by the artist.
Following the motion of the Cultural Development Board, staff recommends placement at 427 Biltmore Way in conversation with the previously purchased sculpture by the Artist.
Funding for acquisition is $350,000 (three hundred fifty thousand dollars) plus delivery fees. Additional funding is required for engineering, lighting, and signage at an estimated cost of $50,000. The total project cost is being proposed through the Art Fund.
The cost of annual maintenance is anticipated to be minimal and is being proposed through use of the general fund as ordinary maintenance and will be included as part of the City’s annual public art maintenance plan.
The Arts Advisory Panel voted (6-2) to recommend acquisition of Agustín Cárdenas’, Untitled at their meeting on May 6, 2026.
The Cultural Development Board voted unanimously (7-0) to recommend acquisition of Agustín Cárdenas’, Untitled at their meeting on May 14, 2026.
Recommended Action
Approval