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Cultural Development Board Meeting of September 5, 2017.
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CORAL GABLES CULTURAL GRANTEE REQUESTS, UPDATES & REVIEWS:
Staff reviewed the final programs/events scheduled to occur prior to the end of the fiscal year.
It was reported that UM, Department of Arts & Sciences has not submitted a revision or response to the Board’s motion from the previous meeting.
The Board was reminded that the Opera Atelier has an event scheduled for the upcoming weekend, at the same time as Hurricane Irma is expected to approach Miami. While the organization has not reached out, the Board discussed the likelihood that the performance may not occur due to closures, loss of electricity, safety, etc. All agreed to extend a reasonable grace period to complete the program, with an opportunity to approach the Board should additional time be needed. With no further discussion, the following motion was made:
Mr. Perez made a motion to extend the deadline of Opera Atelier’s FY2016-2017 cultural grant program for up to three months, with the organization forwarding their revised schedule to the Board and with the option of addressing the Board if additional time is needed. Dr. Alvarez-Perez seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
CORAL GABLES CULTURAL GRANT:
Ms. Cathers reported on the success of the annual Cultural Grant workshop held August 31st at the Coral Gables Youth Center. She thanked Dr. Roth and Mr. Perez, who attended and contributed with key comments to attendees. Fifty-seven (57) organizations were represented in attendance; Dr. Roth mentioned that many new organizations were present. In addition, Ms. Cathers stated, guests from the Arts & Business Council and Coral Gables Community Foundation presented information on funding and resource opportunities.
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES, PROJECT UPDATES:
Miracle Mile
Ms. Cathers stated that the Arts Advisory Panel met and continued their discussion of the three artists’ proposals. After much consideration and thought, the Panel made a motion to not accept the proposals that were submitted and to wait until the Streetscape is completed to see how people are interacting with the space. She conveyed the Panel’s feeling that the design and addition of street furniture will make it very full; and they would like to experience it in this state in order to make the best recommendation of public art opportunities.
Giralda Avenue Streetscape
Staff advised the Board of the opening of the Giralda Avenue Streetscape on September 15th and encouraged to attend. Ms. Cathers updated the Board on completion of the public art, set for early spring. She further stated that the plaza will need to be complete prior to the installation of the art, including installation of a foundation to support the sculptures and decorative tiles to match the Streetscape.
Jean Ward Sculptures
Dr. Roth led into a discussion of the Jean Ward sculptures. Ms. Cathers reported that the Arts Advisory Panel reviewed a series of locations at the intersection of Granada Avenue and Alhambra Circle and made a motion to this Board recommending the sculptures by Jean Ward, “The Most Good . . .” and “The Prince” be located at the Southeast corner of Granada Avenue and Alhambra Circle; and “Will o’ the Wisp” be located at the Northeast corner of Granada Avenue and Majorca Avenue within the triangular median green space.
Ms. Burgos made a motion recommending approval of the placement of three Jean Ward sculptures at the intersection of Granada Avenue and Alhambra Circle as recommended by the Art Advisory Panel. Dr. Alvarez-Perez seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Temporary Public Art Exhibition Proposals
Ms. Cathers updated the Board on the Arts Advisory Panel’s recommendations regarding the application for temporary public art exhibitions. Further additions to the language of the application and agreement were presented by the Panel to staff, with their support to move forward with formalizing the process. The Panel agreed with this Board’s preference to keep financial responsibility with the applicant.
Art Basel Proposal
Staff reported that an application for an Art Basel official VIP event application has been submitted. The City’s proposed event is for an early morning reception, similar to last year, on Sunday, December 10th at 8:30 a.m. celebrating a public exhibition of Master artist Carlos Cruz-Diez. Ms. Cathers stated that staff is working on details and at this time is expecting the exhibition to consist of artist designed exterior banners on City Hall installed between the columns, artist designed and painted crosswalks, exhibition of sculptures in the Coral Gables Museum courtyard, and videos about the artist and his work.
Venetian Post Series
Ms. Cathers reported that the Arts Advisory Panel discussed the details of the Venetian Post project. She shared the Panel’s understanding that the project is meant as a way to involve the community and that the Panel made a motion to the Cultural Development Board recommending use of art acquisition funds for this purpose.
Mr. Perez, made a motion to use up to $100,000 from the Art Acquisition fund as seed money toward the Venetian Posts in the Gables community art project. Ms. Burgos seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
NATIONAL ARTS & HUMANITIES MONTH:
Ms. Cathers read aloud the history of National Arts and Humanities Month. The Board discussed the merits of this nationally recognized program and unanimously agreed to recommend a City proclamation in support of the arts in Coral Gables. Dr. Alvarez-Perez suggested, and the Board agreed, that the proclamation include support of the arts nationally. The Board discussed additional events that could be done in future years, such as hosting creative conversations or creative visioning meetings. Mr. Perez proposed, and the Board agreed, that the proclamation be used as an opportunity to recognize individuals and businesses that provide exceptional support to organizations presenting cultural arts programming in Coral Gables.
Ms. Burgos made a motion recommending the City to issue a proclamation determining October National Arts and Humanities month in Coral Gables. Dr. Mayorga seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
DISCUSSION:
Dr. Alvarez-Perez announced to the Board and congratulated Dona Spain on receiving this year’s George E. Merrick Award of Excellence. Enthusiastic cheers and applause erupted. Ms. Spain graciously expressed her gratitude.
BOARD ITEMS / CITY COMMISSION UPDATE / CITY PROJECT UPDATES:
The Board was asked to consider recommendations for the Arts Advisory Panel. Ms. Cathers stated that all current members are interested in continuing to serve on the Panel, except for Mr. Stuart. Mr. Stuart has submitted his resignation in order to concentrate on projects he’s involved with on Miami Beach. Mr. Stuart recommended Jacek Kolasinski, a colleague who was chair of the FIU Department of Art and Art History for the past six years and lives in the area.
ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY:
Ms. Spain reminded Board members to submit their financial disclosures to the City Clerk.