Title
A Resolution of the City Commission accepting the donation of the sculptural suite Speedforms in the Garden by designer Pininfarina and creator Cosentino, (unanimously recommended by the Cultural Development Board approval/denial vote: 7 to 0); authorizing an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 amended budget to recognize as revenue a transfer from the Art in Public Places reserve and appropriating such funds to put toward the project cost of transportation, restoration, installation, and related expenses regarding the artwork and waiving the competitive process of the Procurement Code to authorize the City Manager or his or her designee to negotiate agreements for any and all contracted work.
Body
The City has a donation policy “which shall provide a procedure for review and recommendation by the Cultural Development Board of non-monetary art and cultural donations.”
The policy further states “that donations of art works, commemorative and/or memorial structures, furniture, furnishings, and other objects of cultural significance that enhance the artistic heritage of the City and possess aesthetic characteristics that contribute positively to the quality of public places, lands, and buildings, as well as items of historical significance and other donations benefitting the City are welcomed by the City.”
Staff reviewed a proposal for a sculptural suite titled Speedforms in the Garden and is of the opinion that the piece has cultural significance related to the material, will enhance the artistic heritage of the City, and possesses aesthetic characteristics that contribute positively to the quality of public places.
The proposal was reviewed by the Cultural Development Board, who enthusiastically recommended it for acceptance into the City’s public art collection.
About the donors:
Pininfarina is an internationally renowned design and engineering firm founded in 1930 and known worldwide for its impact on the luxury architectural, automotive, and consumer products industries. The City has established a valued relationship with Pininfarina as the designer for technology-related infrastructure systems including smart cells and smart city street poles.
Cosentino is a Spanish-based global leader in the production and distribution of innovative surfaces for architecture and design, and an expert in bringing natural elements to life.
It is anticipated that Cosentino will coordinate transportation, restoration, site work and installation of the pieces.
About the sculptures:
Speedforms in the Garden was designed and fabricated for Art Week 2018 and is currently installed at 700 Brickell Ave., the location of a future development where construction will begin soon.
The forms were inspired by a key moment in design, the conception stage. This element is called a “speed form” and is what gives birth to a form. The sculptures together represent growth, starting from the smallest sculpture in a cradled shape, ready to bloom. The next size is higher, appearing strong and secure. The tallest stands assertive and proud. Together, they evoke movement and the simple beauty fashioned by nature.
Upon visual inspection, it was noted that restoration is needed to reinstate the original surface treatment.
Funding for engineering, foundation construction, transportation, restoration, installation, lighting, and signage is estimated up to $50,000 with the required funds for the project proposed through the Art Fund.
Staff recommends installation where they can be appreciated away from heavy pedestrian or vehicular traffic. The Coral Gables Museum has generously offered to temporarily house the sculptures while a location is being decided on and prepared; however, if not feasible, staff recommends storage at the public works facility.
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 Cultural Development Board voted unanimously (7-0) to recommend acceptance of the donation Speedforms in the Garden at their meeting on December 20, 2022.
Recommended Action
Approval