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Cultural Development Board Meeting of February 15, 2022.
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NEW BUSINESS:
a. A RESOLUTION APPROVING ARTWORK BY THE ARTIST ZILIA SÁNCHEZ FOR THE 427 BILTMORE WAY MUNICIPAL PROJECT.
Prior to the meeting the Board received excerpt minutes from the Arts Advisory Panel and the fair market value appraisal of the artwork Concepto I by Zilia Sánchez.
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Mr. Rodriguez made a motion recommending acquisition of the artwork Concepto I by Zilia Sánchez for installation at 427 Biltmore Way. Mr. Marinez seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Mr. Valdes-Fauli reported that he met with Mayor Lago and talked with him about other art-related matters. He noted that he spoke with him about the concern of buying art from galleries.
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CULTURAL GRANT UPDATES:
a. GW CARVER ELEMENTARY CHANGE REQUEST
The Board was presented with a change request from GW Carver Elementary to move their program date to April 1st. No other changes were requested. After no further discussion, the following motion was made:
Mr. Pantin made a motion accepting the change request of GW Carver Elementary. Mr. Rodriguez seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
b. FINAL REPORTS
The Board received a revised summary of the FY20-21 Cultural Grant Final Reports, including the funding grantees received. They discussed the Final Report process and Board members were advised that they would have access to all Final Reports for reference as they are reviewing new funding requests. Ms. Cathers stated that if the Board recommends staff to review the reports, the Board will receive a summary along with any issues of concern. Mr. Pantin said compliance is a comparison that could be checked by staff.
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Mr. Martinez made a motion recommending that staff review Cultural Grant Final Reports for compliance and prepare a summary report for the Cultural Development Board’s review along with any staff recommendations. Mr. Rodriguez seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
c. CULTURAL GRANTS
Mr. Rodriguez asked if the same amount of funding is available (this year). Ms. Cathers responded that there was a previous recommendation from the Board to increase Cultural Grant funds incrementally over time. When the pandemic hit, she said, the funding amount was frozen. Last year the Board made a resolution to reinstate an increase for FY22. No determination was made at that time and one of the Commissioners commented that it should come through the budget process. Board members were reminded that they may speak with Commissioners about the funding.
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ART IN PUBLIC PLACES UPDATES:
The Board was updated on the following Art in Public Places projects:
a. Jean Ward sculptures
Staff reported that they are working with other City staff on a landscape plan and walkway to install the three restored Jean Ward artworks back at the library, to the left of the main entrance.
b. Public Safety Building update
Ms. Cathers reported that the sculpture memorial at the Public Safety Building is currently on schedule.
c. Coral Carpet at Balboa Plaza
Ms. Cathers reported that the Coral Carpet artwork at Balboa Plaza is complete. Mr. Rodriguez said he lives nearby and is enjoying it.
d. Public Art Restoration
The Board was informed that restoration of the collection is moving forward.
CITY COMMISSION ITEMS:
There were no related items to report.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Mr. Valdes-Fauli updated the Board on the search for a new Director of the Coral Gables Museum, saying he is the Acting Director, and they are getting close to making a selection. He provided additional information about his meeting with Mayor Lago, saying they discussed art initiatives of the Museum, including the Museum dedicating more programming to art in general and taking a lead on temporary public art exhibitions. Mr. Valdes-Fauli said he spoke with the Mayor about arranging a Botero sculpture exhibition and is working with City staff on the logistics. He also mentioned the proposed sculpture by Julio Larraz. The Board briefly discussed the Watermelon sculpture by the artist currently exhibited on the Museum Plaza and agreed that it is a well-loved artwork. Mr. Valdes-Fauli said the artist’s foundation would have a new one fabricated and it would not be the one currently installed. He also stated that as the director of the Museum, he does not want anything permanent on the plaza and would like to use the plaza as a location for temporary artworks instead. Mr. Martinez commented on the urban context and how it will affect the ultimate placement.
ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY:
There were no further items from the Secretary.