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Cultural Development Board Meeting of February 2, 2016.
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ART IN PUBLIC PLACES, PROJECT UPDATES (DISCUSSION):
Alice Aycock
Ms. Cathers advised the Board that site preparation is scheduled to begin for the Alice Aycock sculptures the week of February 5th with completion of the installation scheduled for April 15th. Dr. Roth noted the announcement of the installation in the Miami Herald and City's ENews.
Miracle Mile and Giralda Avenue Streetscape
Ms. Cathers announced that the Arts Advisory Panel will meet on February 12th to review public art concept proposals for the Miracle Mile and Giralda Avenue Streetscape from artists Math Bass, Andy Cao, Blessing Hancock, and Sibylle Pasche. She noted that each artist will call in remotely to share their concepts with the panel and that project partner Earl Jackson with Cooper Robertson and public art consultants from Via Partnership will be present. Ms. Spain reminded the Board that there is approximately one million dollars in dedicated funds to be used toward public art and that the panel will have the option to recommend one or more artist(s) to move forward with a detailed proposal, including budget and timeline. Dr. Roth asked if the panel's recommendation will be forwarded to the Cultural Development Board in March, which Ms. Cathers confirmed.
Jean Ward Sculptures
Ms. Cathers advised the Board that additional costs of restoration and relocation of the four Jean Ward sculptures are significant and require an approving resolution by the City Commission. Funds from the Art Acquisition Fund will be recommended for this purpose and presented at the next City Commission meeting. Ms. Cathers provided a breakdown of the original proposal costs for the work along with the difference for the change in scope, noting that the original proposal is about a year old and does not include engineering and construction of the bases and lighting. Ms. Spain and Ms. Cathers gave further details stating the preferred height of the concrete bases will be 18 to 24 inches above grade.
ARTS ADVISORY PANEL MEMBERSHIP RECOMMENDATIONS (ACTION):
Board Members received a list of nominees for Arts Advisory Panel members compiled from staff, Cultural Development Board members, and current Arts Advisory Panel members. Dr. Roth asked whether current Arts Advisory Panel members are interested in remaining on the Panel. Ms. Cathers responded that all had been asked and are interested in continuing to serve in this capacity. Ms. Spain advised the Board that she has consulted with the City Attorney regarding the term limits of panel members and will share his response at the next Board meeting.
Ms. Burgos made a motion to recommend re-appointment of the current members of the Arts Advisory Panel for an additional term in accordance with term limits. Mr. Perez seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Mr. Perez made a motion to recommend appointment of Silvia Cubiñá to the Arts Advisory Panel. Ms. Burgos seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Ms. Burgos made a motion to recommend appointment of Juan Roselione-Valadez to the Arts Advisory panel. Mr. Perez seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Mr. Perez made a motion to recommend appointment of Ms. Aura Reinhardt as an alternate panel member in the event that any previously recommended appointees are unable to serve. Ms. Burgos seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
FY2016-17 CULTURAL GRANT GUIDELINES & APPLICATION REVIEW (ACTION):
Board Members were given copies of the previous year's (FY2015-16) Cultural Grant Guidelines and Application for discussion and recommendations.
NEW BUSINESS:
The Board requested an update regarding Cuban Classical Ballet's FY2014-15 Cultural Grant project. Ms. Cathers stated that the organization has not responded to requests for an update and is, therefore, unsure if the organization has met the Board's extended deadline. The Board asked about options; Ms. Cathers said she will reach out to the organization again and if they are not in compliance, a request may be made to return the funds.
DISCUSSION:
Dr. Roth led a discussion of recent cultural programs attended by Board members, which included the following cultural programs and events: Friends of Chamber Music and Coral Gables Farmers Market.
Board members discussed further ways to support cultural organizations' events in Coral Gables. Suggestions included having a designated cultural events section of ENews and producing/printing a monthly cultural events brochure.
Members of the Board attended the Boards and Committees reception and expressed their gratitude to the City and Commission for acknowledging their role in such a thoughtful way.
BOARD ITEMS / CITY COMMISSION UPDATE / CITY PROJECT UPDATE:
Ms. Spain announced the City's purchase of the H. George Fink studio building at 2506 Ponce de Leon Boulevard; discussed its importance to the City's history and culture; and noted the significance of purchasing this building during the City's 90th anniversary year.
ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY:
There were no additional items from the secretary.