Title
A Resolution of the City Commission approving artists to submit proposals for a commemorative public artwork aligned with the city’s centennial honoring Bahamian and Black residents; and authorize an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Operating Budget to recognize the transfer of funds from the Art in Public Places Reserve and to appropriate such funds to put towards the cost of the proposal process and artwork.
(Sponsored by Mayor Lago)
Body
As the city nears its 100-year anniversary in 2025, the city seeks to commemorate the influence, contribution, and dedication to the city of Bahamian and Black residents through a work of public art.
Coral Gables has one of the few national and regional historically designated Black neighborhoods in the State of Florida, the MacFarlane Homestead Historic District. This traditionally known Bahamian neighborhood extends into Miami and includes the nearby Golden Gate neighborhood in Coral Gables.
It is well known that early settlers in the community contributed greatly to the physical construction of the city; in addition, among other accomplishments, there is a strong history of educators who continue to influence generations of residents here and throughout Miami-Dade County. This project seeks to address the historical context that resonates throughout time in this community.
OPPORTUNITY:
The city is committed to commissioning and dedicating featured artwork acknowledging this heritage and the people who contributed to the literal and emblematic development of the city.
PROJECT GOALS:
• be a model of heritage preservation
• be sensitive to neighborhood concerns and values
• promote excellence in artistic creation
• celebrate and serve the local community
• advance collaboration, dialogue, and engagement
• contribute to a healthy, sustainable community
VISION:
Neighborhood residents in the MacFarlane Homestead Historic District and Golden Gate communities were asked for their input and are interested in ongoing engagement with the project. It is the intention of the city’s Art in Public Places program to commission an artist who will inform the artwork based on the community’s interests and heritage, including information gathered first-hand and through research.
NEXT STEPS:
The Arts Advisory Panel discussed the project and recommended a pre-qualified list of regional artists. Staff is conducting further research to approach additional artists with prominent museum and gallery representation.
The Cultural Development Board met and were advised of the proposed artists and had no additional recommendations.
Artists proposals will be made available for public review prior to coming before the Arts Advisory Panel and Cultural Development Board for a recommendation to the City Commission.
BUDGET:
Staff recommends up to $30,000 (thirty thousand dollars) toward the proposal process and $500,000 (five hundred thousand dollars) for the artwork design, fabrication, and installation.
Separate funding will be proposed for infrastructure, including lighting and signage.
Funds for the public art proposal process and artwork are being proposed through use of the art fund.
Recommended Action
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