Title
Cultural Development Board Meeting of May 19, 2021.
Body
NEW BUSINESS:
a. PARKING GARAGE 7, ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PROPOSAL ARTISTS
Prior to the meeting, Board members received and reviewed the seventy-nine (79) applications submitted in response to a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the public parking Garage 7 public art opportunity, including the Arts Advisory Panel’s recommended short-list of seven (7) artists. Board members asked about the selection of the short-listed artists and were told that Panel members considered a balance of artistic styles, gender, interest and enthusiasm for the project overall, local representation, and a best fit for the City. (In addition, the Panel was mindful of artists’ studio practice and the potential for unique artwork outside of what would be considered “corporate” design). The Board was advised that the seven artists were interviewed by department staff, police chief Hudak, fire chief de la Rosa, parking director Kevin Kinney, and a representative of the Arts Advisory panel and that all artists were asked the same questions. Following the interview process, the following four artists were recommended to prepare proposals: Grimanesa Amoros, Brookhart Jonquil, Monika Bravo, and Ivan Thoth Depena. Mr. Martinez asked for the proposal preparation timeline. Staff responded that artists will be given six weeks to prepare proposals following Commission approval. With no further discussion, the following motion was made:
Mr. Martinez made a motion accepting the recommendation of the Arts Advisory Panel to invite artists Grimanesa Amoros, Brookhart Jonquil, Monika Bravo, and Ivan Toth Depena to submit public art proposals for the public parking Garage 7. Mr. Pantin seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
b. AIPP PROPOSAL DONATION - JULIO LARRAZ
Prior to the meeting, Board members received and reviewed a proposal through Jose Valdes-Fauli from the Julio Larraz Foundation for donation of an artist’s design of a public sculpture. Ms. Cathers stated that the Coral Gables Museum has been working for two years on an extensive Julio Larraz exhibition and spoke with the Foundation, which expressed interest in donating a design to the City, with the City covering cost of fabrication, delivery, and installation. Per the City’s donation policy, the Cultural Development Board may request assistance from the Arts Advisory Panel. Following a brief discussion, the following motion was made:
Ms. Burgos made a motion requesting assistance of the Arts Advisory Panel regarding the review and recommendation of the donation proposal submitted by the Julio Larraz Founcation. Ms. Horwitz seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
CULTURAL GRANTS:
a. REVIEW & SCORING MEETING PREPARATION
Board members were advised that all cultural grant applications have been assigned, and reviewed materials provided for the review and scoring process. They were encouraged to use the rubric as a tool for scoring. Ms. Cathers stated that a reader list and summary report will be sent, including the number of proposed projects and anticipated attendance. She provided a preliminary final report summary to update Board members of current grantee projects, saying the report was a requirement for existing grantees.
CITY COMMISSION ITEMS:
Board members were informed that their recommendation for an increase in Cultural Grant funding will be presented at the May 25 City Commission meeting.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Mr. Pantin asked for an update regarding public art for the fire station projects. Staff reported that design meetings are taking place regarding Fire Station 4 on Sunset and the project team is aware of the desire to incorporate public art into the plan. Since it has not been constructed yet, it has taken priority over the fire station on US1, which is complete.
Ms. Cathers reported that the Ponce Circle Park design consultant is giving presentations and public works staff has asked if Cultural Development Board members are able to attend the presentation to the Historic Preservation Board meeting tonight at 4:30 p.m. on Zoom. Ms. Cathers said she would like the project team to appear before Arts Advisory Panel to discuss public art opportunities and it would also come back to this Board, although the timeline is unclear. The presentation being given tonight is an overview and opportunity for the Board to see what is currently under consideration.
ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY:
Staff thanked the Board for their dedication and flexibility throughout the past year. Board members were advised that starting June 14 all City Boards will be required to appear in person.