Title
Cultural Development Board Meeting of December 20, 2022.
Body
NEW BUSINESS:
a. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PROPOSAL - JANINE ANTONI
Ms. Antoni appeared before the Board via Zoom to present a revised proposal for the sculpture “Whispering Through a Stone”. The concept remained the same as previously presented and included a revised budget and suggested locations.
***
Mr. Pantin made a motion recommending artist Janine Antoni’s proposal as presented for the artwork “Whispering Through a Stone”. Mr. Valdes-Fauli seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
b. PROPOSED DONATION: SPEEDFORMS IN THE GARDEN - PININFARINA
Board members reviewed a request from Pininfarina for the donation of a sculptural suite of three marble pieces titled “Speedforms in the Garden.”
***
Mr. Valdes-Fauli made a motion recommending acceptance of the donation “Speedforms in the Garden” from Pininfarina to be included in the City’s public art collection. Mr. Martinez seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
CULTURAL GRANTS:
a. CULTURAL GRANTEE CHANGE REQUESTS
Board members were advised of change requests from the Miami Children’s Chorus, The Dave and Mary Alper JCC, and Area Stage Company. All requests addressed date changes, with two initiated by the venues and one because of performer illness. With no questions, the following motion was made:
Mr. Martinez made a motion approving the requested changes for the Miami Children’s Chorus, The Dave and Mary Alper JCC, and Area Stage Company. Mr. Valdes-Fauli seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
a. AIPP WAIVER REQUEST, GABLES LIVING - GUSTAVO VELEZ
Board members reviewed the Arts Advisory Panel minutes excerpt regarding their recommendation not to approve the Gables Living development project request to waive the Art in Public Places fee and, instead, commission public artwork. The Board was advised that the development contact has not responded to the questions sent from the Panel.
***
Mr. Pantin made a motion recommending approval of the Gables Living request to waive the Art in Public Places fee in lieu of commissioning artwork as presented by artist Gustavo Velez. Mr. Valdes-Fauli seconded the motion, which passed (vote: approval/denial 6 to 1).
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES UPDATES:
Board members were provided with the minutes of the Arts Advisory Panel meeting of November 19th and discussed other opportunities for public art throughout the City.
a. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES - LOCATIONS
The Board was advised that the proposed list of locations for public art was discussed with City staff from Planning, Public Works, and Parks and Recreation. It was mentioned that discussion of the urban and residential sites included consideration of surrounding trees and air flow that could affect installed artwork. The Board reviewed the list, with Mr. Valdes-Fauli asking to consider the number of signs and lights in an area and how they may compete with the art.
***
Mr. Martinez made a motion recommending inclusion of infrastructure to support multiple sculptures within Ponce Circle Park, and to have the park as a focal point for the City Centennial. Mr. Pantin seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Mr. Pantin made a motion nominating Mr. Martinez to speak on behalf of the Board at City Commission meetings addressing the Ponce Circle Park design, further nominating Ms. Burgos as a backup if Mr. Martinez is unavailable. Mr. Rodriguez seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
b. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PROJECT UPDATES
The Board was provided with the following updates:
1. Eternal Vigilance: City Commission approval of added scope for the memorial sculpture at the Police and Fire Headquarters, including the inclusion of cast bronze emblems on the base and additional lighting.
2. The Truth is I Welcome You: The Hank Willis Thomas artwork signs have been restored and are now re-installed along Miracle Mile.
3. The Plaza artworks: Michele Oka Doner’s sculptural bench has been installed. The hanging lanterns are pending installation. The Board was informed of finish variations that are being addressed.
4. Villa Valencia: Foundation is in place to accept the artwork.
5. Jaguar Land Rover: A sculpture has been installed that was not recommended for approval by the Arts Advisory Panel or the Cultural Development Board and was not approved by the City Commission. The installation was noticed just prior to the meeting and staff stated they will research and report back to the Board at the next meeting.
CITY COMMISSION ITEMS:
There were no further City Commission items.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
a. ART FUND ANALYSIS
The Board was provided with an analysis of the Art Fund. The analysis included expense funds dedicated to previous, committed, and proposed projects along with the available revenue.
b. PUBLIC ART ACQUISITIONS
Following up on the Art Fund analysis, Board members discussed available funds and the Mayor’s interest in acquiring artwork by the artist Frank Stella.
***
Mr. Valdes-Fauli made a motion to acquire a public artwork by the artist Frank Stella. Mr. Pantin seconded the motion, which did not pass (vote: approval/denial 2 to 5).
Mr. Rodriguez shared his understanding of the Arts Panel and Cultural Board functions, supporting the process of requesting advice from the Panel and using a competitive process, with the Board making their own decision regarding a recommendation to the Commission. Discussion continued, including asking the Arts Advisory Panel for a formal recommendation. Mr. Rodriguez expressed wanting to know the Panel’s thoughts and it was clearly stated that the Panel has an advisory function, which does not mean the Board will follow the advice provided. In addition, it was noted that for the anticipated amount for an artwork of this stature, more diligence is ideal.
c. GENERAL DISCUSSION
Mr. Pantin asked if the Artefacto development is in Coral Gables and if a permit was given for the artwork mounted on the exterior of the building. Ms. Cathers responded that she will look into it.
ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY:
Ms. Cathers informed the Board of the Arts Advisory Panel’s motion to change their meeting dates to the first Wednesday of the month starting in February.
Recommended Action
[Enter Recommended Action Here]