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A Resolution of the City Commission accepting a proposal from Latin Art Core for acquisition of a sculpture by artist Agustín Cárdenas, Le Couple, 1991, (unanimously recommended by the Cultural Development Board approval/denial vote: 7 to 0); authorizing the City Manager or his or her designee to enter into an agreement with Latin Art Core; authorizing an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 amended budget to recognize as revenue a transfer from the Art in Public Places reserve, and appropriating such funds to put toward the cost of acquisition, installation, and related expenses regarding the artwork.
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The City Commission has consistently expressed interest in building the City’s permanent public art collection with artworks by prominent, world-renowned artists.
On May 20, 2025, Mayor Lago advised the City Commission of interest in acquiring artwork by Artist, Agustín Cárdenas.
On June 17, 2025, the Cultural Development Board reviewed a proposal from Latin Art Core for artwork by artist Agustín Cárdenas, Le Couple, 1991. Following the Art in Public Places Guidelines, the Board requested review and a recommendation from the Arts Advisory Panel.
Following the process for existing artworks, staff requested an appraisal of the artwork.
On September 3, 2025, the Arts Advisory panel reviewed the Proposal and appraisal and did not recommend acquisition based on the price and not having a suitable location.
Latin Art Core submitted a revised Proposal.
On September 16, 2025, the Cultural Development Board reviewed the revised proposal and recommendation of the Arts Panel, along with locations for consideration. The Board requested an assessment to determine suitability for potential outdoor installation and anticipated maintenance.
Staff received the assessment, which was reviewed by the Board, along with additional locations for discussion.
On October 21, 2025, the Cultural Development Board made a motion recommending acquisition of Agustín Cárdenas’, Le Couple, 1991 to the City Commission.
About the artist:
Agustín Cárdenas (1927-2001) was a Cuban sculptor of Afro-Caribbean descent whose work is internationally celebrated for its organic, fluid forms and cultural depth. After relocating to
Paris in the 1950s, Cárdenas became an active member of the Surrealist movement under the
leadership of André Breton.
Cárdenas developed a distinct sculptural language that merged abstraction with influences
drawn from African artistic traditions, Surrealism, and modernist principles. His work often
explores themes of identity, form, and symbolism, resulting in pieces that are both visually
striking and culturally resonant.
Over the course of his illustrious career, Cárdenas’ sculptures have been exhibited in and
collected by major museums and institutions around the world. He is widely regarded as one of
the most important sculptors of the 20th century, with a legacy that continues to inspire artists
and audiences alike.
About the artwork:
The artwork has been described as an exceptional example of Cárdenas’ mature style - marked by elegant abstraction and rich symbolic content.
The work stands out not only for its artistic excellence but also for its cultural relevance within the broader context of Latin American art, closely aligning with the values that Coral Gables promotes: diversity, artistic excellence, and cultural enrichment.
Le Couple, 1991 is a unique work with no further editions and is sculpted from a single piece of Carrera marble.
Following the motion of the Cultural Development Board, staff recommends placement at 427 Biltmore Way within the lobby of the Development Services building.
Funding for acquisition is $420,000 (four hundred twenty thousand dollars) plus delivery fees. If placed indoors, it is anticipated that it will rest on an accompanying travertine base. If placed outdoors, it will require additional funding for engineering, lighting, and signage at an estimated cost of $33,000. The total estimated project cost is being proposed through the Art Fund.
The cost of annual maintenance is anticipated to be minimal and is being proposed through use of the general fund as ordinary maintenance and will be included as part of the City’s annual public art maintenance plan.
The Cultural Development Board voted unanimously (7-0) to recommend acquisition of Agustín Cárdenas’, Le Couple, 1991 at their meeting on October 21, 2025.
Recommended Action
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