Title
Cultural Development Board Meeting of August 2, 2016.
Body
Cultural Grantee Requests, Updates, & Reviews
1. Cuban Classical Ballet
The Board was updated on the decision of the City Commission to require return of FY2014-15 grant funds as recommended by the Board. Ms. Cathers reported that the organization has asked for further consideration.
2. Board Reports
Board members reported on cultural programs they attended, including: Coral Gables Congregational Church, Community Arts Program; GableStage; and Mainly Mozart. Ms. Cathers spoke of ongoing efforts to fill the void left by Sunday Afternoons of Music. She also informed the Board that Area Stage is seeking a new location due to re-development of their current space. The theater is scheduled for demolition within the next two years. Space requirement details were provided and Board members discussed temporary solutions such as using an area school for performances. Discussion continued about the importance of keeping the theater company within Coral Gables.
FY 2016-17 Cultural Grant Updates
1. Grant Workshop and Next CDB Meeting
Board members discussed the new application and agreed to make individual appointments if they wish to review it online with staff. Ms. Cathers asked if Board members would prefer to hold their September Board meeting prior to the Cultural Grant workshop. Board members unanimously agreed to move the September Cultural Development Board meeting to 3:30 p.m. August 31st, prior to the Cultural Grant workshop.
2. City Commission Meetings
Staff provided the Board with the City Commission budget hearing dates for FY2016-2017 - September 13 and September 27. It was stated that a motion was made at the previous meeting to have Mr. Perez attend and speak on behalf of the Cultural Development Board in support of the increased Cultural Grant funds noted on the Budget Estimate for FY2016-2017.
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES ORDINANCE AMENDMENT:
The Board received a copy of text amendments to the Art in Public Places Ordinance. Staff provided background stating that a resolution for the amendment was submitted to the City Attorney's office, who initiated writing the proposed amendment. Staff added that this was an appropriate time to include further amendments to update and clarify the code. The Board was given a detailed explanation of proposed Developer fee options and confirmed that the amendment does not lessen the amount designated toward public art.
Mr. Perez made a motion to recommend approval of the Art in Public Places Ordinance text amendments with additions as discussed. Ms. Burgos seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Dr. Alvarez-Perez stated that he would be available to speak in support of the amendment as needed and available.
Mr. Pastor made a motion recommending Dr. Alvarez-Perez to attend meetings as available to speak on behalf of the Cultural Development Board in support of the Art in Public Places Ordinance amendment. Mr. Perez seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES, PROJECT UPDATES (DISCUSSION & ACTION):
Alice Aycock
Staff reviewed the approval process used to accept the Alice Aycock sculptures. The Board discussed the discussions currently taking place throughout the community and unanimously agreed that the artworks compliment the historic identity of Coral Gables and should be promoted as world-class art in support of the Art in Public Places program. Board members were reminded of the ribbon cutting scheduled for Wednesday, October 12th. In addition, staff is preparing an application for an official VIP Art Basel event in December, along with the Coral Gables Museum exhibition and artist talk. Ms. Spain reported that the larger piece on Biltmore Way now mists on the hour for five minutes and is lit in the evening.
Jean Ward
The Board was informed that a neighborhood meeting will be planned in September to allow feedback from residents prior to fabrication of the bases and final placement of the artworks after restoration. The decision to hold the meeting in September was made to accommodate the return of seasonal travelers.
Miracle Mile Streetscape
An update was provided to the Board on the results of the Arts Advisory Panel meeting of June 30th, with the Panel recommending three artworks by three different artists at three of the Miracle Mile mid-block crossings. The artists being recommended are Ball-Nogues Studio, David Brooks, and Meejin Yoon. The Board was shown examples of the artists' previous work and commented in favor of the recommendations.
Giralda Avenue Streetscape
Staff notified the Board that their recommended approval of the artwork for the Giralda Avenue Streetscape is scheduled to go before the City Commission on August 23rd. Ms. Cathers noted that public comment has been requested on this piece through the City's website. Ms. Spain stated that Public Affairs will be notified and asked to include it in ENews. The Board discussed and made the following motion:
Dr. Alvarez-Perez made a motion recommending Ms. Burgos to attend the City Commission meeting to speak on behalf of the Cultural Development Board in support of the Giralda Avenue Streetscape public artwork as proposed with Mr. Pastor available as an alternate. Mr. Perez seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Gables Waterway
Staff notified the Board that their recommended approval of the Art in Public Places waiver request through an artwork donation in conjunction with the Gables Waterway development project is tentatively scheduled to go before the City Commission on August 23rd. The item before the City Commission is pending additional budget documentation and Public Works approval.
Balboa Plaza
Ms. Cathers informed the Board that the public artwork as presented and recommended by the Board was approved by the City Commission on July 26th.
NEW BUSINESS:
The Board was informed of a dedicated email for Art in Public Places: aipp@coralgables.com. They were also updated on the progress of the on-line map for the City's Public Art Collection.
DISCUSSION:
There were no additional discussion items.
BOARD ITEMS / CITY COMMISSION UPDATE / CITY PROJECT UPDATE:
Dr. Roth reminded Board members that in keeping with the Sunshine law, Board business is to be discussed exclusively with staff or within Board meetings.
ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY:
There were no additional items.