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Cultural Development Board Meeting of March 7, 2017.
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CORAL GABLES CULTURAL GRANTEE REQUESTS, UPDATES, & REVIEWS:
Miami Symphony Orchestra
Ms. Cathers introduced Pola Reydburd, representing the Miami Symphony Orchestra, and reviewed the organization’s request to change the date and venue of their FY2016-17 Cultural Grant proposed project. Ms. Reydburd described the situation, stating that their contact with the City had gone on maternity leave and communication was disrupted. Issues arose regarding the use of the venue, parking, permits, set-up expenses, etc. that would make it a hardship for the organization to fulfill the grant as originally described. Since then, the organization has connected with the Coral Gables Adult Activity Center at the Palace and confirmed the location availability for Saturday, May 13 at 5:00 p.m. The program remains the same.
Dr. Mayorga made a motion to approve Miami Symphony Orchestra’s request for a change of venue and date as noted on their FY2016-17 grant application to the new venue at the Coral Gables Adult Activity Center on the date of May 13th at 5:00 p.m Ms. Horwitz seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Cultural Grantee Updates
Ms. Cathers reported that on February 14th the City Commission approved the Resolution as recommended by the Board for FY2016-17 Cultural Grant funding.
CORAL GABLES CULTURAL GRANT (DISCUSSION):
Dr. Roth asked that this item be tabled until more Board members can be present. Ms. Cathers reminded Board members to forward any comments prior to the next meeting.
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES, PROJECT UPDATES:
Miracle Mile Streetscape
Ms. Cathers informed the Board that the date for the initial concept review is being re-scheduled. Artists have been forwarded comments from the public and are working on their initial designs.
Jean Ward
The Board was informed that Mr. Volsky requested locating the three recently restored Jean Ward sculptures in the new park located north of the Country Club on Granada Boulevard. The sculptures could be placed along a path currently included in the design. A neighborhood meeting will take place.
Marc Andres Smit
Mr. Pastor shared information about the passing of artist, Marc Andres Smit, the sculptor of the Jose Marti bust and monument located at Freedom Plaza. He commended Mr. Smit’s commitment to art in the City and mentioned that the artist had recently contacted the City regarding the maintenance of the artwork. Ms. Cathers shared that she had a couple of wonderful conversations with Mr. Smit, including receiving extensive maintenance instructions for his piece. She also stated that his work was showcased on the public art bike tour and that a lovely article about Mr. Smit was included in the Miami Herald.
DISCUSSION:
Mr. Pastor stated that the Mayor invited him to meet with the delegation of (Sister City) Cartagena this afternoon to inform them about the City’s cultural community. The Board agreed that information about the City’s Cultural Grant program and grantees, along with information about the public art collection would be helpful. Ms. Cathers asked that Mr. Pastor express the enthusiasm residents have for Cartagena’s donated sculpture Old Shoes, noting that it’s regularly stated as the most popular public artwork in the City.
BOARD ITEMS / CITY COMMISSION UPDATE / CITY PROJECT UPDATES:
Dr. Roth reported on her meeting about the City Website. She expressed to the design team a desire to see a direct link to a cultural calendar on the main page for the benefit of residents as well as visitors. Examples of other City websites were reviewed and a more sophisticated and easier to navigate design is being planned.
ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY:
There were no additional items.