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Cultural Development Board Meeting of April 3, 2018.
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PERSONAL APPEARANCES:
There were no personal appearances separate from New Business presenters.
CORAL GABLES CULTURAL GRANTEE REQUESTS, UPDATES & REVIEWS:
a. City Theatre, program change request
The Board was presented with a request from City Theatre to change program dates due to scheduling conflicts from earlier in the season to April 9, May 7, and dates in August and September to be determined. Dr. Roth wants to make sure that their programs are completed by September 30th. Mr. Perez asked if the organization has received grants in the past. Ms. Cathers stated they have, but not recently. With no further discussion, the following motion was made:
Ms. Perez made a motion to approve the requested change as presented. Mr. Pantin seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
b. Dave and Mary Alper JCC, Program change request
The Board received a letter from the Dave and Mary Alper JCC requesting a change of programming to reflect a different speaker than what was presented in the application due to an author cancelling. Dr. Roth noted that the program has already occurred. A brief discussion took place and the Board expressed concern that the money appeared to be re-allocated in addition to the request coming after the fact. The Board felt it was unclear exactly what happened and requested more detail. The Board asked staff to reach out to the organization for further information and a reminder of the process regarding changes. With no further discussion, the following motion was made:
Ms. Bugos made a motion to approve the requested change. Mr. Perez seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
c. Cuban Classical Ballet, update
Staff reported that the City received a settlement check from the Cuban Classical Ballet of $1,500. It was noted that the original amount requested was $2,500. Staff stated the intention to allocate the $1,500 to the Arts & Business Council. The Board enthusiastically agreed and supported this decision. Mr. Pantin asked about the status of the Ballet itself (which recently lost its director). There was no further information available at this time.
d. Updates
Board members discussed cultural and grantee events they had attended. Dr. Mayorga attended Seraphic Fire’s St. Matthew and commented on the quality and good attendance. Dr. Roth reminded Board members to complete evaluation forms and return them to Ms. Cathers
CORAL GABLES CULTURAL GRANT FY2018-2019:
Dr. Roth asked if the Board could meet on a separate date to solely discuss the grants when there are no personal appearances. She reflected on the difficulty to have this sort of meeting during the regularly scheduled time. The Board concurred and agreed to meet on Tuesday, May 15th at 4:00 p.m.
NEW BUSINESS:
a. MERRICK PARK HOTEL
Laura Russo introduced herself and the developers of the Merrick Park Hotel, Sandra Cardona and Robert Hazard with Hersha Hospitality, which is proposing to incorporate public art within the development. Ms. Cathers reported that the proposal has gone before the Arts Advisory Panel, which made a recommendation to the Cultural Development Board to accept the proposal presented by the developer for artwork by artist Michele Oka Doner.
Mr. Pantin made a motion recommending approval of the Art in Public Places waiver request by the Merrick Plaza Hotel development project to incorporate artwork by artist Michele Oka Doner into the Merrick Plaza Hotel plans as presented and as recommended by the Arts Advisory Panel. Mr. Perez seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
b. PASEO DE LA RIVIERA
Ms. Cathers gave a brief introduction of the Paso de la Riviera development project. She stated that the developer is requesting a waiver of the Art in Public Places fee through purchase and installation of artwork within the project. She stated that the proposal has gone to the Arts Advisory Panel, which is recommending acceptance of the proposal.
Ms. Burgos made a motion recommending approval of the Art in Public Places waiver request by the Paseo de la Riviera development project to incorporate artwork by artist Jaume Plensa into the Paseo de la Riviera plaza as presented and as recommended by the Arts Advisory Panel. Dr. Alvarez-Perez seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
a. Giralda Plaza
Ms. Cathers updated the Board on the decision not to use Art Acquisition Funds toward the completion of the Giralda Plaza. Ms. Spain explained that it did not move forward as the City Manager did not feel it was an appropriate use of the funds and said other funds are currently been sought to complete the project. The Board was overwhelmingly pleased with this decision. Dr. Roth asked that staff call Arts Advisory Panel members to let them know as well. Staff reported that this had been done.
b. Venice in the Gables
Staff advised the Board that artists and sponsors are still being sought for the Venice in the Gables project and that the deadline has been extended. Ms. Cathers provided the webpage for the Call for Art and sponsorship.
c. Balboa Plaza
Staff reported that work has started on the sofa at Balboa Plaza by R&R Studios. The Board was very pleased to hear the news.
d. Aycock Sculpture
Ms. Cathers reported that the rim of the water basin surrounding the Aycock sculpture is being resurfaced and tall grass will replace the previous plantings. She said the misting is also being addressed and enhanced lighting is being discussed.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Dr. Alvarez-Perez stated that former Panel member Silvia Cubina has offered to participate on decision making art panels as needed; however, she doesn’t have time to attend regular meetings. Ms. Cathers mentioned the option of the Arts Advisory Panel to appoint ad hoc committees and will let the Panel know of Ms. Cubina’s offer.
Mr. Pantin asked if there is a plan in place to publicize culture in Coral Gables. He referenced a recent letter to the editor in the Miami Herald that spoke about the art at the Marlin’s stadium that included a reference to Coral Gables.
ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY:
There were no items.