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Coral Gables Arts Advisory Panel Meeting of April 25, 2018.
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PROPOSAL FOR PERMANENT INSTALLATION OF CARLOS CRUZ-DIEZ CROSSWALK:
Dr. Damian introduced the item, referencing the previous discussion of the proposal to maintain the Carlos Cruz-Diez painted crosswalks as permanent installations and the Panel’s concerns regarding the cost and durability of the paint. She stated that the proposal team has returned to address the concerns and reiterated that the concerns are only about the monies spent and durability; they not about the significance of the artist or the work.
Mr. Brito made a motion recommending the proposal move forward through the process to acquire the Cruz-Diez crosswalks as a permanent installation with the recommendation to implement a test area using the proposed material. Mr. Kolasiński seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
DEVELOPER AIPP PROJECT PROPOSAL FOR GABLES STATION:
Jorge Navarro introduced himself and Zaba Castro with Greenberg Traurig, and Jerad Graham, NP International as the project manager. Mr. Navarro referenced the previous approved recommendation by the Panel for a piece by the artist Blessing Hancock to be incorporated into the Gables Station development project. He thanked the Panel and asked the Panel to consider the proposed companion piece, also by Blessing Hancock, that would be sited in relation to the Underline, directly across from the entrance to Gables Station. The Panel was provided with a copy of the proposal to reference during the presentation.
Ms. Hall made a motion recommending approval of the waiver request to commission and donate artwork as presented in the proposal by artist Blessing Hancock in relation to the Gables Station development project, further recommending ongoing maintenance of the artwork by the property owner that would transfer with the property rights and remain in coordination with its companion piece at Gables Station. Mr. Kolasiński seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
DEVELOPER AIPP PRESENTATION FOR THE PLAZA:
Ms. Cathers introduced the item, stating that the developers of The Plaza requested to speak to the Panel about the project for the Panel’s input prior to presenting public art proposals. Ms. Spain gave a brief overview of the location. Jose Antonio Perez Helguera and Carlos Beckmann from Agave Holdings, LLC, introduced themselves and provided history and background about The Plaza project.
NEW BUSINESS:
a. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES, WAIVER FOR ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM:
Staff presented the Panel with a request to recommend an amendment to the current Art in Public Places code, adding a waiver for payment into the art acquisition fund if incorporating an Artist in Residence program. Ms. Spain referred to the Mayor’s comments at the previous Commission meeting encouraging the initiative.
Mr. Kolasiński made a motion recommending an amendment to the Art in Public Places Ordinance; adding a waiver option for the fee requirement if used toward an Artist in Residence program as outlined by the Historical Resources & Cultural Arts Department. Mr. Brito seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
b. ART BASEL MIAMI, ARTIST & PROPOSAL:
Ms. Cathers stated that Art Basel staff has consistently recommended that the City work closely with the University of Miami’s Lowe Art Museum regarding the City’s Art Basel event application. She stated that she has met with Dr. Deupi, director of the Lowe, to discuss and review artists that would work well as a speaker for the Museum’s annual lecture and who also have the experience and ability to design and execute a temporary work of art for exhibition in Coral Gables. She described the process of reviewing various artists and noted that Hank Willis Thomas was a great match to implement this year’s temporary public art exhibition.
Mr. Kolasiński made a motion to accept the qualifications of Hank Willis Thomas for inclusion as a pre-qualified artist. Ms. Hall seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Ms. Tschumy made a motion to recommend the temporary pubic art exhibition proposal by Hank Willis Thomas as presented, with the option of purchasing artwork, and as the City’s applicant for Art Basel 2018. Mr. Kolasiński seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
c. NOMINATION OF CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR:
The Panel briefly discussed the positions of Chair and Vice-Chair for the Panel and made the following motion:
Ms. Tschumy made a motion to nominate Dr. Damian as Chair of the Arts Advisory Panel. Ms. Hall seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Ms. Hall made a motion to nominate Dr. Deupi as Vice-Chair of the Arts Advisory Panel. Ms. Tschumy seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
Panel members were reminded of the Venice in the Gables exhibition opening on May 18, 2018 and were invited to attend.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
There were no discussion items.
ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY:
There were no items from the secretary.