Title
A Resolution approving the concept for a work of public art, by Jaume Plensa, in conjunction with the Paseo de la Riviera mixed-use project at 1350 South Dixie Highway in fulfillment of the Art in Public Places requirement for public art in private development. (unanimously recommended by the Arts Advisory Panel approval/denial vote: 6 to 0, and the Cultural Development Board approval/denial vote: 7 to 0)
Body
NP International (the “Developer”) is constructing a mixed-use project at 1350 South Dixie Highway, the Paseo de la Riviera (the “Project”). The Developer has chosen the option of petitioning for a waiver of the Art in Public Places Fee requirement by acquiring and installing artwork within the project as specified in the Zoning Code, Article 3, Division 21.
The Developer is proposing acquisition and installation of a sculpture by Jaume Plensa (the “Artist”) titled Storm. The sculpture is constructed of marine grade 316 stainless steel and will be installed on a raised base surrounded by calming river stones.
Mr. Plensa's Storm will be the focal point of the Project, enhancing a sense of place within the plaza, combining beauty and thoughtfulness in the busy center. As further detailed in the enclosed submittal, his work seeks to unify individuals through connections of spirituality, the body, and collective memory. Literature, psychology, biology, language, and history are guiding elements of inspiration in his work. Using a wide range of materials including steel, such as in this piece, Plensa lends physical weight and volume to components of the human condition.
Originally from Barcelona, Spain, Jaume Plensa is a world-renowned artist known for his engaging public art installations exhibited in various public projects and museums throughout the world. His celebrated and sought after works can be seen in Millennium Park, Illinois; Olympic Sculpture Park, Washington; Burj Khalifa, United Arab Emirates; BBC Broadcasting Tower and St. Helens, England; Pearson International Airport, Canada; Daikanyama, Toranomon Hills, and Ogijima Japan; Shanghai IFC Mall, China; Albright Knox Art Gallery, New York; Rice University, Texas; Bastion Saint-Jaume, France; Raoul Wallenberg Square, Sweden; and Perez Art Museum Miami, Florida, among many other sites worldwide.
The artist has presented solo exhibitions at prestigious institutions around the globe including the Institut Valencia d'Art Moderne, Spain; Nasher Sculpture Center, Dallas, Texas; Musee Picasso, France; Yorkshire Sculpture Park, England; and the Espoo Museum of Modern Art, Finland. Jaume Plensa: Human Landscape recently to the Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art, Tennessee; Tampa Museum of Art, Florida; and Toledo Museum of Art, Ohio. Jaume Plensa: Together was presented at the Basilica San Giorgio Maggiore in Italy as a collateral event of the 56th Venice Biennale.
The concept proposal is attached as Exhibit A to the proposed Resolution.
The cost of the proposed art piece and installation is estimated to be $650,184, which is less than the required 1% of the Project’s total budget estimate of $77,870,751. The difference in cost will be issued as a check for deposit into the Art Acquisition Fund.
The Arts Advisory Panel and the Cultural Development Board voted unanimously to recommend the artwork at their respective meetings on February 28, 2018 and April 03, 2018.
The Developer is required to provide for the perpetual maintenance of the artwork, which will be the sole responsibility of the Developer, in accordance with a restrictive covenant entered into with the City of Coral Gables and following the Art in Public Places: Funding, Goals, and Implementation Guidelines.