Title
Cultural Development Board Meeting of March 5, 2019.
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ITEM FROM THE CHAIR
Dr. Roth read aloud a prepared statement (attached to these minutes). Board members concurred with the statement and expressed their support of the content. Dr. Roth commended the Board and their role of supporting public art projects, whether they’ve been vetted through the Board or not; however, saying the examples within the statement support following a process that includes the Cultural Development Board.
CULTURAL GRANT ITEMS
a. CHANGE REQUEST - MIAMI CHILDREN’S CHORUS
Dr. Mayorga recused herself due to conflict of interest on this item. The Board was presented with a change request from the Miami Children’s Chorus to change the date and venue of the program from the First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables on May 19 to the University of Miami Gusman Concert hall on June 2. A copy of the venue agreement was provided. After a brief discussion, the following motion was made:
A motion was made by Ms. Horwitz to accept the proposed changes as presented by the Miami Children’s Chorus. Ms. Burgos seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
b. CHANGE REQUEST - EL INGENIO, UPDATE
Ms. Cathers acknowledged representatives from El Ingenio, Ms. Lilliam Vega and Yannet Amador, who attended to respond to the organization’s change request and answer questions from the Board. Ms. Vega and Ms. Amador introduced themselves and stated that the change in venue was due to construction happening at the original location. They re-iterated their request, understanding that it’s retroactive, to move the program to the Coral Gables Library on March 2 and March 10 at 3:00 p.m. With no further discussion, the following motion was made:
A motion was made by Dr. Alvarez-Perez to accept the changes as presented by the organization, El Ingenio. Ms. Burgos seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS:
a. ART BASEL 2019
Staff advised the Board that Vice-Mayor Lago made a request to invite Teresita Fernandez as the Art Basel 2019 artist and to commission a permanent artwork using the remaining public art funds from Miracle Mile. Staff reported that the Commission approved moving the remaining public art funds from Miracle Mile into the general Art Acquisition Fund, allowing for greater flexibility of a commissioned work that could be on Miracle Mile or elsewhere; the Commission also approved the Vice-Mayor to move forward with speaking to the artist. The Board was presented with an invitation proposal prepared for Vice Mayor to present to the artist.
A motion was made by Dr. Alvarez-Perez to accept the recommendation of the Arts Advisory Panel to recommend inviting Teresita Fernandez to submit a proposal for a permanent commissioned artwork, including a component for Art Basel 2019, allowing for an April 5th deadline to respond to the invitation. Mr. Martinez seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
b. DONATION PROPOSAL
Ms. Cathers advised the Board that the City was approached by the Coral Gables Community Foundation with a donation proposal by the Kirk Landon family of a large-scale John Henry sculpture. Board members were provided with images and details of the artwork. Ms. Cathers stated that the sculpture is currently installed at the Orlando Museum of Art. The piece, she went on, was installed by the artist on site in 2013. Ms. Spain noted that Mr. Landon was a great friend of the City and contributed significantly to establishing cultural facilities such as the Coral Gables Museum and the Adult Activity Center.
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES UPDATES;
a. PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING
The Board was advised that comments are being accepted until March 15 for the Public Safety Building public art proposals. The comments, staff said, will be forwarded to the selection panel consisting of the AAP, Police and Fire chiefs, and Leslie Pantin as the selected representative of the Cultural Development Board. Then, the selection panel will make a recommendation to the CDB for a recommendation to the City Commission.
b. FREDY ALZATE SCULPTURE DONATION
The Board was advised that staff spoke with the artist, who stated that the sculpture proposed for donation was not intended to be placed outdoors and would not do well with the weather conditions. The City Commission was advised, and the item was removed from consideration.
c. GIRALDA SKY
The Board was advised that proposals for Giralda Sky will be accepted until March 15. Board members discussed interest they’ve received from various artists within the community.
CITY COMMISSION ITEMS
a. CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP - DEVELOPER INCENTIVES
The Board was reminded of the City Commission Workshop to discuss developer incentives to incorporate gallery and artist in residence programs. Board members were encouraged to attend.
b. AIPP ORDINANCE UPDATE
Ms. Spain gave a brief overview of the two funds within the City’s Art in Public Places Program, the historic art fund and art acquisition fund. She reported that the County is reviewing all municipal art in public places programs and checking compliance with the County code. It’s believed, she said, that the City previously felt they were in compliance due to the strong historic art component of the City which had been researched when the program was originally established. To ensure current compliance (presented through the City Attorney’s Office), the City Commission (on first reading) eliminated the historic art fund and moved to shift the current fund balance into the Art Acquisition Fund.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
There were no discussion items.
ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY:
The Board was provided with the Arts Advisory Panel meeting minutes of January 23, 2019.