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Cultural Development Board Meeting of April 2, 2019.
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PERSONAL APPEARANCES:
a. ADRIANA MENESES RE. MENINAS STREET GALLERY
Adriana Meneses introduced herself and addressed the Board with a proposal to present the Meninas Street Gallery project in Coral Gables.
A motion was made by Dr. Alvarez-Perez not to recommend the project. Mr. Pantin asked for a friendly amendment to accept it, but with a limited number of pieces. Dr. Alvarez-Perez did not accept the amendment to the proposal. The motion carried and was seconded by Mr. Martinez. Dr. Alvarez-Perez, Mr. Martinez, Dr. Mayorga, and Dr. Roth voted in favor of the motion; Ms. Horwitz, Ms. Burgos, and Mr. Pantin were opposed. The motion passed.
CULTURAL GRANT ITEMS
a. CULTURAL GRANT FUNDING MATCH
The Board discussed the number of organizations requesting program changes based on the inability to secure enough funding. Ms. Cathers stated that the current match for cultural grant funds is 30%. After a brief discussion, the following motion was made:
A motion was made by Ms. Burgos to increase Cultural Grant applicants’ required match to 50%. Dr. Alvarez-Perez seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
b. CHANGE REQUEST - CUATROGATOS
The Board was provided with a cultural grant change request by Cuatrogatos. The Board commented on the lack of clarity and confusion regarding the request, saying it appears the artists are being changed with a modification to the existing program. Discussion continued about the importance of programs not being dependent on funding from the City. With no further discussion, the following motion was made:
A motion was made by Ms. Horwitz to reject the change request. Mr. Pantin seconded the motion; Ms. Horwitz and Mr. Pantin voted in favor of the motion; Dr. Alvarez-Perez, Ms. Burgos, Mr. Martinez, Dr. Mayorga, and Dr. Roth were opposed, and the motion did not pass.
A motion was made by Dr. Alvarez-Perez to accept the proposed changes as presented by Cuatrogatos. Ms. Burgos seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS:
a. DEVELOPER AIPP WAIVER REQUEST FOR 735 & 743 ALMERIA AVE. - R & R STUDIOS
The Board was presented with a request to combine the Art in Public Places (AiPP) fee allocation for 735 and 743 Almeria Avenue to put toward a commissioned artwork, “Coral Carpet”, at Balboa Plaza to complement the existing sculptural sofa “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Staff requested the Board to consider two motions to recommend combining the fees and recommend approval of the waiver request to commission and donate the artwork “Coral Carpet” to the City.
A motion was made by Dr. Alvarez-Perez to recommend combining the Art in Public Places fee allocations for 735 and 743 Almeria Avenue; Ms. Burgos seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
A motion was made by Dr. Alvarez-Perez to recommend approval of the waiver request to commission and donate to the City, the artwork “Coral Carpet” by R&R Studios as presented. Ms. Burgos seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
There was no old business.
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES UPDATES;
a. PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING
Board members were advised of the Public Safety Building public art selection panel meeting currently scheduled for April 24th, following the next AAP meeting.
b. GIRALDA SKY
The Board was advised of the City Commission approval of the Giralda Sky project “Sun Stories” by Jessy Nite.
c. ART BASEL 2019
Staff reported that a response hasn’t been received yet regarding Teresita Fernandez’s availability as the City’s Art Basel 2019 artist. Staff said they would like to move forward with a proposal invitation to artist Rafael Barrios. Ms. Cathers noted the Coral Gables Museum exhibition in December focuses on contemporary Venezuelan artists. Board members agreed that reaching out to Mr. Barrios makes sense, as he is an internationally respected Venezuelan artist and has public exhibition experience, including Park Avenue.
CITY COMMISSION ITEMS
a. AIPP ORDINANCE UPDATE
Ms. Cathers gave a brief history regarding the amendment to the City’s Art in Public Places program due to the County’s revised Ordinance regarding municipal art in public places programs. The Board was advised that City Commission passed the AiPP Ordnance on second reading. The amendment dissolves the Historic Art Fund and transfers existing funds to the Art Acquisition fund. In addition, new Municipal construction project will donate 1 ½ % to the art acquisition fund with an amendment to modify the $100,000 threshold to $500,000.
b. CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP - REPORT
Staff reported that the Mayor, Vice-Mayor, Arts Advisory Panel chair Dr. Damian, developers, gallery owners, and staff from planning and economic development departments attended the City Commission workshop to discuss incentive options to incorporate Art in Residence programs and galleries into commercial projects. Staff advised that next steps include developing a proposed zoning code change.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Mr. Pantin asked about the possibility of developing a sculpture area under the Metrorail as part of the Underline project. He mentioned the new sculptures going in at Gables Station and suggested developing that area as a nexus for public art. Mr. Pantin asked if a location has been decided for the permanent installation of the David Hayes sculpture currently installed at City Hall. Staff said that no decision has been made regarding the artwork’s permanent location and Mr. Pantin suggested moving the sculpture to the Underline. Staff responded that Meg Daly will be invited to the Board to provide an update and overview of the Underline project and plans for public art.
ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY:
The Board was provided with the Arts Advisory Panel meeting minutes of February 27, 2019.