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Arts Advisory Panel Meeting of April 24, 2019.
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NEW BUSINESS:
a. ART BASEL 2019
The Panel was advised that Teresita Fernandez is not available for an Art Basel public art exhibition this year; however, talks will continue for a possible future exhibition. Responding to a request by the Mayor, the Panel was advised that staff, along with Dr. Damian, will meet with Venezuelan artist Rafael Barrios to discuss a possible installation in time for Art Basel. Ms. Cathers stated that it would tie in thematically to Coral Gables Museum exhibitions of contemporary Venezuelan artists during Miami Art Week.
OLD BUSINESS:
There was no old business.
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES UPDATES
a. PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING
Ms. Cathers reported that the first Public Safety Building public art selection panel meeting is scheduled for May 6th and reminded the Panel and Board of the finalists who will be presenting their proposals. Mr. Brito asked what sites have been identified and staff responded that all proposed projects are sited within the (front) plaza area.
CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT BOARD DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PROCESS
Staff presented a PowerPoint presentation with a general overview of the Art in Public Places program including a history of the program, selections from the collection, temporary exhibitions, how artworks may be acquired, process and procedures for municipal and private development, and allowable expenses.
b. PUBLIC ART PROJECTS
Current and proposed projects were discussed including the Public Safety Building, Sun Stories at Giralda Plaza, and the annual Art Basel exhibition. Approved Private Development projects were reviewed including the three artworks at Gables Station, one at Paseo de la Riviera, Gables Waterway, Merrick Hotel, and Balboa Plaza. The online map was also discussed and noted as a great tool for people to find artwork around Coral Gables.
c. PUBLIC ART MASTER PLAN
Staff advised the Panel and Board that an update of the Public Art Master Plan has been requested for the upcoming fiscal year budget. The Panel and Board discussed the Master Plan and agreed that it should include: a context for the ongoing program, address curatorial and programmic goals, prioritization of projects, consider locations for temporary and permanent artworks, review acquisition process, recommend and further develop a temporary exhibition program, make additional revisions to the existing Master Plan and Guidelines as necessary and include a plan to encourage artist in residence programs and galleries within developments.
A motion was made by Mr. Brito to recommend issuing an RFQ for a firm to manage the Public Art Master Plan. Ms. Tschumy seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
d. ARTS ADVISORY PANEL APPOINTMENTS
The Panel and Board were provided with a copy of the current resolution, including requirements of Arts Advisory Panel members. The Panel and Board were advised that with the full commission in place, recommendations are needed for arts professionals to sit on the Panel and well as those who wish to remain. Ms. Cathers advised that Dr. Damian and Ms. Tschumy are terming off, as they have served four consecutive terms. The Panel discussed a desire to fill Ms. Tschumy’s artist position with another artist. Recommendations, staff said, will be forwarded to the Cultural Development Board for their recommendation to the City Commission.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Ms. Burgos asked Panel members about their thoughts regarding the current approval process, especially as it relates to temporary artworks. In response to the City Manager’s request for a faster turnaround time, she shared that the Cultural Development Board recommended using an ad hoc committee with members of related Boards that could make a recommendation directly to the Commission. Mr. Brito stated that the turnaround time is already fast and that temporary exhibitions still need to be reviewed. Ms. Burgos responded that it would be on an as-needed basis. The Panel agreed that it’s worth a try. Ms. Horwitz stated concern that the projects with these requests have been more commercial in nature. All concurred that the Commission has final approving authority.
Staff updated the Panel and Board regarding the temporary public art project on the piers of the Metrorail by the University of Miami that appear as large-scale domino pieces. The artist Bo Droga, staff explained, received an Ellie award through the Oolite arts organization for the concept and creation of the artwork. Mr. Droga met with Vice Mayor Lago, Ms. Spain, and Ms. Cathers. It was the understanding of staff that the artist would meet with Meg Daly and the County regarding the installation. No update was received regarding the artwork, which was permitted through the Miami-Dade County transit department. Staff informed the Panel and Board that the Underline is not City property and the City does not have jurisdiction for what is installed or placed on the property. However, City staff will be meeting with the County and Underline personnel to discuss how future installations within the Coral Gables’ section of the Underline will be handled.
The Panel and Board were advised that another Ellie award recipient approached the City and was advised that proposed artworks need to go through the City’s public art approval process.
Mr. Brito update the Panel and Board on Bike Walk Coral Gables tours and recommended having a regular public art themed ride. Ms. Spain responded that the City is always open to these initiatives and that Ms. Cathers led a tour about a year ago on the subject.
ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY:
Board members were advised of new Commissioner, Jorge L. Fors Jr., and re-elected Mayor, Raúl Valdés-Fauli.