Title
A Resolution approving artist Ivan Toth Depeña to design public artwork in conjunction with the new Public Safety Building project. (unanimously recommended by the Public Safety Building Public Art Selection Panel approval/denial vote: 10 to 0, and the Cultural Development Board approval/denial vote: 6 to 0).
Body
On January 22, 2019 the City Commission approved four (4) artists to submit public art proposals associated with the construction of the new Public Safety Building. Jose Bedia, Martin Dawe, Ivan Toth Depeña, and Robert Lazzarini (the “Artists”) made site visits to Coral Gables in preparation to develop their public art concepts and met with City staff, the building architect, and public safety professionals Police Chief Hudak, Fire Chief de la Rosa, and Fire Division Chief Barger. Artists submitted initial concept proposals, which were received and posted on the City’s website.
A Public Safety Building, Public Art Selection Panel was formed consisting of Arts Advisory Panel members, Police Chief Hudak, Fire Chief de la Rosa, Fire Division Chief Barger, and Leslie Pantin as an appointed representative of the Cultural Development Board.
On February 20, 2019 an announcement was posted on the City’s e-News directing the public to read and view the Artists proposals on a dedicated webpage and inviting comments. Notices were mailed to business and private residences within a 1,000-foot radius of the project site announcing the project and inviting comments. The City received approximately one hundred fifty (150) responses indicating a strong preference for the work of Ivan Toth Depeña. Selection Panel members received the comments as part of their review process.
On May 6, 2019 the Artists were each given an equal amount of time to present their concept sketch to the Selection Panel. The Panel unanimously agreed to invite Martin Dawe and Ivan Toth Depeña (the “Artists”) to further develop their original concepts for the Public Safety Bu...
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