Title
Cultural Development Board Meeting of September 17, 2019.
Body
NEW BUSINESS:
a. PRIVATE DEVELOPER WAIVER REQUEST - THE PLAZA
Ms. Cathers introduced Mr. Brady and Ms. Rosenthal and stated their appearance before the Board to request placement of artwork as part of The Plaza development project in partial fulfillment of the Art in Public Places requirement.
Ms. Horwitz made a motion recommending approval of the Art in Public Places waiver request by The Plaza development project to incorporate artwork by artist Tony Cragg into The Plaza plans as presented and as recommended by the Arts Advisory Panel. Ms. Morris seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
b. SCULPTURE DONATION - ARTIST, JOHN HENRY
The Board was advised of a proposed donation from the Kirk Landon Foundation of the sculpture “Quark” by American artist John Henry. The sculpture, staff said, is currently installed in Orlando. The donation proposal was brought before the Arts Advisory Panel, who asked that a cost estimate be completed prior to further discussion. Staff responded that an estimate of $150,000 (one hundred fifty thousand dollars) was received to have the sculpture de-installed, restored, transported, and installed in Coral Gables.
A motion was made by Mr. Pantin to accept the recommendation of the Arts Advisory Panel and not accept the generous donation of the John Henry sculpture titled “Quark”. Ms. Morris seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
c. NATIONAL ARTS & HUMANITIES MONTH - OCTOBER
The Board was advised that Americans for the Arts has declared October as National Arts & Humanities Month and encourages municipalities to present proclamations to that effect. Staff made a recommendation to request the proclamation along with a brief performance hosted by Sanctuary of the Arts. The Board agreed that it’s important to bring attention to the benefit of the arts and show support of organizations presenting arts programs in Coral Gables. With no further discussion, the following motion was made and Board members were encouraged to attend the Commission meeting.
A motion was made by Mr. Pantin to recommend declaring October as National Arts & Humanities Month. Mr. Martinez seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
d. ARTS ADVISORY PANEL MEMBER NOMINATIONS
The Board was informed of Nelson de León’s interest in serving on the Arts Advisory Panel and was provided with his resume. The Board discussed Mr. de León’s previous position serving on the Board of Architects and discussed the importance of having diverse professional arts backgrounds represented on the Panel. With no further discussion the following motion was made:
A motion was made by Mr. Martinez to recommend appointing Nelson de León to the Arts Advisory Panel. Mr. Pantin seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
CULTURAL GRANT ITEMS
Ms. Cathers reported on the excellent turnout for the Cultural Grants workshop, noting about 50 (fifty) organization attended with 47 (forty-seven) applicants meeting the eligibility requirement. She stated this as the largest response to date. Board members were reminded of the October 4th Cultural Grant application deadline and that review and scoring is entirely on-line. Ms. Cathers said about a week will be needed to process the applications prior to being available for review.
OLD BUSINESS:
There was no old business
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES UPDATES;
a. Public Safety Building
Staff reminded the Board that a new process is being started to procure artwork for the Public Safety Building and that an artist has been invited to speak with Police and Fire professionals for exploratory purposes.
b. Carlos Albert
The Board was advised that the Carlos Albert temporary exhibition was approved by the City Commission on September 10.
c. Sun Stores
The Board was informed that Sun Stories at Giralda Plaza was de-installed due to Hurricane Dorian.
d. Carlos Cruz-Diez
Staff reported the Carlos Cruz-Diez crosswalk agreements went to City Commission with the Commission requesting payment dependent on approval of the Department of Transportation (DOT), and additional clarity regarding warranty of the artwork.
e. Illuminate Coral Gables
Staff reported 40 (forty) applications were received in response to the RFP released by Illuminate Coral Gables for a Director/Curator. Video interviews will be conducted, and two respondents will be invited to visit Coral Gables. Ms. Cathers stated that Mr. Pantin was approached by Illuminate Coral Gables to assist with logistical support and fundraising. Mr. Pantin stated his enthusiasm and maintained that he will remove himself from any decisions regarding Illuminate Coral Gables.
f. Underline
Staff reported meeting with Miami-Dade County and the Department of Transportation regarding public art installations along the Underline. The Board was advised that the Underline is under Federal jurisdiction with complex requirements. Staff passed on the desire to have the Arts Advisory Panel, Cultural Development Board, and City Commission involved in the selection process of artwork that is placed within the Underline.
g. Art Basel
The Board was informed of the Commission’s approval of the Rafael Barrios sculpture acquisition and temporary exhibition for Miami Art Week and Art Basel. The exhibition, staff said, will include a month-long exhibition at the Coral Gables Museum. They were informed of the Artist’s desire to also install temporary pieces in McBride plaza along with projected shadow pieces.
h. Jean Ward sculptures
Ms. Morris reported that discussions regarding placement of Jean Ward sculptures at Coral Gables High School have currently stalled. The school board, she said, would like two, rather than the three, sculptures. Ms. Morris and Mr. Pantin offered to speak with school officials individually. Ms. Morris discussed the school’s design plan, new buildings, and construction to date.
i. Hank Willis Thomas artworks
The Board was advised that Hank Willis Thomas’ Speech Bubbles along Miracle Mile were removed due to Hurricane Dorian and will be cleaned and re-installed prior to Miami Art Week. The Board was provided a status update on the artwork benches and advised that a Florida State grant was awarded to promote the artworks.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
There were no discussion items.
ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY:
The Board was provided with the Arts Advisory Panel meeting minutes of July 17, 2019.
The Board was reminded of the required Biennial Boards and Committees Ethical Seminar, Friday, September 27 at 9:00 a.m. Ms. Spain informed Board members to contact the City Attorney’s Office if they can’t make the seminar.