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Cultural Development Board Meeting of October 01, 2019.
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PERSONAL APPEARANCES:
a. AREA STAGE THEATER
Members and staff of Area Stage Theater addressed the Board and gave an overview of the history and current situation of the organization. Gus Membiela introduced himself as the current Board chair and stated that the organization is celebrating its thirty-year anniversary and has received multiple awards over the years. They’ve been located in their current Coral Gables location on U.S. 1 for the past ten years, he said, and described the three areas of organizational focus: professional theater production, children’s conservatory and theater program, and an inclusion program allowing children and young adults with development disabilities to participate in full-scale productions. Mr. Membiela described the children’s program in greater detail saying that 460 children are enrolled in acting, voice, and dance classes with scholarships offered to students in need. He shared the success of the current production of Mathilda, saying additional shows have been added and announced the upcoming productions.
NEW BUSINESS:
There was no new business.
CULTURAL GRANT ITEMS:
a. CHANGE FOLLOW-UP - DRANOFF FOUNDATION
The Board reviewed an email that was sent to the Board in March stating that the Dranoff Foundation needed to cancel an event in March. Ms. Cathers reported that the organization reached out this week regarding their Final Report and how to address the cancellation, clarifying that it was a cancellation with no replacement or re-scheduling. Ms. Cathers conveyed the grantee’s request to let the Board know of her concern and asked if the Board wants to make any decision regarding the item.
b. FINAL REPORTS
The Board was given a list of FY18-19 grantees and asked to indicate which organizations’ they’ve attended. Staff informed the Board that Final Reports will be assigned with each Board member having about five grantees to review. They were informed that the online review process will include a pdf of the original application and a pdf of the Final Report. Once the Final Reports are completed, the FY19-20 applications can be reviewed.
The Board was reminded of the November 5 meeting date starting with the regular Board meeting at 8:00 a.m. followed by the Final Report meeting at 9:00 a.m.
c. GENERAL DISCUSSION
Ms. Cathers reported on new FY19-20 applicants. She stated two organizations have not met with staff as required in the guidelines; however, their applications have been started. The Board discussed briefly and agreed that they should be allowed to submit and, in the future, a more prominent notice could be included in the guidelines and online. With no further discussion, the following motion was made:
Dr. Alvarez-Perez made a motion to accept new applicants this year that haven’t met with staff. Mr. Martinez seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
a. JEAN WARD SCULPTURES
Ms. Morris reported speaking with Mari Tere Rojas regarding the Jean Ward Sculptures and said the Coral Gables School is rejecting all three sculptures due to the artworks being on loan rather than a donation. In addition, she said, they discussed the liability insurance and the school board not wanting to be responsible for the sculptures. The Board expressed their disappointment, saying it was a good location for the artworks.
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES UPDATES:
a. Public Safety Building
The Board asked if the selection panel for the Public Safety Building is being given direction and what the approach will be to work with Police and Fire. Staff responded that they will work with the public safety professionals and have approached an artist of interest to work with them. Ms. Spain stated that the previous artists forwarded to the Commission were eliminated and rather than opening it up again, staff has reached out to a specific artist.
b. Art Basel
The Board received a brief update about the Rafael Barrios sculpture that will be temporarily installed at City Hall and then moved to a permanent installation location at Ponce de Leon Park along north Ponce de Leon Boulevard. In addition, there will be a special exhibition of the artist’s work at the Coral Gables Museum in the Community Room consisting of mobiles, interactive sculptures, translucent pieces, shadow works, floor pieces and various size sculptures.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
There were no discussion items.
ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY:
The Board was provided with the Arts Advisory Panel meeting minutes of August 28, 2019.
The Board was advised that the next Commission meeting will include: a proclamation for National Arts and Humanities Month in Coral Gables with Atena Sherry, a performer from the Sanctuary of the Arts, reciting a brief, spoken word piece; recommendation for new AAP members; and the re-appointment of Dr. Mayorga to the Board.
The Board was advised that on October 22, the Tony Cragg and John Henry recommendations will be presented. Board members were encouraged to attend both meetings.
Staff advised the Board that the next meeting will be Dona Spain’s last one before she retires. Following a general outcry, the Board expressed their deep appreciation of Ms. Spain’s work with the City.