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Cultural Development Board Meeting of September 1, 2020.
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NEW BUSINESS:
a. AIPP WAIVER REQUEST, THE PLAZA - JEAN-MICHEL OTHONIEL
Board members were provided with proposal materials for a waiver request by The Plaza development project to commission and install artwork by Jean-Michel Othoniel on the project site. Staff reported that the Arts Advisory Panel reviewed the proposal and made a motion recommending approval to the Cultural Development Board. Staff introduced Carlos Beckmann as representing the developer and Bill Brady as the art consultant on the project.
Mr. Pantin made a motion recommending approval of the Art in Public Places waiver request by The Plaza development project to commission and incorporate artwork by artist Jean-Michel Othoniel into the project as presented and as recommended by the Arts Advisory Panel. Ms. Burgos seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
b. AIPP WAIVER REQUEST, THE PLAZA - ARTS BUILDING RESTORATION
Mr. Beckmann made a presentation for a waiver request of the Art in Public Places fee for restoration of the historic arts building at The Plaza development site. Staff advised that this item does not need to go before the Arts Advisory Panel and is an option for developers to consider. Ms. Cathers stated that staff received revised budget information last minute and has questions regarding the breakdown. Regardless, she requested any motion be contingent upon staff approval of the budget. Mr. Beckmann noted that Agave (the developer) currently has their office in the building and will be vacating it in two months.
CULTURAL GRANTS:
a. GRANTEE PROGRAMS
There were no updates to report.
b. FINAL REPORTS
Staff reported on the Board’s request to assess processing of Cultural Grant Final Reports. Ms. Cathers stated that she researched the County’s process and they have an applied point system only for Children’s Trust funded grants related to education and youth enrichment. She said there is a high level of administration related to this type of review and did not recommend it for the City due to the nature of the City’s grants and the lower funded amounts. She said that final reports for grants reflecting the City’s operational grants and project-oriented grants are reviewed by staff and that the reports are available to panelists for assistance when reviewing the next years’ grants. She confirmed that the information requested for the reports is similar to the City’s, such as narrative, project accountability, support documentation, and receipts. Ms. Cathers said the State follows a similar process and that neither uses a point system. Instead, if a report is not turned in on time, the organization is not eligible for funding until it is.
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES UPDATES:
Ms. Cathers reported that two artists are being considered for the Public Safety Building public art project and that they have met with the Police and Fire Chiefs a couple of times. They will be meeting with the Project Manager next week, she said.
OLD BUSINESS:
a. ARTS ADVISORY PANEL MEMBER NOMINATIONS
Board members were provided with the CV of Adler Guerrier as a nominee for the Arts Advisory Panel. Staff gave a brief background of Mr. Guerrier, stating that he is a Haitian artist living in Coral Gables and has a studio in Miami. He received his BFA from the New World School of the Arts, has work in New York and Miami collections, has shown at the Perez Art Museum, and has work in the County’s public art collection. Ms. Cathers stated that the artist works primarily with photography and collage and would be filling the artist vacancy position on the Panel. It was also noted that he is a recommended artist for future Illuminate Coral Gables’ projects and recently installed a billboard artwork suite in the Design district for a project produced by the Miami Design District and For Freedoms, an initiative founded by Hank Willis Thomas.
Ms. Burgos made a motion recommending Adler Guerrier as an Arts Advisory Panel member. Mr. Martinez seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
CITY COMMISSION ITEMS:
There were no Commission items to report on.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
a. LE JEUNE ROAD BRIDGE - LESLIE PANTIN
Mr. Pantin addressed the Board and reported that Miami-Dade County is replacing the bridge on Le Jeune Road by the Cocoplum circle. He said he participated in a community meeting regarding the project and proposed it as a unique opportunity to do something nice with the bridge using Art in Public Places funds. He acknowledged that there may be challenges to partner on the project; however, it is at the initial stage of development. Mr. Pantin suggested incorporating art on the bridge itself, on the perimeter leading to the bridge, or under the bridge. He mentioned a recent article in the Miami Herald promoting activation of the waterways for canoes, kayaks, etc.
ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY:
There were no additional items from the secretary.