LTC 466-2019 Temporary Public Art Project, Artist Designed Recycling StructureMIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO. LTC# 466-2019 COMMISSION
TO: Mayor Dan Gelber and Members
DATE: August 22, 2019
SUBJECT: Temporary Public Art Project, Artist Designed Recycling Structure
The purpose of this Letter to the Commission ("LTC") is to provide you with an update
regarding the Request for Letters of Intent (RFLI) that was issued for an artist designed
recycling structure.
In May 2019, the Tourism and Culture Department issued an RFLI for professional artists
to create a temporary work of public art to be located on the sands of Miami Beach. The
RFLI asked for the design of a unique artwork(s) that would contribute to the identity of
Miami Beach, engage visitors and residents with a promotional or "instagrammable"
moment, while also promoting the City's resiliency and plastic free initiatives. It was
envisioned the artwork would function as a useable recycling structure that encourages
interaction and reflection from the public, by making recycling "fun and cool". In order to
fully integrate and fulfill its purpose, the structure would need to be fully operational and
maintenance friendly.
The RFLI was open to professional visual artists who demonstrate innovative,
contemporary and creative approaches in addressing site specific, temporary works of art.
The quality of the work, strength of the concept, design capabilities and established track
record of successful project implementation were considered of highest priority. The
project budget was $100,000.00.
The submission deadline for project proposals was June 15, 2019. In reviewing the
proposals, it has been determined that none of the submitted designs were in line with the
curatorial direction of the Department as it pertains to temporary art installations. In
addition, the submitted proposals raised serious concerns regarding maintenance,
durability and functionality in an ever changing, outdoor environment.
In lieu of the recycling structure, the Department is exploring the feasibility of
commissioning a monumental, temporary public artwork that investigates resiliency, traffic
congestion, human connectivity and sand for a month-long period to coincide with Art
Basel Miami Beach. The work currently being considered is by an internationally
recognized and celebrated artist who has a direct connection to the Art Basel Cities
program and 'recasts the 21st century traffic jam into the organic matter of sand'.
For more information, please contact Matt Kenny at mattkenny@miamibeachfl.gov or
x6597.
cc: Marcia Monserrat, Chief of Staff, City Manager
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