016-2001 LTC
,/
CITY OF MI A M I BEACH
CITY HALL 1700 CONVENTION CENTER DRIVE MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA 33139
http:\\ci.miami-beach.fl.us
L.T.C. No.16-2001
LETI'ER TO COMMISSION
January 25, 2001
TO:
Mayor Neisen O. Kasdin and
Members of the City Commission
SUBJECI':
Jorge M. Oonzalez \~
City Manager (j U
Cultural Arts Couucil agenda, ctireetory, and minutes
FROM:
The Cuhural Arts Council is holding its first monthly meeting of2oo1 tomorrow morning, January
26, from 8:30 to 10:00 at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. The Council is working on several
important projects referred by the Commission and, as always, your participation is most welcome.
Please see the enclosed agenda for January's topics.
Additionally, minutes from the Council's regular monthly meetings and annual community meeting
of2000 are enclosed. The Council will be making its annua1 report to the Commission this spring.
Meanwhile, the Council's members and director will continue to meet with Commissioners
individua1ly to keep you infonned oftheir activities, goals, and challenges. We are all aware that this
is a critical year in stabilizing funding for the Council's programs.
The Council hopes to welcome you at Friday's meeting as it convenes with newly-appointed members
Roger Abramson, Ada Llerandi, Kathryn Orosz, and Nancy Wolcott. The following day, Saturday
the 27th, from 10 to 1 at the Indian Creek Hotel, the Council will hold its annual retreat and
formulate priorities for 2001. This is a noticed meeting and your presence is encouraged.
Please call the Council office, extension ARTS (2787), with any questions.
a ~~
JMO!tXs:DW t
c: Bob Parcher, City Clerk
January 2001 agenda
Miami Beach Cultural Arts Council. Pauline Winick, Chair
Friday, January 26, 8:30-10AM, Miami Beach Botanical Garden, 2000 Convention Center Drive
Please arrive by 8:15, meeting starts on time.
1. Welcome, introductions, announcements (PAUliNE WINICK)
A. Commission appointments to Council, effective 01/01/01:
Roger Abramson (thru 12/31/01); Ada Llerandi, Kathryn Orosz, Nancy Wolcott (thru 12/31/02).
B. Committee assignments:
Grants. Nominating, Finance, Facilities, Marketing + 2ndThursdays, Art Basel Miami Beach
C. Councirs appointments to Miami Beach Arts Trust for 2001 (5 positions)
D. Replenish refreshments fund for monthly meetings ($20 cash/Council member, please)
E. Monthly meetings for 2001: 8:30-10AM, First Fridays of the month
3/2, 4/6, 5/4, 6/1, 7/6,* Aug vacation, 9/7," 10/5, 11/2,'" 12/7.
Annual Council retreat tomorrow will replace monthly meeting for February.
. Nominations: officers ** Elections: officers u, Nominations: members
(6 vacancies on 12/31/01: Abramson, Heller, Kohen, Reynolds, Sauls, Winick)
F. Annual Council retreat (tomorrow, Saturday, 1/27, 10-1, Indian Creek Hotel, 2727 Indian Creek Drive)
Opening remarks: Mayor Neisen Kasdin and City Manager Jorge M. Gonzalez. Facilitator: Susan Stinson.
2. Review of December meeting minutes
3. Finance (CLARK REYNOLDS)
A. Finandal update
B. Requested by Commission: report on ideas for replacing Councirs major funding source
(Individual appointments with Commissioners scheduled for March 5-9)
4. Arts Trust (STEPHEN SAULS)
A. Update
(Next Anchors' meeting with City Finance Director Trish Walker: next Tues, 1/30, 9-10AM, Lincoln Theater)
B. Annual meeting (today, immediately following, 10:15-1:00, working lunch)
C. Update on Art Basel Miami Beach (December 12-16)
5. Grants (NANCY WOLCOTT)
A. Proposal for balance of 00(01 grant funds
B. 01(02 grants program
6. Marketing (SAULS) [Marketing meetings held every second Tuesday of the month]
A. 2nd Thursdays (Next arts nights: Thursday, February 8 & March 8, 6-9PM)
(Next meeting: Tuesday, 2/6, 9-10AM, Mayor's conf. rm, 4th floor, City Hall)
B. GMCVB Cultural Tourism Director's report (GEORGE NEARY)
7. Fadlltles (ROLAND KOHEN)
A. Byron-Carlyle (Commission vote, Wed, 2/21, 5PM, unless postponed until 2/28 due to boat show)
B. Collins Park update
C. Rotunda
8. New business
Next monthly meeting: Friday, March 2, conference room, 555 17th Street, ARTS mural courtyard entrance
MIAMI BEACH CULTURAL ARTS COUNCIL
305.673.ARTS (x3 reception, x4 director, x5 operations, x6 calendar, x7 2'" Thursdays information).
305.673.7262 fax, council@artsbeach.com, www.artsbeach.com, www.2ndthursdays.com
Confidential
Miami Beach Cultural Arts Council, 2001
offICe: 555 17'" street, ARTS mural courtyard entrance
mail: City Hall, 1700 Convention Center Dr., Miami Beach, 33139-1819
305 673 ARTS I fax 305 673 7262
artsbeach.com /2ndthursdays.com I councU@artsbeach.com
OffIcers
Pauline Winick, Chair
4925 Collins Ave Apt 12A
Miami Beach 33140-2764
(H) 305 538 5236
(0) 305 348 3635
(C) 305282 8881
(F) 305 538 0283
pwinick919@aol.com
Ada L1erandl
11 Island Ave Apt 510
Miami Beach 33139-1344
(H) 305673 1698
(0) 3056722340
(C) 305439 7368
(F) 305 672 7342
alerandi@bellsouth.net
Stephen A. Sauls, Vice Chair
16 Island Ave Apt 7A
Miami Beach 33139-1329
(H) 305 672 5660
(0) 305 348 3505
(C) 305 301 3989
(F) 305 348 6058
saulSS@fiu.edu
Kath'Yn Oroaz
5025 Collins Ave Apt 2007
Miami Beach 3314()"2736
(H) 305 867 9521
(0) 305 538 3809
. (F) 305 867 9874
orosz3@aol.com
Members
Clark Reynolds
1900 Sunset Harbour Dr Apt 2302
Miami Beach 33139
(H) 305 538 5908
(C) 305 439 0563
(F) 305 538 5228
creynolds@the-beach.net
Roger Abramson
6450 Collins Ave Apt 202
Miami Beach 33141-4602
(H) 305 861 5227
(C) 305 607 0405
(F) 305 861 5227
usmusic@bellsouth.net
Nancy Wolcott
915 Jefferson Ave Apt 3C
Miami Beach 33139-8455
(H) 305 532 1441
(0) 305 237 3501
(F) 305237 3794
nwolcott@mdcc.edu
Diane Star Heller
50 West OUido Dr
Miami Beach 33139-1171
(H) 305 534 8383
(C) 305 773 6890
(F) 305 534 8384
councH@artsbeach.com
Roland J. Kohen
16 Island Ave Apt 5B
Miami Beach 33139-1331
(H) 305 531 7172
(F) 305 5341828
~kmd@beIlsouth.net
Staff
Ronnie Singer
Executive Assistant to the City Manager
6461 Pine Tree Or
Miami Beach 33140-4541
(H) 3058660713
(0) 305 673 7010
(F) 305673 7782
citymgr@ci.miami-beach.f1.us
David Whitman, Director
1643 Brickell Ave Apt 2506
Miami 33129-1259
(H) 3052851000
(0) 305 673 ARTS x4
(C) 305 343 0072
(F) 305673 7262
whitman@artsbeach.com
Craig Carpentieri, Operetions Manager
1920 Biarrilz Or Apt 1
Miami Beach 33141-4435
(H) 305 865 8497
(0) 305673 ARTS x5
(F) 305673 7262
ccarpe@artsbeach.com
t"'Thursdays
Alvaro F. Fernandez, Volunteer Director
2555 Collins Ave PH210
Miami Beach 33140-4778
(0) 305 531 2520
(C) 786 512 3325
(F) 305 531 2520
alfemandez@2ndthurSdays.com
Aim" ReuB, Information Coordinator
2595 TigeltaU Ave Apt 1
Coconut Grove 33133-4748
(H) 3052854115
(0) 305673 ARTS 1c6
(F) 305 673 7282
(C) 305 992 3862
calendar@artsbeach.com
1.24.01
January 2000
Miami Beach Cultural Arts Council Monthly Meeting Minutes
Friday, January 7, 2000, 8:30AM, City Hall, City Manager's large conference room
Council members present: Pauline Winick, Chair (PW); Alvaro Fernandez, Vice Chair (AF);
Diane Star Heller (DSH); Roland Kohen, (RK); 1. Stanley Levine (ISL); Clark Reynolds (CR)
Stephen A. Sauls (SS); Nancy Wolcott (NW)
Council members absent: Raquel Vallejo
Staff: David Whitman, Executive Director (OW); Craig Carpentieri, Operations Manager (CC)
Advisers: George Neary, Director of Cultural Tourism, GMCVB (GN); Lawrence A. Levy (LAL), City Manager
Ronnie Singer, Executive Assistant to the City Manager (RS); Kim Falconer, Nixon Group
Jonathan Katzen; Kathryn Orosz
Guests: Commissioner Luis Garcia
Motion: Approve minutes of December 1999 meeting. Approved.
Nominating Report: PW
At the last Commission meeting Commissioner Bower asked that the Council's appointments be deferred. She
was concerned with the process of nomination. Pauline Winick, Council staff, the Commissioner's staffs, and
Legal wilJ meet to discuss the nomination process outlined in the Council's Ordinance.
NW: The Nominating Committee selects from the pool of people on file in the Clerk's office who have filed
Board and Committee applications. The .source of nominees was a point of confusion.
ISL: Since the Ordinance is being reviewed, this might he the time to consider increasing the number of seats on
the Council.
PW: Commissioner Bower also suggested staggering the terms so that only one-third of the Council is up for
nomination at any time.
Alliance: CR
A settlement was negotiated between the Alliance and their landlord. The landlord guarantees the Alliance a
right-of-way to its theater, allows for a sign to be put up, and the Alliance agrees to pay all rent owed. Both
parties are satisfied with the agreement.
Financial report: The Council can expect an additional $50,000 in revenue from increased interest rates this
year. A meeting is being organized with Finance Director, Trish Walker, to discuss a surcharge on gated events,
and the Gleason surcharge.
PW: An add-on to the current surcharge could be a source of funding for the Council.
Welcome to Commissioner Luis Garcia and City Manager Lawrence A. Levy (LL).
LL: MilJennium weekend was a great success. There were no major incidents, and the City's staffwas
exemplary.
Grants: NW
A grants meeting has been scheduled for Friday, January 28, in the City Manager's small conference room.
Items for discussion will include monitoring of grants, recipient compliance with guidelines, panelists, and
categories. A draft oftbis year's grant categories is attached. Five panels can address the varied types of
applications the Council has received over the last two years, but the categories will have to be defined. Please
review them and give feedback before the next Council meeting. This year, each panel wilJ consist of nine
panelists: two members of the Council, a member of the VeA and people in the community.
PW: An Anchor is an arts group that is a driving force in Miami Beach. Miami Design Pres<<vation League
could be included in this list.
Office space: RS
Renovation of the 555 l-rt' Street building is scheduled to begin in mid-January.
Joanne Butcher is gathering infonnation on the Byron-Carlyle and the prospect of securing it for the Alliance
and other arts groups.
RK: The Byron Carlyle would be ideal as an arts space in North Beach.
CR: The movie theater has small theaters and one 200-seat theater; ideal for a black box type theater.
Commissioner Luis Garcia (LG): COBG funding might be helpful in acquiring the Byron-Carlyle
ISL: The Council could consider expanding the facilities report to include the Byron-Carlyle
Motion: OSH: Ask Fisher Oachs, facilities consultants, to assess the Byron Carlyle at a "reasonable cost>> to be
determined by the Chair of the Council (not more than $4,500). The consultants should also research how to
fund the project. Seconded by ISL. Unanimously approved.
ON: "Historic status" for the Byron-Carlyle could be worthwhile.
RJK will shepard the Byron-Carlyle project.
Miami Beach Arts Trust: SS
There is a meeting on Friday, January 14, at 4pm with the Mayor and the Anchors. A dedicated funding source
for the arts is needed. R V is working on a presentation package.
Marketing: AF
Arts on the Road: The commercial galleries have not chosen to take on the project so the event has been
delayed. The Council wants to support, not coordinate, this program.
SS: The dynamic on Lincoln Road has changed.
GN: Coral Gables gallery rep could be a good model for the Council
Website: AF will meet with the Nixon Group to discuss the website and its operation.
Request the Manager to add bumper stickers to City vehicles.
PW: Broward Cultural Arts Council has website grants for arts groups. Refer to Stacy Kilroy.
ON: Thursday, March 2: 14 journalists will be here for a cultural tour and Miami Beach will be featured.
Requests that the Council host an arts reception. Agreed.
February 7 Concierge meeting, Gleason Theater. OW to invite select arts groups.
The Bureau will have a cultural table at the Surf Club on Thursday, January 27. OW to represent the Council.
ISL: The Council has to do a report to the Commission on the town meeting.
AF gave notice that he may resign from the Council in the near future.
Meeting adjourned at lOam.
February 2000
Miami Beach Cultural Arts Council Monthly Meeting Minutes
Friday, February 18,2000, 8:30AM
Miami Beach Hispanic Community Center, Coral Rock House, 1701 Normandy Drive
Council members present: Pauline Winick, Chair (PW); Alvaro Fernandez, Vice Chair (AF)
Diane Star Heller (DSH); Clark Reynolds (CR); Raquel Vallejo (RV); Nancy Wolcott (NW)
Council members absent: I. Stanley Levine, Stephen A. Sauls, Roland Kohen
Staff: David Whitman, Executive Director (OW); Craig Carpentieri, Operations Manager (CC)
Advisers: George Neary, Director of Cultural Tourism, GMCVB (GN);
Ronnie Singer, Executive Assistant to the City Manager (RS); Kim Falconer, Nixon Group;
James Quinlan, Director, Am, Culture, and Entertainment
Guests: Commissioner Jose Smith, Joe Damien, City of Miami Beach Asset Manager;
Elena Garcia, lro/co Dance & Performance Center; JD Steel, Bridge Theater; Sol Schreiber, others.
PW: Thanks to Margarita Cepeda and UNlDAD for hosting the Council's February meeting.
RV: The Coral Rock House was originally located on Collins Avenue. In 1998, UNlDAD moved the building to
1701 Normandy Drive. It serves as the home for the Miami Beach Hispanic Community Center.
Margarita Cepeda: UNlOAD works out of three facilities; the main office is the Coral Rock House. UNlOAD
coordinates a senior service information referral and training program, a youth program with acting c lasses from
Bridge Theater and arts classes from ArtCenter/South Florida.
Motion: Approve January Council meeting minutes.
Moved by NW, seconded by AF. Approved unanimously.
Joe Damien:
The contract with the Concert Association of Florida for the Colony Theater management expires in
August 2000. The administration is seeking the Council's input on the RFP before March 3. The Colony is
scheduled for construction work in the summer of 200 I. The administration's options for recommendation are
either (I) staying with the current manager if they so desire or (2) fmding a new management frrm.
PW: Is the operation of the Colony supposed to be generating revenue or breaking even?
Joe Damien: The City wants to make the theater available to local artists and other programs with all profits
going back into the theater. The City has been subsidizing the theater's management for the past dozen years,
which this year will receive $45,000.
CR: There are other facilities in the City usable as performance centers. A central booking office would be
efficient and could safeguard the interests of the arts groups.
PW: The Council will examine bringing the Colony under City management.
RS: This is something that will require a lot of discussion.
Joe Damien: The administration needs the Council's input on the Colony RFP. The Asset Management Office is
cataloging the city's property inventory and will have a better idea of what properties are available for arts
groups.
Commissioner Smith: The City might be able to partner with arts groups in renting the Byron-Carlyle. The arts
groups, however, need to identifY a plan.
PW: Miami-Dade Community College, ArtCenter/South Florida and the Council have expressed interest in this
property, but a build out is necessary.
Facilities report: DSH
Through the Performing Arts Center Trust of Miami-Dade County, the Council hired the theater consulting firm
Fisher, Dachs and Consultants to study the City's performing arts facilities. The report is not adequate.
DW: Josh Dachs will negotiate with the other contracted experts and reduce their fee.
They are "willing to do whatever it takes to make the Council happy."
NW: The Council needs answers to its initial questions, not restatements of what we already know.
RS will talk to Mayra Diaz-Buttacavoli about local arts group access to the rehearsal space behind the Gleason.
GN: The Bureau, the Council and the Gleason Theater, hosted a breakfast for the Concierge Association on
February 7. Various Miami Beach cultural groups passed out their information in the Gleason lobby, and then
the concierges visited the Ziff, New World Symphony, ArtCenter, and the Wolfsonian-FIV. All participants felt
the experience was valuable and educational, and would like to continue the program.
Our marketing advisor Kathryn Orosz was extremely helpful before, during, and after the tour.
Arts Night at the Palm Festival is Thursday, March 2, 7-9PM. The Council will host culturaljoumalists from
around the world, showcasing the culture in Miami Beach. 1he ACE Department has agreed to pay for printing
and mailing, and the Council will provide catering and coordinate with arts groups for presentations.
GN: The journalists will be touring the major cultural organizations, and the Council will highlight the smaller
groups. The Bureau's new Visitors Guide has a strong cultural component with a distribution of over two million
copies to travel agents, hotels, etc.
Grants: NW
Please sign up for grant certificate presentations. The matching grant partnership with the North Beach
Development Corporation has been good for the community. Through this program the Council is broadening its
perspective and impact. The Festival of the Arts, for example, produced high praise for the North Beach area.
This year's grants timeline is similar to last year. The application will be available April 15; DW and CC will
consult with applicants during the entire month of May. The grants will be due on different days allowing
adequate time for intake and initial review. The grants panels list have been assembled, and represent the
community. The next grants meeting is Tuesday, March 7, 4PM in the City Manager's small conference room.
Council consensus: Approved categories, timeline, panelists, and expeditiously moving ahead with the process.
Commissioner Smith:
The North Shore Youth Center (501 n"d Street) design is 95% complete. Since arts programming is increasing
in North Beach, perhaps the Council would have some insight into the youth center's partial use as an arts space.
NW: The Parks Department offers youth programming in the arts. A listing of the Parks Department programs
would give a clearer picture of what is available to the community.
PW: It is the Council's goat this year to become more knowledgeable about the Parks Department and its .
programming.
Alliance: CR
The Alliance's film revenues have not increased, and now they need $25,000 from the City immediately.
$10,000 of the $25,000 initially slated for fundraising has come in, but the operating deficit has not changed.
PW: The Council expedited its grant to the Alliance, helped with signage and their landlord.
Joanne Butcher (18): Regal Cinemas donated $2,500. The Byron-Carlyle might be an option for a future
screening facility, but the funding request from the City must be met in order for the Alliance to remain open.
PW: The City of Miami Beach cannot go into tbe f1Im business.
18: The organization has to change its thinking from film-based revenue to other sources. Fundraising initiatives
are in place to restructure. The Alliance has considered doing bimonthly screenings at other facilities.
CR: The plan was for revenues to rise, but they have not. Additional funding from the City would only postpone
an inevitable closing.
AF: The City has done everything it can through the Council and its hours of support, especially by CR.
CR: Perhaps the Alliance can store its archives until it is able to reopen, maybe at the Byron-Carlyle.
Budget: CR
Under my guidance, CC has prepared a draft budget for 2000/200 I.
CC: The 200012001 budget continues the Council's programs: grants, marketing, endowment, facilities
(Colony Theater state grant match), and administration. Surpluses from previous years are brought forward.
PW: Can we move the endowment into the MBAT? CR to investigate.
CR: The only major difference is in marketing: A $45,000 grant will go to MBAT for development.
Motion: Approve the 2000/2001 budget. Moved by AF, seconded by NW. Approved unanimously.
Marketing: AF
Arts on the Road has changed to Am on the Beach. On the second Thursday of every month Miami Beach will
highlight its arts community from I st Street to 87'" Street. Gary Knight will spearhead the initiative, which we
hope to start in June.
AF and DW will meet with Nixon Group on Thursday, February 24 to discuss the website and other issues.
CR: A website is a living breathing entity and needs constant attention.
PW: Be aggressive with our marketing flfDl. It is unconscionable that the website is not running smoothly by
this time.
DW: The legal department is working on trademarking the "artsbeach."
MBAT: RV
At the Trust meeting in January, the large organizations expressed a concern that the Arts Trust would be
competing with their fundraising initiatives.
AF: The major arts organizations had anopportunity to express themselves, and the communication process is
now open. Arts on the Beach will bring more groups together.
JD Steel: The Bridge Theater was accepted into the Hispanic Theater Festival.
Carlos Betancourt's Sounds/Symbols project won a Millennium project award from the Florida Department of
State for interesting art projects commemorating the millennium.
Only twenty-eight projects were recognized state-wide.
Meeting lIlljourned at 10:ISAM.
March 2000
Miami Beach Cultural Arts Council Monthly Meeting Minutes
Friday, March 3, 2000, 8:30AM
Miami Beach City Hall, City Manager's large conference room
Council members present: Pauline Winick, Chair (PW); Alvaro Fernandez, Vice Chair (AF)
Diane Star Heller (DSH); I. Stanley Levine (ISL); Roland Kohen (RK); Stephen A. Sauls (SS);
Raquel Vallejo (RV); Nancy Wolcott (Nw); Council members absent: Clark Reynolds
Staff: David Whitman, Executive Director (OW); Craig Carpentieri, Operations Manager (CC)
Advisers: Ronnie Singer, Executive Assistant to the City Manager (RS), Raul Aguila (RA), Assistant City Attorney
Kathryn Orosz; Kim Falconer, Alisa Cahan, Nixon Group; m Steel, Bridge Theater,
James Quinlan (JQ), Director, Arts, Culture, and Entertainment;
Guests: Commissioner Matti Bower (MB), Commissioner Luis Garcia (LG), Commissioner Nancy Liebman (NL)
Mayra Diaz-Buttacavoli (MOB), Assistant City Manager, Laura Bnmey (LB), Arts & Business Council of Miami;
Ilisa Rosal, Peiforming Arts Network. La Rosa Flamel1Co Theater, Joe Damien, City of Miami Betreh Assets Manager,
Jorge Chartrand, City of Miami Beach Project Manager for the Collins Park, Jaya Zebede, Borrelli & Associates;
others.
PW; Welcome.
Arts Night at the Palm Festival was a success!
Motion: Approve February minutes: Moved by NW, seconded by DSH. Approved.
Collins Park:
MDB: Arts Council board members Alvaro Fernandez and Roland Kohen also serve on the cultural campus
oversight committee. The area incorporates the Miami City Ballet, the Bass Museum, the new library, and a
park. The architects want to incorporate the desired uses of the park during design. What kind of
programming will occur in the park? Commissioner Liebman requests that the Council give its input.
Laurie Meyer Park in St. Louis, Missouri, for example, has a sculpture garden. The neighborhood
associations, as well as the business and art communities, have given input through community workshops.
Funding levels are $1.8 million for the park and streetscape, and $352,000 from the RDA. The Park Facilities
Board should also be included in this discussion. The Councifs input is needed before we negotiate with the
architects for the cost of design, development and construction documents.
JQ: I would like to be included in the discussion.
SS: A til>-in to the promenade on 21~ Street (the area between the boardwalk and the hotels) should be
considered.
NL: Input on programming and use of the Collins Park is needed during the design phase.
Jorge Chartrand: The Bass Museum is the anchor in the park space, the Rotunda will remain, and a fountain
will be in front of the Bass. The question is what will be programmed in the park? The answer to this
question will help the designers.
PW: Form follows function. The Council will convene a special meeting on Thursday, 3/16 at 9AM in the
fll'st floor conference room to discuss this topic.
NW: This is an exciting and challenging project. Please supply us with the information on the community
workshops that have already been held on this issue.
Special meeting called for Thursday, March 16, 9AM to make final recommendations. Collins park arts
groups and others interested in its future use will be invited.
Colony Theater management RFP:
The City asked that the members of the Council forward their comments on draft RFP.
The Council consensus is that local groups should have priority in renting the theater.
Joe Damien: In sending out the RFP, the City has two options: During the construction of the theater, either
stay with the current operator or contract with a new operator.
JQ: Who ever manages the theater after renovation should have input during the construction phase.
PW: The Colony Theater restaurant lease that the Council approved in concept when it loaned the City
matching funds for the state grant is not what was initially presented to the Council. I was surprised to learn
in a meeting with the City yesterday that the terms of this lease had been changed without the Council's
knowledge. The restaurant operator pays the City based on the number of performances at the Colony, not a
flat rent fee. When were changes made?
Joe Damien (further explanation on Colony lease): The restaurant will be leased for six years with a thre(>-
year option to extend for $4,OOO/month. The first 90 days are rent-free. Rent is tied to the number of
perfonnances.
NW: This was not part of the discussion nor was it what the Council approved. Furthermore, nothing was
guaraoteed in writing regarding the repayment of the Council's loan.
MB: We should look at this lease before going to Commission for the Colony RFP.
SS: I would like a written explanation of the exact language of the contract.
Council consensus: The Council formally requests a written report of the language in the contract for leasing
the restaurant in the Colony Theater. The Council needs clarity on the lease, loan repayment, and restaurant.
What are the terms? Who, specifically,is responsible for the terms of the contract?
RA: The Colony Theater operator must assume the sublease to the restaurant.
SS: How are the mutual benefit items resolved involving use of the lobby?
ISL: The Council should get all the information on this issue before proceeding.
RS: 7r Street RFP:
The Commission approved the development of the nod Street lot and it will include a Publix supermarket,
movie theaters, and a black box theater. The City will be negotiating more favorable terms, but the
development will move forward.
Byron-Carlyle:
Regal wants out of their 6-year lease now. The facility could be adapted for arts use. Miami-Dade
Community College and FlU are possible partners, and the concept is to create an "arts enclave" on 71-
Street. A broker package has been solicited by the City Manager and the City will explore a purchase/leas(>-
purchase from Wometco, the theater owner.
ACE Office space:
Glass walls will again be added into the configuration. The space will be finished near the beginning of
April.
PW: The Council needs enough space for its present two staff members, plus future staff and interns. Space
at 555 l~ Street appears to be minimal and inadequate for the expected growth of the Council.
Facilities report:
DSH: The conclusions in the masterplan report are insufficient and the cost of report excessive.
Council consensus: The conclusions are inadequate, and non-specific.
Motion: After discussion, the Council moved to formally reject the report as unacceptable and settle with the
consultants under the guidance of the legal department. Unanimously approved.
Marketing: AF
The Parks, Culture, and Recreation Department had an $800,000 surplus last year, and offers arts classes and
cultural programming. The Council should work with the Parks Department.
Miami Beach Community Development Corporation is renovating the Seymour, a building in
South Beach, to be used as a community coop space. AF and DW toured the facility.
Arts Night at the Palm Festival was a success!
The Sounds, Symbols Project by Carlos Betancourt is on Sunday, March 19, from sunrise to moonset, with
speakers at 5:30PM, and promises to be spectacular and uniquely Miami Beach.
Regal Cinemas on Lincoln Road will show slides at no cost for artsbeach.com before each film for the next
six months.
Thanks to George Neary and Kathryn Orosz for their help with the Concierge Association.
D W: Invitation to the Arts will be on Thursday evening, September 21, from 6 to 8 at the Gleason Theater
and the Council will publicly announce its grant recipients. We will work with SMG, George Neary, and
Michael Aller.
Grants: NW
The Grants Committee will meet on Tuesday, March 3.
The initial panel orientation is scheduled for Monday evening, April 3, 6-7PM, City Hal~
first floor conference room.
Commissioner Luis Garcia talked of the Sister Cities program, hosting events for Japan Week
starting March \3.
Commissioner Bower said that special events should link with culture as well.
LB: The Arts & Business Council will host its national conference here in June.
Ordinance amendment: RA
The process for recommending candidates for seats on the Council was questioned during the last series of
appointments. Commissioners Bower and Dermer suggest that the slates come without recommendations,
that Commissioners can add names to the slates, and that terms should be staggered so that only 113 of the
members' terms expire in any given year. Raul will meet with the Director to discuss.
Meeting adjourned at 10: I SAM.
April 2000
Miami Beach Cultural Arts Council Monthly Meeting Minutes
Friday, April 7, 2000, 8:30AM, Jackie Gleason Theater
Council members present: Pauline Winick, Chair (PW); Alvaro Fernandez, Vice Chair (AF)
Diane Star Heller (DSH); I. Stanley Levine (ISL); Roland Kohen (RK); Stephen Sauls (55);
Raquel Vallejo (RV); Nancy Wolcott (NW); COWlcil members absent: C1ari< Reynolds
Staff: David Whitman, Executive Director (DW); Craig Carpentieri, Operations Manager (CC)
Advisers: Lawrence A. Levy, City Manager, Ronnie Singer, Executive Assistant to the City Manager (RS);
Raul Aguila (RA), Assistant City Anorney; Kim Falconer, Alisa Cahan (AC), Nixon Group;
George Neary (GN), OMCVB Cultural Tourism Director, James Quinlan OQ), Director, Arts, Culture, and Entertainment
Guests: Christina M. Cuervo (CMC), Assistant City Manager, Joe Oamien, City of Miami Beach Assets Manager,
Alan Randolph, Production Industry Council Chair, Tom Thielen, Florida Dance Asaociatlon Executive Director;
Grisette Roque, VCA Executive Director, Marissa Bluestone VCA administrator, Jonathan Katzen, marketing adviser,
Hannah Baumgarten, Dance Now!; Ava Rado, Center for Emerging Art; Sol Schrieber, JD Steel, Bridge Theater,
Max Sklar, Mayor and Commission Chief of Staff, Beth Boone, Miami Light Project executive Director;
Roberta Kjelgaard, Miami light Project; Randi Hilliard; Adriana Dutra, Brazilian Film Festival,
Howard Simon, American Civil Liberties Union Executive Director, others.
ACLU LAWSUIT, ARTISTIC FREEDOM: AF
Miami-Dade County's Cuba Ordinance infringes upon the free speech of arts groups. I suggest the Council send
a letter to the ACLU plaintiffs who have' filed a challenge to this Ordinance. Freedom of artistic expression and
free speech are extremely important, and something I publicly support.
RK: Culture has no boundaries.
Howard Simon: Miami-Dade County's Cuba Ordinance requires any arts group that receives funding from the
County to sign an affidavit saying they comply with the regulations in the ordinance. The regulations slate that
the County will not fund any group that has ties to Cuba or does business with anyone who has ties to Cuba.
Essentially, the Ordinance intimidates arts groups because they are dependent upon the County's funding. If you
choose, the Arts Council can urge the Miami Beach Commission to recommend that the County Commission
conform to federal law allowing cultural and scientific exemptions to the embargo.
Beth Boone: As a participant in the lawsuit, Miami Light Project is challenging the County's requirement to sign
an affidavit that we are in compliance with the Cuba Ordinance to be considered for funding. Even though we
are not seeking County funding to present a Cuban arts group, we are in violation of the Ordinance because of
its scope and therefore not eligible for funding.
SS: There is a need for public education on this issue. If anyone in an organization is affiliated with Cuba, then
the entire organization is in jeopardy. The Miami Beach Commission should be praised for its support of artistic
freedom.
Howard Simon: Money is being used to create censorship; the County is using the power ofthe purse to
influence arts groups.
MOTION: Made by AF, seconded by NW. Contingent upon a draft being circulated:
A. Send a letter expressing support and appreciation to the plaintiffs of the ACLU suit challenging
Miami-Dade County's Cuba Ordinance.
B. Recommend that the Miami Beach City Commission pass a resolution urging Miami-Dade County
to amend the existing Cuba Ordinance to conform to federal law, allowing and supporting cultural,
artistic, and scientific exchanges.
Unanimously passed.
PRODUCTION INDUSTRY COUNCIL PRESENTATION: Alan Randolph, Chair
The Production Industry Council represents the fashion, music, entertainment, and internet industries.
In 1999, $300 million came to the City through these "clean" industries. {handout in meeting packet}
PW: These companies buy real estate and use City services as well.
FACILITIES:
Christina M. Cuervo: A draft RFP for the Colony Theater was submitted to the Council for input. On March 15,
Michael Spring, Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs Director, suggested calling a town meeting for
Colony users to have input on the RFP.
Summary of Michael Spring's memo to Commissioner Nancy Liebman regarding the Colony RFP.
What is the vision of the Colony Theater?
Encourage reduced rental fees for not-for-profit companies
Status of the operator during renovation - maintain current operator or contract with a new one?
AF: What is the status of the Council's financial input for the Colony Theater grant application to the state?
CMC: The application was ranked poorly. This year the application should receive a higher ranking because the
Arts Council is involved in the project and there is a more developed plan for the renovation.
Colony Cafe: There is a provision for a reduced rental fee based on the number of perfonnances. The leasors
have invested over $200,000. If there are 5-7 performances/month, rent is $2,500. If there are less than five
performances/month rent is $1,500.
ISL: When does the Council receive repayment on its loan?
CMC: The Council will receive payment on its loan when rent payments begin.
Eric Fliss: The cost of improvements to the lobby can be used as a match for capital improvement challenge
grants.
CMC: The Council's contribution for the state-matching grant, however, cannot be reduced because ofleasor
investment in the lobby.
mSTORIC CITY HALL: The Administration recommends using historic City Hall to relocate current City
staff. Once City staff is relocated, then we will assess what is available for cultural organizations. I would like
the Council's support on this issue.
PW: We would like to study these options and respond at OUT next meeting.
RS: The space issues at 555 17th Street need to be addressed. The Council was given 18 months in March 1999
to make a recommendation to the Commission regarding these groups and their space needs.
ON: Miami Beach Community Development Corporation could be helpful in finding space for arts groups, but
they need to be aggressive.
NW: The performing arts center held a reception at the demolition of the Sears tower where City Manager
Lawrence Levy made a tremendous speech about Miami Beach's cultural groups, from large to small. He
mentioned names familiar to us on the beach, but unknown elsewhere. Thank you for representing the full range
of our constituents.
OFFICE SPACE: RS
The new Council offices should be ready during the last week in April or the flTst week in May. The City may
need additional money.
PW: Absolutely not. The Council has never discussed or approved any expenditures for ACE office renovations.
BYRON-CARLYLE: LAL
The Byron-Carlyle owners are asking $2.1 million, but it might be worth several hundred thousand dollars less.
The building requires somewhere between $3-4 million in renovation, without knowing what type of
programming will occur. A partnership with other organizations might be the best course of action.
CMC: The Council needs to work with the developer of the 12M street lot regarding the black box theater
programming.
ISL: The City should consider pursuing donor possibilities.
2
MARKETING: AF
AC: There is a new architect for the website; a new design and structure will be ready by June I. Mayor Kasdin
attended the Urban Land Institute meeting in Washington, D.C., where the Miami Beach Cultural Arts Council
was the model for 16 mayors from around the countty interested in creating arts councils in their communities.
The Sounds, Symbols Project was picked up all over the country and aired on local news programs in
Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami, among many others. Details magazine may do a feature story on the project.
AF: Carlos Betancourt will receive a proclamation from the Mayor and Commission on Wednesday, April 12.
The Council has placed an ad representing Miami Beach's arts and culture in Abitare, an Italian design
magazine doing a special issue on Miami's arts and culture in May.
GTN: Major news stories in Peru and Brazil were printed as a result of the cultural familiarization tour March 2.
Burt Wolf will be doing a TV show on Miami's art and culture. The Council will have the opportunity to featUre
Miami Beach's cultural groups. The show will air in 25 major cities on over 200 stations, and may be picked up
for worldwide distribution. Total cost is $40,000. The bureau will pay $20,000, Dacra will pay $10,000, and
both the County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Arts Council are being asked to contribute
$5,000.
MOTION: AF: Invest $4,999 in the Burt Wolf TV show to highlight Miami Beach's art and culture. Seconded
by NW. Approved.
CULTURAL GRANTS: NW
The frrst orientation was held on Monday, April 3, to enthusiastic response.
The Miami Beach Anchors have their own category this year, and as a pilot program, the Grants Committee
recommends granting equitable funding to the eight preeminent arts organizations based in Miami Beach,
(ArtCenterlSouth Florida, Bass Museum of Art, Concert Association of Florida, Miami City Ballet, Miami
Design Preservation League, New World Symphony, Wolfsonian-FIU, and Ziff Jewish Museum of Florida).
In a non-competitive process, the Anchors will be asked to propose what they would do with $33,000 from the
Council.
MOTION: NW: Approve the Grant Committee's recommendation. Approved.
PW: We are asking the City to augment the grants budget this year.
AF: We must take care of the small groups.
NW: The Anchors will be asked to engage in a mentoringlcollaborating relationship with the small groups.
Some 1999 grantees are still non-compliant with the Council's contract. The Council will address these non-
compliant groups through the legal department.
The CACNCA joint grants program will be coordinated by Grisette Roque, VCA Executive Director.
MOTION: NW: Approve March meeting minutes. Approved.
PW: The meetings are running longer; next month please arrive at 8:15AM instead of 8:30AM.
Meeting adjourned at 10:45AM.
3
May 1000
Miami Beach Cultural Arts Council Monthly Meeting Minutes
Friday, May 5, 2000, 8:30AM, Wolfsonian Conference room
Council members present: Pauline Winick, Chair (PW); Alvaro Fernandez, VICe Chair (AF)
Diane Star Heller (DSH); I. Stanley Levine (ISL); Roland Kohen (RK); Clark Reynolds (CR); Stephen Sauls (SS);
Nancy Wolcott (NW)
Council members absent: Raquel Vallejo
Staff: David Whitman, Executive Director (DW); Craig Carpentieri, Operations Manager (CC)
Advisers: Lawrence A. Levy, City Manager; Ronnie Singer, Executive Assistant to the City Manager (RS);
Raul Aguila (RA), Assistant City Attorney; Kim Falconer, A1isa Cahan (AC), Nixon Group;
James Quinlan (JQ), Director. City of Miami Beach Department of Arts. Culture, and Entertainment;
Jonathan Katzen, marketing adviser, Kathryn Orosz, marketing adviser.
Host: Cathy Leff, Wolfsonian-FlU Museum Executive Director; John Bodinger, Wolfsonlan.
Guests: Commissioner Nancy Liebman (NL); Christina M Cuervo (CMC), Assistant City Manager,
Hannah Baumgarten & Diego Salterini, Dance Now!; Marisa Bluestone VCA administrator;
Beth Boone, Miami Light Project Executive Director; Rosie Cipolla; Joe Damien, City of Miami Beach Assets Manager,
Eric Fliss, CololT)' Theater, Randall Hilliard; Roberta Kjelgaard, Miami Light Project;
Dennis Leyva, City of Miami Beach Entertainment Industry Liaison;
Robert Reboso City of Miami Beach Asset Management;
I1isa Rosal, PAN Executive Director, La Rosa Flamenco Theater Executive Director, others.
MOTION: Accept April 2000 meeting minutes with changes regarding the Council's resolution to the Miami
Dade County Cuba Ordinance noted. The resolution reads
MOTION: Made by AF, seconded by NW. Contingent upon a draft being
circulated:
A. Send a letter expressing support and appreciation to the plaintiffs of the ACLU
suit challenging Miami-Dade County's Cuba Ordinance.
B. Recommend that the Miami Beach City Commission pass a resolution urging
Miami-Dade County to amend the existing Cuba Ordinance to conform to
federal law, allowing and supporting cultural, artistic, and scientific exchanges.
Unanimously passed.
Cathy Leff: Thanks for the Anchors meetings; they allow opportunity for group discussion.
NL: The Council's membership is on the next Commission agenda. I support keeping the membership at nine.
DW: We are working with Raul Aguila regarding a change to the Council's Ordinance allowing Commissioners
to add to the recommended slate of three.
Facilities: CMC:
Colony Theater The City's grant to the State for $500,000 was funded. The town meeting on April 26 was
successful. Commissioner Liebman and Bower attended, and 4 important issues wilI be included if the Council
agrees.
What is the City's vision of the theater?
A sliding rate scale should be in place for not-for-profit companies.
An operating subsidy will be included, to be determined after studying the Colony's fmancial
information.
Who should run the theater during its renovation?
AF: The Council should study the fmancials before it makes a fmal recommendation.
PW: First: Can we all agree that the Colony Theater is a jewel to the entire County? Unanimous consent.
Second: A sliding scale for not-for-profit companies should be in place. Unanimous consent.
CR: The Colony should remain affordable to all small not-for-profit companies.
MOTION: Keep the sliding scale in place for the County's not-for-profit arts groups. Unanimously Approved.
ISL: The theater should be revitalized for the benefit of the City and the community.
CR: Efficient management of the theater would serve the community.
CMC: The City has not ruled out a subsidy, but we need to study the financial information. We will forward the
theater's financials to the Council as soon as we receive it from the Concert Association.
ISL: Does the City want to stop subsidizing the theater?
PW: The Colony is a cultural jewel that deserves City support.
CMC: Cafe sublease details: 30% of the monthly payments from the lease goes back to the operator for
maintenance, and 70% goes hack to the Council to repay its loan to the City for the state grant.
EF: The lessor's improvements to the lobby have been applied to the County's capital development grant.
OSH: We owe the Concert Association and Eric Fliss our thanks.
NL: Yes, we all share in the Colony's success.
CMC: We will delay issuing the RFP until we have the Colony's fmancial information.
MOTION: Extend the current operator's lease until all information regarding the Colony's financial data are
examined. Approved.
Historic City Hall: CMC
The City needs the space at Historic City HalI for City offices.
PW: We understand the City's need for office space, therefore we recommend an extension of the lease for the
groups at 555 1"J'h Street for at least one year.
MOTION: Understanding the City space needs, , the Cultural Arts Council recommends an extension of the
leases for the arts groups at 555 171/J Street, based on the City's intent to use Historic City Hall for its office
space needs. Approved.
RK: The City wants to rename the Collins park cultural area, please give OW your suggestions.
Finance: CR
The Council is earning interest at a rate $65,000 above projected revenue.
PW: We are asking the City to increase the Council's grants budget as well.
ISL: Can the City allocate its $200,000 portion of the Council's budget on an incremental scale?
CR: Mayor Kasdin has ideas about replenishing or replacing the $10 million of the Convention Center
Development tax with a different funding stream.
MBAT: SS
The Trust is considering dedicated funding sources and a major event as methods for endowment building.
The frequent Anchors meetings are proceeding positively. Joint marketing efforts will continue.
Marketing: AF
The Nixon group was thanked for their hard work; their contract ends June I.
Miami Beach Second Thursdays begins October 12. This is the Council's program offree arts events throughout
the City, a sort of "cultural open house" on the second Thursday of every month. Certain groups will headline a
month, and others will participate. This year's grants program includes this program in the application, and the
Marketing Committee will support it through coordination and public relations/marketing.
The Burt Wolf TV show in partnership with the GMCVB went extremely well. Our arts groups will be featured
in a PBS television show to be broadcast for a six-year cycle, and be translated into different languages for
worldwide broadcast.
CC: The meeting packet includes an impressive catalogue of arts events sponsored by the Council in April.
The grant certificate presentation program is proceeding well. Please sign up.
The Council's action on Miami-Dade County's Cuba Ordinance will be on the next meeting agenda.
RS: The Council's new offices will soon be ready. We are working on landscaping and signage. Perhaps the
Council and Art in Public Places can work together on a mural for the wall facing the parking lot. This would be
a great landmark to locate the Office of Arts, Culture, and Entertainment.
RA: If the Commission passes the Ordinance currently on the dais, then effective January 2001, the Council
goes from 9 to 7 members. The Resolution is set for 2nd and fmal reading on Wednesday, May 10.
Commissioner Bower's amendment to add names to the Council's recommending slate and allow for staggered
terms has also been discussed, but I need a recommendation from the Council's Nominating Committee in order
to proceed with drafting legislation. Also, if the Council has any other Ordinance clean-up items, then please let
me know.
PW: We would like the attendance requirement to be in line with other boards, 3 total allowable absences, out
on the fourth.
MOTION: Adjourn.
Meeting adjourned at 10:05AM
July 2000
Miami Beach Cultural Arts Council Monthly Meeting Minutes
Friday, July 7, 2000, 8:30AM, Lincoln Theater
Council members present: Pauline Winick, Chair (PW); Alvaro Fernandez, Vice Chair (AF)
Diane Star HeUer (DSH); 1. Stanley Levine (lSL); Roland Kohen (RK); Clark Reynolds (CR);
Stephen Sauls (SS); Nancy Wolcott (NW); Raquel Vallejo (RV)
Staff: David Whitman, Executive Director (DW); Craig Carpentieri, Operations Manager (CC)
Guests: Jo Asmundsson; 10 Steel, Bridge Theater; Hannah Baumgarten, Dance Now!; Laura Bruney, Arts &
Business Council; Christina M. Cuervo (CMC), Assistant City Manager; Michael Christopher, SunPost; Joe
Damien, City of Miami Beach Assets Manager, Maria Lemus, New World Symphony; Jonathan Katzen, Council
Marketing adviser; George Neary (GN), GMCVB Cultural Tourism Director; Jude Parry, Gold Coast Theater;
James Quinlan (JQ), Director, Arts, Culture, and Entertainment; Robert Reboso, City of Miami Beach Asset
Management; lIisa Rosal, PAN Executive Director, La Rosa Flamenco Theater Executive Director; Diego
Salterini, Dance Now!; Stephanie Norman, City Theater; Tom Thielen, Florida Dance Association; others.
Discussion on the Council's resolution regarding Miami-Dade County's Cuba Ordinance.
MOTION: Pass the resolution. NW moved; RK seconded. Passed unanimously.
DW: The Arts Council has nominated Mayor Neisen Kasdin for the Americans for the Arts' local leadership in
the arts award.
MOTION: Accept May 2000 Council meeting minutes. NW moved, ISL seconded. Passed unanimously.
GRANTS
CR: The scope of the grants program has increased. The Council should improve the selection process for
panelists. Applicants should include the number of performances and the scope of their work in Miami Beach to
assist the panels with funding recommendations. Staff should have more precise guidelines for the panels, which
need more experts.
PW: There are flaws inherent in any application and review process.
ISL: A distinction needs to be drawn between repeat and first time applicants.
RK: The process is improving.
AF: Many applicants need better-written grants.
NW: Workshopslbrainstorming sessions could offer a forum for improvement.
CR: A formula about an organization's size and impact in Miami Beach needs to be included in the review
process.
SS: Convene community workshops - perhaps constituents can nominate panelists.
PW: The Council will consider offering grant-writing workshops.
NW: Anchors review: The Grants Committee reviewed the eight Anchors proposals. MDPL and Miami City
Ballet were asked to clarify certain aspects of their proposals. The Council is looking for as much detail as
possible on the Anchors' programs, 200 Thursdays participation, and collaborations. Accountability and review
remain important.
MOTION: Approve grants panel recommendations, except for Festivals. NW moved. AF seconded. Passed
unanimously.
CR: The Festivals panel had a difficult time allocating awards. Some of the organizations are substantial with
large budgets and a major commitment to the Beach, and yet their awards do not reflect these considerations,
largely as a result of limited funding.
NW: The Festivals panel was significantly underfunded.
ISL: How were the proposed adjustments to the Festivals panel made?
CR: Adjustments were made based on the panels' evaluation, scores, and discussion of applicants' impact.
PW: Increase allocation to the Festivals panel based on the premise that the category was underfunded. See
attached final recommendations.
MOTION: SS: Approve the Festivals panel recommendations. Seconded by RK. Passed unanimously.
ISL: The Council must be careful not to set a precedent adjusting grant recommendations.
NW: The Council is requesting the Mayor and City Commission to augment the grant budget by $150,000. The
Council is a good steward of public money, and it's needed.
DW: The Council also contributes $50,000 to the VCA for matching cultural tourism grants and $50,000 to the
Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs for cultural advancement grants to Miami Beach groups.
The City Commission will take action on the Council's cultural arts grant recommendations on July 26.
FACILITIES
PW: The Council has not yet concluded financial negotiations with Dachs.
CMC: Colony Theater: Please see the attached details on the administration's recommendations for the Colony
Theater RFP. The fmal document addresses the vision statement, a sliding scale, and an opportunity for the
proposer to prov ide a vision statement. .
On July 12 the Commission extended the current lease with the Concert Association to a month-ta-month basis.
The Administration would like to issue the RFP on July 26. Renovations to the theater will occur in two phases
scheduled to begin in the summer of 200 1.
AF: Priority shou Id be given to user groups from the South Florida area.
PW: Does the City recognize the Colony Theater as a resource worthy of General Fund support?
CMC: The City wants flexibility to negotiate with a successful proposer regarding a General Fund subsidy.
MOTION: Approve the City administration's language as amended for inclusion in the Colony RFP language.
Passed unanimously.
555 17'" Street
CMC: The City will meet to assess its office space needs understanding that the Council wants at least a one-
year extension for the cultural groups at 555.
DW: What is the status of the leases for the cultural groups at 555?
CMC: The Concert Association and Performing Arts Network leases have expired. The Florida Dance
Association's lease will expire soon.
PW: The Council wants to be proactive on this issue.
AF: Arts and culture seem to be the first items cut when the City needs office space or money.
ISL: Arts and culture should be a basic City service.
Nominating Committee
DW: The Council needs to submit revisions to the Ordinance and recommendations regarding staggered terms
as wen as nominate Council officers for elections in September.
PW: The Nominating Committee will consist of Roland Kohen, Clark Reynolds, and Stephen Sauls'chair.
Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, 7/25, lOAM, ACE conference room.
Finance
CR: The Council can expect nearly a $60,000 surplus in interest earnings, and is moving forward with future
funding sources. We are also talking with the City's Finance department to develop a staggered allocation of its
$200,000 contribution to the Council.
ISL: Perhaps we can accrue the interest without the allocation.
MBAT
SS: Bridge House is being considered as consultants for the Arts Trust. In partnership with the GMCVB, a grant
for $625,000 has been filed with American Express. The Versace event is still a possibility; parking initiatives
and the Ballet de Biarritz presentation have been declined.
MARKETING
AF: The Nixon Group contract is terminated. Miami Beach 2"" Thursdays is moving forward, with tremendous
support. Artsbeach has a new look and upgraded functionality. The Marketing Committee is reviewing
purchasing space for weekly advertisements.
Meeting adjourned at 10: 15AM.
September 2000
Miami Beach Cultural Arts Council Monthly Meeting Minutes
Friday, September 22, 2000, 8:30AM, City HaIl Commission Chambers
Council members present: Pauline Winick, Chair (PW); Alvaro Fernandez, Vice Chair (AF)
Diane Star Heller (OS H); I. Stanley Levine (ISL); Roland Kohen (RK); Clark Reynolds (CR);
Stephen Sauls (SS); Nancy Wolcott (NW); Raquel Vallejo (RV)
Staff: David Whitman, Executive Director (OW); Craig Carpentieri, Operations Manager (CC)
Guests: Jeff Bechdel, Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce; Simon Castro, Miami Design Preservation League;
JD Steel, Bridge Theater; George Neary (GN), GMCVB Cultural Tourism Director; Jude Parry, Gold Coast
Theater; James Quinlan (JQ), Director, Arts, Culture, and Entertainment; Lisa PaIley, Palley Promotes; Ellen
Wedner, Wedner & Friends; Bob Papke, SMG; Gary Knight, ArtCenter/South Florida; Nicole Ugarrlza, Gold
Coast Theater Company, Children's Cultural Coalition; Craig Hall, Concert Association of Florida; Sol
Schreiber; Ronnie Singer, Executive Assistant to the City Manager, others.
PW: Thanks to Bob Papke for Invitation to the Arts.
Bob Papke: The power of partnerships made Invitation to the Arts a success.
MOTION: Approve July meeting minutes. Approved.
Marketing: AF
2ndThursdays begins October 12.
OW: The Marketing Committee recommends a collective marketing campaign focusing on the muhitude of arts
organizations that work in Miami Beach. On the second Thursday of every month, Miami Beach will host free
arts events all over the city. Participation is required of all cultural arts grant recipients. Sponsored by the
Cultural Arts Council and the Miami Beach Arts Trust and presented by the City of Miami Beach and its
cultural organizations, 2ndThursdays will showcase the entire city as a cultural district. Marketing resources
have been directed toward producing the event; Ellen Wedner is the project coordinator, Cre8tiv Juice, the
marketing strategy and branding firm, Lisa Palley, the media coordinator, Valerie Taylor, the community
coordinator and website editor, SpotGraflx maintains the websites.
Lisa Palley: Radio and television PSA's will be part of the promotional campaign for 2ndThursdays, along with
advertising and mass emails.
George Neary: The county's Cultural Guide is complete and available all over Miami Beach, 40,000 have been
printed. The guide will be an added resource for residents and visitors to access culture in our community.
Research for economic impact of the arts is imperative to continued support. Perhaps the Council and Bureau
could sponsor workshops to accomplish these goals.
"Travels and Traditions," the Burt Wolftelevision show on Miami's art and culture, airs this weekend on PBS
and features Miami Beach Anchors and other constituents.
Lincoln Road Directories: Gary Knight and Jeff BechdeI
There will be three three-sided kiosks/directories on Lincoln Road with space available for non-profit art
organizations to advertise.
ISL: Perhaps artists can be involved in designing signage.
The Council can get involved when the City issues the RFP for citywide signage.
James Quinlan: Arts, Culture, and Entertainment was proud to host the opening of its offices and unveil the
ARTS mural by Pierre Marcel. Thanks to everyone involved for making the event a success. The artist's fee was
paid by the Council and Art in Public Places. Art in Public Places is working on the MacArthur Causeway
entrance project, and other initiatives, with Council participation.
PW: Thank you for the 555 opening party, and congratulations.
Community: RV
In collaboration with George Neary and Swen Entertainment, Colours of South Florida, a TV magazine
focusing on the flourishing cultural scene in Miami has been produced. The program brings all elements of
performance and visual arts together.
George Neary: The hotels' involvement solidified the project. The pilot will run on the in-house TV stations in
the hotels as a resource for guests. The program aims to bridge the gap in cultural information for visitors.
RV: Chesky, a beautiful city in the Czech Republic, is being considered for official designation as a Sister City
by the Commission. Please support this effort in any way possible.
ISL: This small town recognizes cultural tourism as a primary industry.
Council consensus: Endorse Sister City designation for Chesky.
PW: Art Basel will be held in Miami Beach in December 2001, and signifies our community's cultural maturity.
CR: Art Basel is the art show, and has been called the Super Bowl of the art world.
Grants: NW
CACNCA cultural tourism grants allocated $96,000 for cultural events designed to bring tourists to Miami
Beach. The CAC/MDDCA cultural advancement panel strengthens the formal link between our two
organizations, especially when Council members sit on the panel. In October the Commission will consider the
Council's request for a $150,000 increase for the grants budget from resort taxes. The Council has the City
Finance Director's support. The Manager and elected officials have received letters from arts groups in support
of the budget increase
This year's fmal reports contain much more comprehensive information.
Area Stage will fulfill the Council's grant requirements through a new production at the Little Stage, 21.
Recreation Center. Negotiations with the County cultural affairs department and DW helped Area produce their
latest endeavor.
Complimentary ticket policy:
SS: It is useful for Council members to attend arts group performances, but giving complimentary tickets should
be voluntary.
RS: Attending cultural performances is part of your duty and service to the City. Consult with Legal, and keep a
record of all tickets received.
NW: A statement of policy is needed. The Grants Committee will review the question and come back to the
Council with policy recommendations on November 3.
Public presentations of grant certificates:
PW: The grant certificate presentation program is a bear to administer. If the Council would like to continue,
then all Council members need to recommit.
RK: Council members should present with the elected offICials wherever possible.
SS: Public appearances solidifY the Council's relationship with the community.
PW: Let's review this again in October.
Anchors meeting review: SS
The Anchor program is appreciated and valuable to our eight Anchor cultural organizations.
Meetings are being held about every six weeks.
555:AF
PAN seems mired in internal difficulties and conflict of interest. IIisa Rosal, PAN executive director and board
member is also executive director of Ballet Flamenco La Rosa, the principal member organization of PAN. PAN
is not working effectively as an umbrella arts organization and its members are also at fault for not taking care
of the problem.
George Neary, Children's Cultural Coalition (CCC) President: A law flJ'l1l contacted arts groups, whose offices
were located at PAN, and told them to remove their materials. As a result, CCC, Gold Coast Theater, and Bridge
Theater had to remove their belongings from PAN.
AF: Arts groups need to take care of themselves.
ISL: Is there support in the community for this organization to continue? The Council is hearing this issue
through the 555 building office space concerns.
RS: The Land Use Committee will be discussing City office space issues, among them are first floor of Historic
City Hall, as well as recommendations of the 555 building's use.
Nicole Ugarriza: Since the City Commission meeting of January 1999; when PAN received an 18 month
extension on its lease at 555, there has been an exodus of arts groups from PAN.
ISL: What is the recommendation for 555's use?
RS: The City will be trading space.
SS: The overriding issue is space for the arts.
PW: Two issues are before the Council: 1. Land use 2. Subsidized space for arts groups
ClarifICation ofP AN as an umbrella is paramount to protect its use of space. The Council will hold a special
meeting to discuss this issue - Clarification of PAN as an effective umbrella organlZDIion. Invite all arts
groups. The Council will protect public space for the arts. The Council should receive written information
regarding PAN in advance so that it can make a flJ'l1l recommendation to the City Commission about the 555
groups. (The meeting was called for 10/20 at 8:30AM and was changed at the request of the Commissioners on
the Land Use Committee to 10/6 at 8:30AM to meet the City's deadline for the Land Use Committee's next
meeting).
Nominating: SS
Clark Reynolds, Roland Kohen, and Stephen Sauls sit on the Committee. The Committee recommends Pauline
Winick for Chair and Stephen Sauls for Vice Chair, terms: today through September 2001 meeting.
MOTION: Accept the Nominating Committee's recommendations of Pauline Winick for Chair and Stephen
Sauls for Vice Chair. Unanimously approved.
The Nominating Committee will meet again on Friday, October 13, lOAM to recommend an aggregate slate to
fill upcoming vacancies.
The Council is working with the Legal Department to draft the changes to the Council's Ordinance regarding
nominations, staggered terms, and attendance. The Council will nominate three people per vacancy in an
aggregate slate. The Commission can add names to the list, and the seat is appointed by majority vote. A
schedule for staggered terms is also being drafted.
Finance: CR
The City's audit report was positive, and the 2000/2001 Council budget goes before the City Commission for
approval on Wednesday, September 27.
CC: The City's process for accounting looks at year-end numbers. The Council is bringing forward as much of
its fund balance as possible to implement next year's programs.
RS: The City's Finance Department advises that if the Council uses its entire fund balance next fiscal year, then
the budget will have to decrease next year, or additional sources of funding found
Alvaro Fernandez: PW
The Council regretfully accepts Alvaro's resignation. Thank you for your tireless support of the arts. We look
forward to continuing to work with you on 2ndThursdays and in countless other ways.
MOTION: Adjourn. Approved.
October 2000
Miami Beach Cultural Arts Council Monthly Meeting Minutes
Friday, October 6, 2000, 8:30AM, Police Station community room
Council members present: Pauline Winick, Chair (PW); I. Stanley Levine (ISL); Roland Kohen (RK);
Clark Reynolds (CR); Nancy Wolcott (NW); Raquel Vallejo (RV).
Council members absent: Stephen Sauls, Vice Chair, Diane Star HeIler (DSH)
Staff: David Whitman, Executive Director (OW); Craig Carpentieri, Operations Manager (CC)
Guests: Raul Aguila, First Assistant City Attorney; Hannah Baumgarten, Dance Now! Kevin Crowder
City of Miami Beach Economic Development, Rosie CipoIla, PAN, Jellybean Sprouts, Christina M.
Cuervo, Assistant City Manger, Rachael Dorsey, Sherry Faith, Colleen Farnum, Dance Now! Fatima
Johnson Gereye, Ed Guedes, Clay Hamilton, Brenda Jordan, Lela Lombardo, Omar Martinez, Michael
O'Hara, G. Kay McGill, Renea Moss, Pamela Diaz de Leon, George Neary (GN), GMCVB Cultural
Tourism Director; Bob Papke, SMG; Lisa PaIley, Palley Promotes; Jude Parry, Gold Coast Theater;
James Quinlan (JQ), Director, Arts, Culture, and Entertainment; I1isa Rosa\, PAN, Ballet Flamenco La
Rosa; Diego Salterini, Dance Now!; Sol Schreiber; Heidi Siegel, City of Miami Beach, Ronnie Singer,
Executive Assistant 10 the City Mmrager; Herb Sosa, Miami Design Preservation League, JD Steel,
Bridge Theater; Tom Thielen, Florida Dance Association, Nicole Ugarriza, Gold Coast Theater
Company, Children's Cultural Coalition; Jason Wach; Brad Watson, EIlen Wedner, Wedner & Friends;
others.
PW: Welcome. Council members please contribute $20 at the next Council meeting for the coffee fund.
Thank you.
The November 3 Council meeting has been rescheduled to Tuesday, November 7, 8:30AM, City
Commission Chambers.
MOTION: Approve September 2000 Council meeting minutes. Moved by lSL, seconded by RJK.
Approved.
Finance: CR
The City Commission approved the Council's budget on September 27. Spending at current levels is not
sustainable unless additional sources of revenue come in. Surplus funds from previous years have been
aIlocated.
ISL: Is the Council spending the additional interest earned?
CR: Yes.
Nominating: CR
The Council's Ordinance is being revised pursuant to Commissioners Bower and Denner's request. The
Council submits to the Commission an aggregate slate of three names per vacancy. At that point, the
Commission can add names to the list ifthey desire. Appointments are made via majority vote. Terms are
revised from two to three years, and term limits from eight to six years.
Question for Legal: How does the incumbent process work with current members regarding term limits?
PW: Three-year terms are valuable because it takes a year to become familiar with the Council.
What happens to a four-year Council member?
Raul Aguila: The Council can recommend making the six-year term limit effective December 31, 2002.
MOTION: Approve the Council Ordinance revisions. Approved unanimously.
Community: RV
"Colours of South Florida" is a cultural television show co-hosted by George Neary and me. Three shows
have been recorded, the program is open for sponsorship and advertising. Swen Entertainment recorded
and produced the program and Chartervision airs the show regularly.
George Neary: A national audience is possible.
DW: Travels and Traditions airs on October 19 at 12PM, Channel 2, PBS. Hispanic Heritage art exhibit
is on display on the fourth floor of City Hall. Reaction has been enthusiastic.
RS: The exhibit is well received, energizing and exciting.
JQ: The French consulate would like to bring art from the European Community for display in December.
RV: Can the fourth floor become an ongoing exhibit space, and formalize the process?
PW: Art in Public Places would be an ideal partner.
RS: Both visual art and performing art would be welcome in City Hall.
CR: ArtCenter/South Florida will soon be hanging art on Collins avenue in Walgreen's windows.
Dedication of the art windows will take place during the next 2ndThursday.
All of Miami Beach is a cultural district.
Ellen Wedner, 2ndThursdays project coordinator.
2""Thursdays launch is October 12 at the Botanical Garden.
Tribute to Alvaro Fernandez: PW
Thank you for your leadership and countless hours of work on behalf ofthe Council and the community.
DW: Alvaro has been a quiet, effective leader, and is concerned about art in our lives. He has been an
outstanding mentor, colleague, and friend.
RS: Alvaro embodies volunteerism, and is a courageous man.
Facilities: RJK
The Byron-Carlyle could be the answer to the City's questions regarding performing, rehearsal and office
space for local arts groups. A venue for dance, film, etc. would benefit the North Beach area.
RS: The commission authorized committees to research and contact property owners. Commissioner
Smith's committee will examine the financial details, and Commissioner Liebman's committee will
assess the possible uses for the space. One Commissioner pointed out other needs besides those of the arts
community. I will work with DW to identify needs; the Commission is concerned about future
operational costs.
PW: What is the status of the Black Box theater on the no4 Street site?
RS: The nod Street development has not yet been finalized.
ISL: The CDBG model used by the ArtCenter is a good example to secure space for the arts.
Land-Use Committee: Christina M. Cuervo
History: First floor of historic City Hall was needed for City offices. In March 1999, the Commission
asked the Council to prepare a plan preventing the displacement of arts groups from 555 171b Street. The
Council asked for a one year extension on the arts groups lease at 555 17'" Street, since the City
recommended using Historic City Hall for City offices. The new City Manager wants to keep certain
offices near City Hall.
2
The City's recommendation is as follows:
Relocate arts groups to the 6th Street Community Center and capitalize on the $1.6 million renovation.
This is an efficient use of space, concurrent with programming. The City will also reserve 2500 square
feet of office space at historic City Hall for arts groups.
The administration's plan follows the Business Resolution Task Force recommendations to streamline the
planning and zoning departments, allowing for walk-through permitting. The Land-Use Committee can
recommend a one-year lease extension for the arts groups at 555 17'" Street; the time frame necessary for
completing the planning end zoning renovations. The Land-Use Committee needs the Council's input at
the October 16 meeting.
PW: I am concerned about the use of 555 17th Street and future displacement of arts groups when the city
needs to expand again.
CMC: Arts groups will not be displaced.
ISL: The Council needs time to study end respond to these issues.
RS: The administration believes this is a fair relocation plan and that arts groups will not be displaced in
the future.
DW: The Concert Association said they will move once, and be anchored, consistent with their status as
one of the City's Cultural Anchors.
RJK: The Land-Use Committee asked for the Council's help on this issue.
CR: What are the dimensions of what the City is offering end what arts groups currently occupy?
Joe Damien: Approximate dimensions are below.
555 - 17th street
PAN: 3424 sq ft
Florida Dance Association: 1023
South Shore Community Center:
2500 sq ft auditorium
90 sq ft office
90 sq ft storage
180 sq ft changing rooms
Old City Hall - 1st fir north wing:
2300 sq It
CR: This represents a major shift in the Administration's policy toward the arts.
PW: The Council will review this material and report back to Christina.
MOTION: RJK: The Facilities Committee will review all material and bring a recommendation to the
Council to be forwarded to the Land-Use Committee at its November 27th meeting. NW seconded.
Approved.
ISL: This item should be discussed in an open forum.
DW: The open forum discussion can take place at the Council's annual town meeting on Thursday,
November 2, 7:30-9:30PM in the Commission Chambers, however another meeting could be arranged
devoted exclusively to this topic.
3
PAN: PW
A few of the organizations under the PAN umbrella have expressed concerns regarding inequitable
allocation of services. In its grant proposal this past June, PAN proposed to provide services to Ballet
Flamenco La Rosa, Gold Coast Theater Company, Children's Cultural Coalition, Jelly Bean Sprouts,
Bridge Theater, and the South Beach Gay Men's Chorus. After the grant was submitted, 3 groups were
asked to vacate their offices from PAN. What is the nature of the overall organization?
Ilisa Rosal: PAN is a coalition of 53 individual artists and 13 arts groups; provides rehearsal and
performance space for these groups and offers a variety of classes in the performing arts. At the time of
the Council's grant process, PAN had an opportunity to convert studio D into rehearsal space, a
renovation that would be good for the organization. Renovating this space required Bridge Theater, Gold
Coast Theater Company and the Children's Cultural Coalition to move their offices elsewhere.
NW: The Council has made clear, on many occasions, that it does not get involved with the internal
operations of the organizations it supports. In this scenario, there are two issues that are relevant to the
Council's mission: I. Facilities: What is the current use of the City's subsidized space to PAN at 555 17th
street? 2. Programming: Is there a change in service to the arts organizations PAN supports?
PW: These issues require more facts, and time for discussion. I would like, with the Council's support, to
request an audit of PAN's grants from the Council. If any members of the audience have any facts
regarding this issue, please direct them to David Whitman in writing before the next Council meeting.
MOTION: NW: Convene the PAN discussion for fact-fInding and a City audit. ISL seconded. Approved.
Meeting adjourned at 10:3 SAM.
4
November 2000
Miami Beach Cuhural Arts Council Monthly Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, November 7, 2000, 8:30AM, City Hall Commission Chambers
Council members present: Stephen Sauls, Vice Chair, Roland Kohen (RK); I. Stanley Levine (ISL); Clark
Reynolds (CR); Raquel Vallejo (RV); Nancy Wolcott (NW).
Council members absent: Pauline Winick, Chair (PW); Diane Star Heller (OSH)
Staff: David Whitman, Director (DW); Craig Carpentieri, Operations Manager (CC)
Guests
Roger Abramson; Raul Aguila, First Assistant City Attorney, John Bodinger, Wolfsonlan-FlU; Laura
Broney, Arts & Business Council; Michele Burger, Bridge House; Broce Davidson; Joe Damien, City
Asset Manager, Adriana Dutra, Vivian Spinell~ Brazilian Film Festival; Alvaro Fernandez; Jorge M.
Gonzalez, City Manager; Jonathan Katzen, Marketing adviser; Gary Knight, ArtCenterlSouth Florida;
Commissioner Nancy Liebman; George Neary, GMCVB Cultural Tourism Director, Children's Cultural
Coalition; Jude Parry, Gold Coast Theater; Ronnie Singer, Executive Assistant to the City Manager; m
Steel, Bridge Theater; Tom Thielen, Florida Dance AssociOllon; Paul Woehrle, New World Symphony,
others.
SS: Welcome.
Motion: NW: Approve October meeting minutes. RK seconded. Approved.
SS: Please review the proposed meeting times for 2001.
RV: Would the Council consider some meeting times in the evenings to give other constituents
an opportunity to attend?
SS: DW will poll Council members to find a suitable schedule for all.
Nominating Committee report: SS
The Council's Ordinance is set for public hearing and second reading before the Commission on
November 8. The Committee also met to review applications for 4 vacancies. 34 applications
were reviewed. The Committee recommends
Roger Abramson, Susan Brustman, Broce Davidson, Jane Gilbert, Laura Jamieson,
Kathryn Orosz, Ileana Oroza, Ana Maria Pozo, Kate Ramos, Linder Sanchez, Raquel
Vallejo, Nancy Wolcott.
The four candidates with the most votes are appointed, terms will begin 1/01/01.
Motion: CR: Approve slate of nominees. Seconded by NW. Approved.
Town meeting report: SS
The public gave input on the Byron-Carlyle as a venue for the arts. Discussion was lively and the
meeting was well attended.
Facilities: RK
There is considerable interest in arts groups using the Byron-Carlyle should the City decide to
purchase the building.
The Land Use Committee needs a recommendation regarding the occupants of the 555 spaces.
The City's audit of PAN, however, is not complete, as they are awaiting further documentation.
The Florida Dance Association, Children's Cuhural Coalition, and the Arts & Business Council
have presented an alternative proposal for occupying City subsidized space for arts groups.
Florida Dance Association, a dance service organization, would manage rehearsal space at the 6th
Street community center.
Tom Thielen: Rehearsal space is critical to arts groups, and such spaces need to be managed by
an impartial organization that is not a performance group. Florida Dance Association proposes to
manage rehearsal space in the City of Miami Beach for performing arts groups.
NW: I support a proposal for impartial program management of City subsidized space for the
arts.
ISL: Process is important while considering these proposals; the Council should consult further
with the cultural community before making any recommendations.
CR: The Council needs a masterplan for facilities.
Tom Thielen: Florida Dance would do a needs assessment survey with potential user groups.
RS: The Land Use Committee is expecting the Council's recommendation regarding the 555
occupants on November 27.
Motion: RK.: Facilities Committee to review the proposal from Florida Dance Association, the
Arts & Business Council and the Children's Cultural Coalition to do a needs assessment survey
for potential user groups of City subsidized space for the arts. Seconded by NW. Approved.
Commissioner Nancy Liebman: This survey should include the 555 space.
Raul Aguila: The City has access to 5,000 square feet at the Courts at South Beach, a
development in the South Pointe area.
SS: The objective is to provide satisfactory ahernative space for arts groups, including possible
additional space such as the Byron-Carlyle. Meeting called for Monday, 1 11I3, 4PM, in the Ace
conference room to be conducted by Florida Dance Association with RK..
Marketing: SS
The Council's marketing programs are going welL 211dThursdays in October was successfuL
Alvaro Fernandez, 2ndThursdays director: The monthly free arts night in Miami Beach is
growing. This program is tailor made for private corporate sponsorships.
Gary Knight: The ArtCenter is dedicating 3 new exhibit spaces: 100, 800 and 924 Lincoln Road.
Motion: ISL: Trademark the artsbeach name and identity. NW seconded. Approved.
RV: Colours of South Florida, 2nd edition, airs tonight at 10:30 on Chartervision, Channel 20.
The launch party is at the Samba Room, Wednesday, November 8. Swen Entertainment, an
international company, bas produced this series pro-bono.
George Neary: There will be special sections for each individual hotel participating in the
program.
RV: I formally request that the City show this series on its cable access channel.
RS: There were some commercial elements in the series that were not appropriate to air on a City
sponsored television station. Once removed, the series will be shown.
George Neary: The Bureau is working closely with the Council on cultural tourism initiatives,
such as cooperative advertising.
RV: The Cesky KrumIov delegation tour is November 15. We are building a relationship as a
sister city. Cesky has experienced great economic revival due to its cultural tourism initiatives.
Grants: NW
The Commission authorized an additional $200,000 for the Council's grants budget. The
question before the Council is how to allocate the additional funding.
Motion: NW: $7,000 to each Anchor; +20% to each of the other recipients, and the remaining
$65,200 will be set aside for future grant funding requests this fiscal year. Seconded by CR
ISL: Is there urgency in appropriating the funding? Can we leverage the money in other ways?
NW: The funding must be used for grants this year.
SS: The challenge is to allocate without another grants process.
Motion approved. 6-1.
Guest: Jorge Gonzalez, City Manager (JG)
Congratulations on your success. The City administration recommended increases in funding and
I encourage the Council to reach out to new communities and allocate the additional grant
funding toward quality programming. I also encourage the Council to continue building its
endowment. In the State of the City address I highlighted the arts as a major economic engine for
the City.
CR: The arts community is facing a shortage of office and rehearsal space, and it seems like the
City needs to bring all its facilities under one umbrella. What is your opinion?
JO: I am reviewing the City's organizational structure, examining where we may be duplicating
efforts in some departments. The process will involve all executive staffmembers.
Meeting adjourned at lOAM.
2000 Town meeting synopsis
Tuesday, November 7, 7:30-9:30PM, 3nl floor, City Hall, Commission Chambers
Council members present: Pauline Winick (PW), Chair; Stephen Sauls (SS), Vice Chair; Diane Star
Heller (DSH); Roland Kohen (RJK); I. Stanley Levine (ISL); Nancy Wolcott (NW); Clark Reynolds
(CR).
Council staff: David Whitman, Director; Craig Carpentieri, Operations Manager
Guests:
Ramel Andrew; Jo AsmundssOll, Taxpayer's Assoc.; Nathalie Athas; Marisa Bluestone, rCA; JoIm Bedinger,
Wo(ftonian-FJU; Laura Bruney, Arts & Business Council; Diana Burnett; Bruce Davidson; Elizabeth Doud,
Akropolis; Elena Garcia, [roleo Dance; Jane Gilbert; Barbl\l'll Gillman; Clay Hamilton, SWlp08t; Delma lies,
Momentum Dance Company; Laura Jamieson, MDPL; Brenda Jordan, World African Traditional Arts; Gary Knight,
ArtCenter/SouJh Florida; Nelly Loli, Joyce Meyers, City of Miami Beach Planning Department; Chris Moran;
Kathryn Orosz; Bob Papke, SMG; Ana Mllria Pozo; Kate Ramos; Sol Schreiber; Ronnie Singer, Executive Assistant
to the City Manager; Michael Spring, Dade Department of Cultural Affairs; Viviane Spinelli, Brazilian Film
Festival; Stewart Stewart Center for Folk & Community Art; Tom Thielen, Florida Dance Association; Claire
Tomlin; Nicole Ugarriza, Children's Cultural Coalition; Pete Upham, Miami City Ballet; Franklin Velez; Marcia
Zerivitz, Jewish Museum; Bernard Zyscovich, architect; others.
PW: Welcome. Public input in this fonnat will help the Council set its 2001 agenda.
Byron-Carlyle: Commissioner Liebman
A constituent of arts groups at the Byron-Carlyle would revitalize North Beach, and help the cultural
groups displaced from South Beach. The City is asking for an appraisal of the property, and the City
Commission supports purchasing the Byron-Carlyle as an arts related venue. The Commission needs a
clear commitment from the arts groups, and an accurate assessment of their resources and needs.
Jerry Libin, North Beach Development Corporation, President:
Arts in North Beach would revitalize the area. The NBDC would take on a management role at the
Byron-Carlyle, pay rent, and occupy office space. This facility could be available for rehearsals,
performances, and storage. A commercial element could offset carrying costs. NBDC envisions this
facility as a co-op with arts groups sharing resources.
PW: The displacement of arts groups from Lincoln Road demonstrates that the arts need City support.
Bernard Zyscovich: Zyscovich architects conducted a preliminary pro-bono sketch detailing renovation
possibilities for the Byron-Carlyle. The facility is 15,000 square feet, in a good location within a
commercial district and could be converted into 3 studio spaces of 1200-1500 square feet with street
access; I large performance space of 200-225 seats with a 3Ox45 foot stage, and a couple of dressing
rooms; remaining space would be for offices.
Gary Knight: What are the programmatic needs of the area?
A large population of children lives north of23nl street. The ArtCenter will soon have exhibit space in
North Beach at Walgreen's on 73'd and Collins Avenue, but we need classroom space. There is a need for
arts classes for both children and adults in the North Beach community.
Laura Bruney: Arts groups need rehearsal and office space with colleetive management.
George Neary: The Children's Cultural Coalition would like to stay in Miami Beach, but needs office
space.
Delma lies: Major cities have collective cultural centers for office, rehearsal, and performance space.
Rehearsal space requires a lot square footage, and a collective facility would need proper, impartial
management. Synergies help the arts community grow.
Jude Parry: The Gold Coast Theater company needs office, rehearsal, and performance space now.
Franklin Velez: The deaf and hard of hearing community needs rehearsal and class space as well.
Brenda Jordan: World African Traditional Arts needs a space to host workshops, classes, etc.
Elena Garcia: Iroko performs in North Bach now, and works with the City's Parks and Recreation
Department offering classes at 2100 Washington Avenue and 7300 Collins Avenue. Iroko still needs
office space.
Jane Gilbert: What does the population in North Beach want? What are they going to use?
Joyce Meyers: A consultant prepared strategic planning for North Beach and clearly, the arts will develop
a synergy for revitalizing the area.
Gary Knight: A business plan detailing carrying costs, uses, etc. should be prepared for this facility.
Other questions for the CAC: What are the capital needs of all arts groups? What are the operating needs
of the major institutions? I project that the arts will need a capital investment of at least $5 million in the
next 10 years, and that an annual budget of$5 million could support all the arts in Miami Beach. The arts
will sustain Miami Beach after the nightlife and other attractions become ordinary.
Claire Tomlin: The garden is active in working with the arts, and this year has received $41,000 in grants
and a $10,000 donation for the arts in the garden program. We are, however, desperately in need if
operating funds.
PW: It seems like the City should seize the opportunity to purchase the Byron-Carlyle.
ISL: Arts equal revitalization, and incorporating the arts as a basic city service requires education.
RJK: The Council is also looking at other facilities such as the Rotunda, a black box, and historic City
Hall to satisfY arts groups needs.
SS: Is the lack of facilities the major concern? Is it funding? Is it marketing?
The 2~hursdays program keeps the arts visible, and will help the City see the importance of the cultural
experience.
Chris Moran, Miami-Dade Community College Vice Provost:
The College is part of the community and is interested in arts development in Miami Beach at a post-
secondary site.
NW: The grants process is dynamic and is constantly evolving. Constituent reporting is a key element,
assisting the Council in applying for grants.
Brenda Jordan: Grant writing workshops would be very helpful.
George Neary: Cultural tourism is a powerful marketing venue for the arts.
Bernard Zyscovich: The City has a lot of spaces; perhaps it could string vacant spaces together.
John BOllinger: The W olfsonian needs assistance with parking and signage.
PW: Thank you for coming.
Meeting adjourned at 9:30PM.
2
December 2000
Miami Beach Cultural Arts Council Monthly Meeting Minutes
Friday, December 1,2000, 8:30AM, Wolfsonian-FIU
(f\
\V
Council members present: Pauline Winick, Chair (PW); Stephen Sauls, Vice Chair (8S),
Roland Kohen (RK); 1. Stanley Levine (ISL); Clark Reynolds (CR); Raquel Vallejo (RV).
Council members absent: Nancy Wolcott; Diane Star Heller (DSH)
Staff: Craig Carpentieri, Operations Manager (CC)
Guests:
Roger Abramson; Marisa Bluestone, VCA Administrator; John Bodinger, Wolfsonian-FIU; Laura
Bruney, Arts & Business Council; Alvaro Fernandez, :r'Thursdays Volunteer Director; Jonathan Katzen,
Marketing adviser; James Quinlan, ACE Director; Ava Rado, Center for Emerging Art; Ronnie Singer,
Executive Assistant to the City Manager; Sol Schrieber; JD Steel, Bridge Theater; Ellen Wedner; Don
Worth, others.
PW: Welcome.
MOTION: RK: Approve Minutes.. Seconded by RV. Approved.
Thanks to outgoing Council members, I. Stanley Levine, Raquel Vallejo.
Further discussion on 2001 meeting dates. Staff will poll new Council members.
Facilities:
RK: Byron Carlyle: The Commission voted to purchase the Byron-Carlyle at the $1.7 miJlion
asking price (parking lot included). The owners have 60 days to accept the offer. Zyscovich, Inc.
has outlined a step-by-step renovation program. Total renovation is estimated at $2 miJlion.
Laura Bruney. Arts groups were surveyed about their office, rehearsal, and perfurmance space
needs, as welI as their ability to pay for such space.
RS: Even with the arts groups paying for space, a shortfulI in operating costs still exists. The
building would need a commercial element, such as an outdoor cafe, adding to pedestrian traffic.
One Commissioner suggested renovating and programming existing facilities before investing in
new ones.
RK: The Land Use Committee voted to relocate the arts groups from 555 17th Street to another
facility. Historic City HaIl, and the 6th Street Community Center are two options.
RS: The City will insure space for these relocated groups.
Don Worth:
Please attend the community meeting about the Ocean Front Auditorium's future Tuesday
evening, December 5, at 6 o'clock.
The New York Municipal Arts Society will be doing an exhibition of 50's and 60's Miami Beach
style architecture. We need curatorial and fundraising assistance.
(j)
Marketing: SS
Alvaro Fernandez is directing 2nd Thursdays and hard at work with the Marketing Committee as
well. AF: 2nd Thursdays is going well. The program will progress and improve with an hour-to
hour focus. The websites are under review and a new vendor has been retained. CR: I have web
experience and can help.
Community: RV
The Czech delegation visit went well. Colours of South F70rida is airing on Chartervision.
Anchors: SS
Anchors meetings are going very well. The institutions are concerned with parking, signage, and
expansion. A subcommittee has been formed for strategic planning. The next meeting will be
December 19, 9-10AM, Miami City Ballet.
PW: Nancy Wolcott has been re-appointed to the Council and the new members are Kathryn
Orosz; Ada Llerandi; and Roger Abramson.
New Business:
Alvaro Fernandez: I suggest the Council continue with its adopt-a-Commissioner program.
JD Steel: A great deal of assets are available to the non-profit arts community through
volunteers, warehouse space, etc. A databank of this information would benefit arts groups.
Meeting adjourned at lOAM.