LTC 642-2018 Rainbow Bridge Activation MIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO. LTC # 642-2018 LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO: Mayor Dan Gelber and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Jimmy L. Morales. City Manager
DATE: December 14, 2018
SUBJECT: Rainbow Bridge Activation
The purpose of this Letter to the Commission ("LTC") is to inform the Commission that
the Administration met with representatives of the Looking Up Arts Foundation ("LUAF")
regarding activating the Rainbow Bridge per City Commission instruction during the
Wednesday, December 12, 2018 City Commission meeting.
The experimental multimedia sculptural event is looking for a home. Recently
showcased at Burning Man 2018 and during Art Week, the City Commission suggested
that the City of Miami Beach explore temporarily activating the programmable structure
in Miami Beach. The LUAF team has explained that the bridge is designed as a
temporary structure with exposure to outside elements limited to approximately ten (10)
days. As a result, the Administration and LUAF explored the potential for a temporary
installation in Lummus Park or Collins Park, from late December 2018 to early January
2019, to garner community engagement and evaluate longer term opportunities.
After multiple conversations and a multi-department logistical meeting, LUAF expressed
their sincere interest in working with the City of Miami Beach, but would prefer to engage
in 2019. due to team fatigue and budget. LUAF shared that during Art Week, the budget
for the Rainbow Bridge was over $80,000 for a four (4) day rental including, but not
limited to, structure rental, staff wages, flights, room and board, car rental, structure
repairs, shipping, machinery rentals, permits, insurance, generators, security, and fuel.
The LUAF team is interested in activating during the 2019 Miami Beach Pride
celebration or other 2019 Miami Beach events.
The Administration will continue to communicate with LUAF and return to the City
Commission once we have a potential new plan of action.
cc: Kathie Brooks, Assistant City Manager
Heather Shaw, Tourism, Culture, and Economic Development Interim Director