Miami Public Art Board Meeting – May 11, 2026

The Public Art Board met on May 11, 2026, but lacked a quorum, so the meeting was conducted as a workshop only; no votes or formal actions could be taken. The board reviewed several ongoing public art projects, heard public testimony, and discussed the need for updated program guidelines and board membership issues.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Keith Moore and Marie Henry, representing Profiles of Black Miami, spoke in support of the Bayfront Park Incorporators Monument. They stressed that the monument must include the names and races of the 344 residents who voted for city incorporation, stating that without that information the history would not be accurately depicted.
• Sebastian Duncan Portuango, a stained glass artist and Coconut Grove native, presented his revised proposal for the Kennedy Park bathroom pavilion mural. He explained his use of abstract nature imagery and gold smalty, and noted his prior city work at Gold Star Family Memorial Park. He expressed strong interest in the project and gratitude for the opportunity.

Discussion Items

• Bayfront Park Incorporators Monument (Item 4): Staff reported that the open call received 102 applicants. The Professional Advisory Committee (PAC) recommended three additional shortlisted artists (MGA Sculpture Studio, Kaiser Corp, Gordon Huether and Partners). The original three shortlisted artists were already approved at a prior meeting. The board asked to see all six at a future meeting to select an alternate. The project budget is $200,000–$210,000 ($100,000 from Bayfront Trust, remainder from Parks Department). Several board members expressed concern that the budget was too low for a permanent bronze monument.<br>
• Kennedy Park Bathroom Pavilion Art: The previous selected artist (Aldo Coronel, based in Mexico) was unable to provide required documentation (LLC, insurance, vendor info) after multiple chances. Staff consulted legal/risk management and proceeded with the next finalist, Sebastian Duncan Portuango. The PAC was supportive of Portuango at both meetings. The budget for this project is $20,000. Board members welcomed the local artist and looked forward to a formal vote next meeting.
• City Administration Building Art (Discussion Item 3): 336 artists applied to the open call. The project is split into six sites (e.g., Terrazzo flooring, suspended artwork, fences, bollards) with unified artistic goals. The PAC will now evaluate applications per site. The board requested to see the shortlist even though they cannot take action. Staff noted the project will also be integrated into the citywide public art master plan. Budget details are still being finalized with the contractor/architect.<br>
• Miami Freedom Park (MFP) Master Plan: Staff updated that the developer engaged VIA Partnership and Todd Bressy as public art consultants. A kickoff meeting was held; the next phase includes a steering committee and community outreach. Over $1 million has been collected into the public art trust fund, with a total current allocation of $6.2 million (1.5% of permitted building value so far). The total project is a $2 billion investment over a decade, which would generate over $20 million in public art. The master plan will set the process for selecting art; final artworks will come before the board for approval. A community meeting is required. The board asked about the steering committee composition (includes a board member) and was assured that at least one community outreach meeting will be held citywide. The master plan is expected to return to the board in October.<br>
• Varick Park: $79,000 in public art funds (70% for art) are available. Staff suggested a mosaic mural similar to a previous project. The district two commissioner has the option to use the funds at Varick or combine them with future park improvements for a larger budget. The board noted the low price point and that the commissioner had asked to pause pending additional projects at the park.
• Board Membership: Two board members (O’Dallas and Nelson) have been absent. Staff was asked to again request their resignations and to push district one (Commissioner Gabella) to appoint a replacement for a vacant seat. A 30-day advertisement process had been paused; staff will run another notice if needed. The board noted that a commissioner can remove an absent appointee.</p>

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes or decisions were made due to lack of quorum. The board intends to take action on the Bayfront Park Incorporators Monument (selecting an alternate artist), the Kennedy Park bathroom pavilion art (formally approving Sebastian Duncan Portuango), and other items at the next meeting.
• Staff will: bring all six shortlisted artists for the Bayfront monument to the next meeting; provide metrics on local versus international applicants for the City Administration Building; continue the MFP master plan process; and follow up on board membership vacancies.
• The board reiterated the need to finalize program guidelines for developer-funded art projects (e.g., to require a proper call to artists) and to integrate them into the citywide public art master plan, which has an 18-month timeline.