Miami Art and Public Places Board Meeting - October 5, 2026

The Art and Public Places Board of the City of Miami held a meeting on October 5, 2026, at 11:30 AM. The board addressed a waiver of public art requirements for an affordable housing development, selected a finalist artist for the Miami Incorporators Monument at Bayfront Park, received updates on the AIPP Master Plan, and discussed previous artist selection processes.

Consent Calendar

• Absent waivers were granted for members Christina Cuervo, Juan Validez, Jacqueline Roach, and Lisette Garcia Argente (motion passed 6-0).
• Minutes of the last meeting were not available for approval.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Keith Moore (address: 27820 SW 128th Place, Homestead) and Anne Marie Henry (address: 720 NE 162nd Street) spoke on behalf of Profiles in Black Miami. They expressed strong support for artist George Rodriguez Gerada’s concept for the Incorporators Monument, stating it best represented the 344 men (black and white) who voted to incorporate Miami. They requested that the monument accurately list all names and races, correct the map to reflect the 1896 city boundaries, and change the wording from “qualified electors” to “voters present” for clarity. They asked to remain involved in the process to ensure historical accuracy.

Discussion Items

Item 1 – Election of Vice Chair for 2026 Term

• Board member Nelson Delgado nominated Christina Cuervo, who was absent. After a point of order, the board voted and elected her Vice Chair (6-0).

Item 2 – Waiver of Public Art Requirements for Affordable Housing Development at 1611 NW 3rd Ave (File ID 19928)

• Project Description: The Southeast Overtown Park West CRA proposed a 100% affordable housing development with a total construction cost of $10 million. The public art fee requirement was $150,000 (1.5%). The project requested a full waiver of the public art requirement but expressed intent to include public art.
• Staff Recommendation: Approval with two conditions: (1) artist selection and artwork must meet criteria in Section 62-6582 of the city code; (2) coordination with the Public Art Division and referral to the Professional Advisory Committee (PAC) for feedback.
• Board Positions: Several members, including Chair Olga Granda and Member Gary Feinberg, expressed a desire that any artwork installed be reviewed and approved by the board, not just the PAC. They noted that the waiver should cover only the financial requirement, not board oversight. After debate, the board amended condition two to require referral to both the PAC and/or the board for discussion and feedback, ensuring the board retains a role. The waiver was approved 6-0.

Item 3 – Selection of Finalist Artist for Bayfront Park Incorporators Monument (File ID 19929)

• Proposal Summary: Five site-specific proposals were reviewed by the PAC. The recommended finalist, George Rodriguez Gerada, proposed a bronze sculpture of hands reaching upward forming a flame, symbolizing collective effort. The piece would include engraved plaques with the 344 incorporators’ names, an 1896 map, and the city seal. PAC initially reconsidered and then recommended Gerada.
• Public Testimony: Keith Moore and Anne Marie Henry reiterated support for Gerada’s concept and emphasized accuracy of names, race, and map.
• Board Action: The board approved the resolution selecting George Rodriguez Gerada as finalist (6-0). The artist will continue design development with input from historians, community representatives, and city staff. Installation target is late 2027, pending fabrication and coordination with Bayfront Trust Management.

Updates on AIPP Master Plan and Miami Freedom Park Master Plan

• Indra (staff): The Miami Public Art Master Plan kicked off with consultants DPZ and ABC Art Builds Community. Initial research, stakeholder meetings, and artwork surveys are complete. Focus groups and steering committee meetings are being scheduled. A board member will be included.
• Miami Freedom Park: The first steering committee met in summer 2026; the next is scheduled for the week of October 14, 2026, where a concept plan will be presented.
• Installations: Upcoming installations include Plaza Azuca (approved last month), Silver Bluff Park (in two weeks), Dog Park, Manolo Reyes, Flagler Villas, Kennedy Park mosaic, and Joyce B.’s laser-cut passages. Staff will provide photos after installation.

Follow-up on District 4 Plaza Artist Selection

• Member Gary Feinberg raised the previous meeting’s selection of Alex Kaufman over Juan Jimenez (Conflux Art Projects), noting the awkwardness and the commissioner’s offer of future opportunities. The board recommended that staff include Jimenez for future projects in District 4, possibly through direct invitation. No formal motion was needed; staff will act on the recommendation.

Key Outcomes

• Vice Chair Election: Christina Cuervo elected Vice Chair for 2026 (6-0).
• Waiver Approval (File ID 19928): Approved 6-0 with amended conditions requiring artwork to come before the board or PAC for discussion and feedback.
• Finalist Selection (File ID 19929): George Rodriguez Gerada approved as finalist artist for the Bayfront Park Incorporators Monument (6-0).
• Directive: Staff to include artist Juan Jimenez in consideration for future District 4 public art projects.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for November 9, 2026.