SETH GORDON, MANAGING PARTNER, GORDON DIAZ-BALART AND BRAD BERMAN, PROJECT COORDINATOR, GIBSON GUITAR TOWN, REGARDING MIAMI GUITAR TOWN PROJECT
Indexes:
PRESENTATION
Sponsors:
Audrey M. Edmonson, Prime Sponsor
Sunset Provision:
No
Effective Date:
Expiration Date:
Registered Lobbyist:
None Listed
Legislative History
Acting Body
Date
Agenda Item
Action
Sent To
Due Date
Returned
Pass/Fail
Transit, Infrastructure & Roads Committee
4/15/2009
1B2
Presented
REPORT:
Mr. Seth Gordon introduced Brad Berman, whom he noted would make a presentation on the Miami Guitar Town Project, a public art event.
Mr. Brad Berman, representing Gibson Guitars, 180 NE 39th St. #200, provided an overview of the Miami Guitar Town Project. He noted this event involved several, 10-foot, artistically sculptured guitars designed by local artists and displayed around the City of Miami. He noted the purpose of the design and display was to stimulate community involvement in public art, to bring attention to the South Florida’s art community, and to raise money for local charities. Similar events had proven successful in Nashville, Austin, London, and currently, in Orlando Florida and generated significant profits. He noted the plan was to auction off the guitars at the end of the event to raise money for local charities such as Miami Children’s Hospital, the Miami Music and Art Fund, and the Cultural Arts Center of Hollywood.
Mr. Seth Gordon noted when searching for the appropriate places to display the guitars around the City, the project coordinators noticed a natural footprint extending from the Miami Performing Arts Center (PAC) along Brickell Avenue to the southern terminus of the Metromover, and felt this event could also be used to celebrate the Metromover. He explained that he was appearing before the TIRC because he thought the event could be used to introduce people to the transit system in an effort to increase ridership. He noted he and his staff were working with county staff to promote the event and determine the appropriate placement for the guitars; and were not seeking funding, but only wanted to advise the Committee of this event in hopes the Committee might participate in it.
Chairwoman Jordan indicated that after listening to this presentation, she felt the foregoing item should be presented before the Recreation, Culture and Tourism Committee (RCTC) for a recommendation since the RCTC had jurisdiction over Art in Public Places and a process to follow.
Responding to Commissioner Gimenez question regarding when this event was expected to begin, Mr. Berman noted the plan was to begin displaying the guitars around the City within the next three to four weeks. He also noted some sponsorship was received from local businesses in the City, and part of the objective was to get celebrities involved in this event by having them sponsor or autograph the guitars, which would raise the values of the guitars when auctioned off at the end of this event, and increase the funds for local charities.
In response to Commissioner Gimenez question regarding whether this event had already been approved by the City of Miami, Mr. Gordon noted an agreement was in place with the City of Miami, and Mayor Manuel (Manny) Diaz, City of Miami, had chaired the Oversight Committee, and arranged for the placement of the guitars with the City’s Public Works Department.
Chairwoman Jordan suggested Mr. Gordon and his staff meet directly with Mr. Michael Spring, Director of Miami-Dade Cultural Affairs Department, to get authorization without having to go through the Committee process.
County Manager
4/14/2009
Additions
Transit, Infrastructure & Roads Committee
4/15/2009
Legislative Text
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