REFERRAL TO ART IN PUBLIC PLACES COMMITTEE - EMPLOYEE SUGGESTION TO PROMOTE ART IN PUBLIC PLACES IN SOUTH POINTE PARK.

The Administration is seeking a recommendation from the Art in Public Places Committee regarding the employee suggestion.

At the January 13, 2021 Commission meeting, the 2020 Employee Suggestions selected for implementation were approved directing the City Manager to evaluate the cost and feasibility of implementing such suggestions, and to report the findings to the City Commission. 

The Employee Suggestion program is one of the City’s five Reward and Recognition programs, implemented on June 16, 2015.  This program allows employees to share innovative ideas, which may enhance productivity, efficiency, effectiveness, safety, and/or the quality of local government services.   Employees whose suggestions and innovations result in monetary savings, increased revenues to the City, improved quality of services, or otherwise benefit the City and its residents are recognized annually and may receive a monetary award based on program guidelines.

For FY 2020, two suggestions were selected for possible implementation:    

• Host an Annual 5K race to bring business to specific areas of need; and

• Promote Art in Public Spaces in South Pointe Park

Suggestion: Promote Art in Public Spaces in South Pointe Park

Employee suggestion submitted as “South Pointe Park - To create a public art area and "instagrammable" feature that will increase our reach and exposure on social media, TV and print while also providing a venue for local artists to display their work.”

There is currently no budget to implement this suggestion; however, since public artwork improves the image and identity of our City, we feel it is worth exploring further.  Prior to moving this employee suggestion to the City Commission, I recommend that this suggestion be considered by the Art in Public Places Committee for its advisory recommendation.  I would like the AIPP Committee to consider the following:

 1.  Given that South Pointe Park already has significant artwork, including the iconic Tobias Rehberger "Obstinate Lighthouse," and the "Eloquent South Point Pier Gate," does South Pointe Park need more artwork?

2. If the answer to the above is yes, then what would be the most appropriate, impactful artwork to install in the Park?

3.  There is no funding identified for a proposed artwork in South Pointe Park, so how would the Committee propose funding and what would the price point be?

60.6% of MB businesses indicated MB free and city sponsored art & cultural activities contribute to the success of my business

89% of MB businesses indicated MB tourism adds value to the business community

63.5% of MB businesses indicated cultural activities contribute to success of the business

85.5% of residents indicated cultural activities contribute to quality of life in Miami Beach

84.1% of residents indicated free or city sponsored art & cultural activities contribute to quality of life in Miami Beach