Doral council approves ongoing partnership with Doral International Art Fair, waives fees

The Doral City Council on Feb. 12 voted unanimously to partner with Doral International Art Fair Inc. to host the third annual Doral International Art Fair Nov. 6–9, 2025, at the Doral Cultural Arts Center and to waive the event's rental fee and staff costs.

Council members authorized the city manager and city attorney to execute an agreement so the fair can proceed as a city "signature event" without coming back to council for annual reapproval. Vice Mayor Maureen Porras made the motion to approve; the motion was seconded and passed with all recorded votes in favor.

The resolution authorizes a waiver of the rental fee of $8,590.07 and staff costs of $2,111.04, and allows the event to use the city logo. Nelson Garcia, presenting for the nonprofit organizers, said the fair had drawn more than 4,000 visitors in 2023 and 2024 and represented more than 150 artists from the United States and several other countries. Garcia said the fair also promotes local businesses, gastronomy and educational programming.

Council members voiced support for the fair's growth and cultural value. Councilwoman Nicole Reynoso said she had attended earlier editions and praised the fair's community engagement and programming. Vice Mayor Porras moved the approval and asked staff to meet with the organization to formalize the event as a city signature program.

The resolution directs staff to execute implementing documents and to move forward with planning so the fair can expand in future years. The City Clerk recorded the vote as unanimous among the council members who participated in the roll call for that item.

The council will now allow the organizers to begin planning with city staff under the authority granted by the resolution.