Board accepts donation of Cortada 'Elevation' sculptures for seven District 4 parks, approves conditions

The Art in Public Places Board approved a resolution (file 18198) accepting a donation from artist Xavier Cortada of permanent "Elevation Sculptures" to be installed at seven parks in District 4: Bay of Pigs, Bryant Park, Coral Gate Park, Douglas Park, Fairlawn Community Park, Gold Star Family Memorial Mini Park, and Manolo Reyes Park.

The board approved the donation on a 6-0 roll-call vote. Approval is subject to staff conditions that require final design review by the public-art division, aesthetic differentiation of the city’s markers from Miami-Dade County markers, standardized signage coordinated with the program, required departmental approvals and permits prior to installation, a detailed maintenance plan submitted by the artist, and a community-engagement component (artist talks, workshops or educational material).

Cortada presented the project as a participatory campaign to make elevation and sea-level-rise information publicly visible. He said each marker will include a QR code linking to a page that indicates the park’s elevation and allows users to enter an address to see other elevations and climate information. Cortada described the sculptures as made with a sustainable concrete formula developed with the University of Miami Structures and Materials Lab and noted a desire to preserve the raw concrete aesthetic while accommodating any required signage or pavers.

Staff told the board the PAC suggested aesthetic amendments to differentiate the city’s markers from county markers; the board added a direction that the artist work with the district commissioner to resolve those details. Staff also confirmed the artist must obtain any required building permits and that public-art staff will assist with permitting as needed. The board’s approval includes the condition that the artist provide a maintenance plan identifying materials, schedule, and responsible parties prior to installation.

Board members thanked the artist and recorded unanimous support. The resolution as approved allows the city manager to negotiate and execute agreements necessary to accept and install the donated works, subject to the enumerated conditions.