HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 14, 2026 Arts in Aventura Board Meeting AgendaThe City of
Aven'tura
1. Call to Order/Roll Call
Arts in Aventura Board
Meeting Agenda
August 14, 2026
10:00 a.m.
Aventura Government Center
5th Floor Executive Conference Room
19200 W. Country Club Drive, Aventura, FL 33180
2. Approval of Minutes — June 26, 2026
3. Discussion of Projects
4. Public Input
5. Selection of Next Meeting
6. Adjournment
This meeting is open to the public. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, all persons who are disabled and
who need special accommodations to participate in this meeting because of that disability should contact the Office of the City Clerk,
305-466-8901 or cityclerk@cityofaventura.com, not later than two days prior to such proceeding. One or more members of the City
of Aventura Commission and/or Advisory Boards may participate in the meeting. Agenda items are available online at
cityofaventura.com for viewing and printing. Copies of agenda items can also be requested through the Office of the City Clerk at
305-466-8901 or cityclerk@cityofaventura.com.
ARTS IN AVENTURA BOARD MEETING MINUTES
JUNE 26, 2026
10:00 A.M.
Aventura Government Center
19200 West Country Club Drive
Aventura, FL 33180
1. Call to Order/Roll Call: The meeting was called to order at 10:03 a.m. by Dr.
Jacobs. The following members were present:
Suzanne Abozina
Tam Gryn
Michael Jacobs
Luli Sulichin1
Absent: Harrison Soffer
Others Present: Bryan Pegues, City Manager
Ellisa L. Horvath, MMC, City Clerk
Jeff Kiltie, Arts & Cultural Center (AACC) Manager2
The meeting proceeded as a quorum was established.
2. Approval of Minutes — May 18, 2026: A motion to approve the minutes of the
May 18, 2026 meeting was offered by Ms. Abozina, seconded by Ms. Gryn, and
unanimously approved.
3. Review and Approval of Public Art Curatorial Standards & Cultural Vision:
Ms. Gryn reviewed the Public Art Curatorial Standards & Cultural Vision including the
following sections: Section 1 - Curatorial Vision, Section 2 - Understanding Our
Audiences, Section 3 - Core Principles, Section 4 - Artistic Scope, Section 5 -
Engagement Strategy, Section 6 - Artist Selection Criteria, Section 7 - Program Initiatives,
Section 8 - Curatorial Positioning & Content Standards, Section 9 - Tone & Program
Identity, and Section 10 - Governance & Accountability.
A motion to approve the document was offered by Ms. Gryn, seconded by Ms. Sulichin,
and unanimously approved.
4. Jeff Kiltie — Aventura Arts & Cultural Center General Manager: Mr. Kiltie
distributed and reviewed a presentation entitled Aventura Arts in Aventura Board
Presentation June 26, 2026 highlighting the following items: Mission, The AACC Team,
1 Participated via Zoom.
2 Mr. Kiltie left following his presentation/discussion.
City of Aventura Arts in Aventura Board Meeting Minutes
June 26, 2026
Impact, Community Partners, Audience Reach, Visibility, Projected Performers & Activity,
and What's Next.
The following items were discussed: relationship with renters, promoters, curation,
selection of shows, costs to rent venue, the public relations firm, additional marketing
available, rare partnerships, an Aventura led production budget, decisions on
programming, bookings for 27/28, events/programming to target a younger generation to
engage interest for children in the arts earlier, standup/comedy, diversity in Aventura,
working with ACES students, experience with theater/plays, constraints at the Center due
to seating capacity with a focus for smaller touring productions, incentives for Aventura
residents, and creating a synergy between the Center and the Board.
Mr. Kiltie and Mr. Pegues responded to questions raised, while the role of the Board was
reviewed.
Board members will create a list of people in their networks who may be interested to
target certain demographics.
Consensus was provided for Mr. Kiltie to attend the Board meetings every two months for
presentation and collaboration with the Board.
5. Discussion of Projects:
Art Installation - Loan Art Exhibition Project: Ms. Abozina reported on the possibility
of a Katie Stout loan art exhibition with several (6) pieces for 6-12 months for placement
throughout the City, with the cost to be determined. Dr. Jacobs discussed sponsors and
the goal for the City not to provide funding. Mr. Pegues reported on an anticipated
donation tied to construction projects and setting up a fund.
Discussion focused on the loan to be for 12 months, if possible, with the pieces to be
placed around the Circle (Don Soffer Trail) with the locations to be determined and
possibly filming the progress of the preparation and installation of the pieces, as well as
a ceremony unveiling the pieces.
Mr. Pegues clarified that the project will be presented at a Commission Workshop for
official approval once finalized.
Consensus was provided to move forward with an Art Installation — Loan Exhibition
Project and for Ms. Abozina to obtain the costs and formal information.
Student Art - America 250 Project: The Board members provided updates on the
project for student art and working with the art teachers at the Aventura City of Excellence
School, Waterways, and Don Soffer Aventura High School. A number of students will be
selected for the placement of their art at bus stops and kiosks throughout the City. The
idea was focused on coming up with a new concept every year for the digital art.
Mr. Pegues discussed the possibility for the winning art piece to be placed on the digital
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billboards on Biscayne Boulevard for 30 days. He reported on speaking to the Principals,
with school scheduled to start on August 13, 2026. Another ceremony will be held for
unveiling the piece at one of the bus stops.
Mr. Pegues will set up a Zoom meeting with the Principals to review the timelines for the
submission of pieces as well as the specs, with an anticipated deadline of mid -late
September.
Mr. Pegues will work on setting up an Instagram account for the Board, as well as a logo.
Latin American Arts Festival: Ms. Sulichin discussed the possibility of the City
hosting the festival in October, with 20-30 artists, and the need for space to be determined
in the City. She will send out the dossier and information to Mr. Pegues.
Artist Residency Project: Ms. Abozina reported on the location of a possible space
at the Aventura Mall for October, pending approval by the Mall in conjunction with the
City.
Consensus was provided to proceed with an Artist Residency Project at the Aventura
Mall, with a target date in October. Plans were discussed for Aventura to select the artist
and the Aventura Mall to handle the logistics.
Causeway Underpass Art Project: The concept of a tile mosaic or painted art
project for the underpass of the William Lehman Causeway was discussed. Mr. Pegues
will need to provide the Florida Department of Transportation with a proposal for approval
and suggested that they attend a future meeting. Ms. Abozina displayed an idea and will
provide a proposal/imagery and suggested working with college students for the artwork.
Specs and pictures of the area will need to be provided.
6. Public Input: None.
7. Selection of Next Meeting: Consensus was provided to schedule the next
meeting for August 14, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
8. Adjournment: There being no further business to come before the Board, a
motion to adjourn was offered by Ms. Gryn, seconded by Ms. Sulichin, and unanimously
passed; thereby adjourning the meeting at 11:34 a.m.
Ellisa L. Horvath, MMC, City Clerk
Approved by the Board on August 14, 2026