Miami Arts Commission goes Public

By: Laura Stennerson

The Miami Arts Commission has recently been approved as a not for profit organization which will give the Commission the ability to apply for grants, seek sponsorships, and expand memberships to fund art related projects in Miami.  They will work with existing projects such as Boom Town Spree and Miami Loco Art Show; as well as develop new projects such as the Bloody Tanks River Walk Project, which will feature a walking trail with permanent and temporary art installations. Other ideas include an artist registry, outdoor performance art, sidewalk art shows and art education programs for the public.  The group also wants to promote our unique area to filmmakers and photographers.
The Commission members include:  Dik Mickle, Marianne Collins, Michael 23, Ken Boe, Jim Coates, and  Jim Henderson as the engineering adviser and a the group will hold their first public meeting on February 20, 2010 from 6:30 till 8:30 pm at The Miami Senior Center.  The agenda for the meeting will include the introduction of Commission members, as well as a short talk on the Commission’s mission by Dik Mickle.  Susan Hanson will inform the public about the Bloody Tanks River Walk.  A history of sculpture will be given by Jim Coates.  Michael 23 will present 23 considerations.  Ken Boe will discuss the benefits of the arts for the economy.  They will also list future projects.

Public Discussion

There will be ample time for the public to discuss the artistic future of their town.  The public meeting is just that, public, so even though I reside in Globe, I plan to attend this meeting, and not only because I am a third generation Miami gal, but because this is an idea that requires all our support.  We are one community integrated and diverse.

This is a huge step in the right direction for Miami.   Communities that support the arts with art spaces create a sense of community identity, promote social interaction among community members, and can stimulate economic growth.  The creative capacity of people in our area has been undervalued and the time is right for our towns and cities to embrace all the arts as their own community identity.  Our area is rich with cultural diversity that should be celebrated though the art of music, dance, writing, and visual art.

Be A Member
Be a member now for only ten dollars and get a Miami Art Commission button.  Mark your calendar for February 20th and I hope to see you there.

Miami Senior Center is located at 506 Live Oak Miami.