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Art historian Carol Damian brings a wealth of expertise to her latest role overseeing the selection and integration of art in public spaces. She was recently elected chairperson of the Miami-Dade County Art in Public Places Trust, serving as the District Six appointee.
One of the oldest public art programs in the country, Miami’s Art in Public Places program was established in 1973 via an ordinance that requires 1.5% of the capital cost of new construction on public land be used to fund art commissions or acquisitions. The program is overseen by a citizens’ trust appointed by the county commission and guided by a professional advisory committee, an independent panel of art professionals including historians, museum curators and directors, engineers and architects.
Since its inception, the program has acquired or commissioned over 1,000 works and has earned global recognition as a leader in its field. Artworks are installed countywide at diverse public sites, including Miami International Airport, Metrorail stations, PortMiami, and Zoo Miami, as well as courthouses, libraries, fire and police stations, parks, public housing and community health centers.
The program’s objectives aim to enrich Miami’s artistic legacy and foster a greater appreciation and understanding of art while elevating the quality of public spaces and functionality of buildings through innovative collaborations.
Ms. Damian’s career in art history and education, with a focus on pre-Columbian and Latin American art, spans decades of teaching at local institutions, including the University of Miami and Florida International University. She also notably served as the former director and chief curator of the Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum from 2008 to 2014.
Her extensive experience as a professor, curator and director, coupled with her dedication to community engagement, positions her to lead the trust. She aims to inspire and guide the development of transformative public art initiatives that will enrich Miami’s cultural landscape and spark a new era of creativity across the county.
Ms. Damian spoke with Miami Today reporter Genevieve Bowen.
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