Join us this weekend to explore MOCA @ the Crossroads. Learn how the City’s struggle to keep the museum in North Miami makes an impact beyond our municipal borders and touches all facets of the community.
WHEN MONEY AND POWER TRUMP MISSION AND MORALS:
“ART OF THE STEAL” SHOWS FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM OF COMTEMPORARY ART IN NORTH MIAMI
Open to the Public, FREE admission
North Miami, FL – June 10, 2014 – The ongoing battle between the city of North Miami and the outgoing Board of Trustees of the Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami is a wholly unique, headline grabbing drama. But this is not the first time in recent history that a museum’s board has strayed so far from its mission. In 2009, the Board of Trustees for the Albert C. Barnes Foundation deployed money, power, politics and the best legal team money could buy in order to violate Albert C. Barnes’ will, defy the very mission of the Barnes Foundation and ultimately steal $25 billion worth of art.
The Art of the Steal, a documentary that follows the struggle for control of the Barnes art collection will be shown free to the public this Friday, June 13th, at 7 p.m. at the Museum Of Contemporary Art, North Miami located at 770 NE 125 ST. The film gives a clear example as to when money and power trump mission and morals. As the opening of the MOCA @ The Crossroads symposium, sponsored by the Florida Africana Studies Consortium (FLASC), scholars will be on hand to discuss the film and the impact The Barnes Foundation story has had within the art world. The film will be introduced by Linda Carty of Syracuse University.
The FLASC Symposium will continue on Saturday, June 14th, from 4 – 8 p.m., with a distinguishedpanel of art scholars that will host discussions to further explore the topic and delve into what happens when the politics of class and culture collide. The symposium will be held at MOCA, North Miami. Admission is free. For additional information, call 305-893-6511, ext. 12110.
I originally thought this was a very witty joke, but I see it’s real. man oh man…
North Miami is taking no prisoners. I LOVE IT!
Its really nice idea. I think it would be helpful for all. Thank you for sharing with us.
buy art
It should not be the responsibility of the North Miami taxpayer to support the museum with additional property taxes. That’s exactly what the bond would have done.
I agree with Ned below. It is a good thing to support our cultural treasures, it is what all communities ought do. I understand there has not been a trusted environment in past – but I am giving the city a chance to right itself – and I hope the East siders come back on board to what most citizens do in their cities which is invest and support growth and programs that benefit all. MOCA can be a centerpoint and could be a great asset as it is intended. Our tax dollars should go to our city, it is that way in many cities. I understand that this has been a issue in past, but hoping with forensic audit and new leadership the city can move forward.
Ellen …I agree with you at this time until the city’s forensic audit of all city departments including MOCA museum and CRA agency. However, if the city returns back to solid finanacial standing and changes to the MOCA museum board, then the city should considered a bond issue to provide investment for the museum and a new library to serve as economic anchors to the downtown district subject to approval by the city voters.
I went to the film screening. Very few residents came to this very interesting documentary.MOCA’s Vice President of communications sabotaged the event by sending out emails declaring that the symposium was canceled. I urge everyone who reads this to come on Saturda or view it on the city’s cable channel as rhey plan to record it.
g
Adrienne, did you receive one of those emails? If so, or if you know someone who has received on, please forward it to me. My email is stephanie.kienzle@gmail.com.
Thanks!
Stephanie ….Some sunshine is needed by some allegations that the current MOCA board and/or administration sent an email to certain interested persons of the general public that the film screening and symposium events were cancelled. If these allegations are true, then shame on them!
It is the time for all of the citizens of North Miami, eastside, westside, central city, to become active and speak out for their treasured asset. It takes only one voice … Either participating at voting booth, speaking out at citizens forum during city council meetings, or attending and supporting special events like two for this weekend at MOCA … Nurtured and continued the mission of this museum!
For those benefactors who want to relocate their donations to another museum, please call U-haul and take your donations out of our museum … MOCA will continue to exist as City owns the building as the collection, activities, etc can be rebuilt by the hard work of all good citizens of North Miami.
Remember, the building is named after Joan Lehman who supported Lou Ann Colodny’s original mission in bringing art and culture to North Miami.
And the city can always find another partner for rebuilding this museum … Maybe consortium of local educational institutions of Florida International University, Johnson & Wales University, Barry University along with Miami Dade College, St. Thomas University, and Florida Memorial College working with the city in providing arts and culture to the citizens of North Miami including surrounding cities of Miami Shores, El Portal, Biscayne Park, and North Miami Beach
No one seems to be giving the trustees credit for setting new parameters in the arena of performance art.
Even Yoko Ono couldn’t put on a better show.
They’re like the Big Bad Wolf pretending to be Mother Teresa. Or OJ as the president of the National Organization of Women. Or Bowe Bergdahl in the lead of a Sergeant York biopic.
They deserve an encore performance. May they receive the clap(ping) they deserve.
That’s hysterical. Good one Jerry!