Committee directs staff to negotiate multiyear license for Untitled Art Fair

The Finance & Economic Resiliency Committee on April 1 recommended that city staff negotiate a multiyear license agreement with Untitled Art Fair and explore a similar agreement with Scope Art Fair.

Commissioner Laura Dominguez introduced the item and noted Untitled has partnered with Miami Beach for about 14 years and “actually contribute[s] money towards our city,” citing permit and rental fees and payments for city services. Robin Rosenbaum, representing Untitled and Informa Markets, summarized the fair’s 15‑year presence and asked the committee to endorse a multi‑year agreement.

The committee discussed term length and safeguards for the city. City staff noted different draft attachments proposed three‑ and five‑year terms; Untitled representatives said the attachment was a five‑year proposal with a five‑year option. Commissioners emphasized the need for termination protections and performance‑linked public benefits. The chair asked staff to ensure clear “come hell or high water” outs for the city and to include termination language in the draft agreement.

Commissioner Dominguez moved to direct administration to negotiate a long‑term agreement with Untitled Art Fair and for staff to discuss a similar agreement with Scope Art Fair; the motion was seconded and passed by the committee 3‑0.

The committee directed staff to return the negotiated term sheet to the full commission for final approval and to include specific public‑benefit language and termination provisions. The item will proceed to the commission with a favorable recommendation.