The Miami-Dade County Cultural Affairs Council has elected Xavier Cortada Chairman of the 15-member volunteer advisory board. Mr. Cortada, a professional artist, will lead efforts by the board, appointed by the Miami-Dade County Commission, to develop cultural excellence, diversity and participation in the arts by strategically creating and promoting opportunities for artists and cultural organizations throughout Miami-Dade County.
A member of the Council since 2005, Mr. Cortada is the first artist to assume the post of Council Chairman. He succeeds Adolfo Henriques, Vice Chairman of The Related Group, who served as Council Chairman from 2008 to 2018. “Xavier Cortada is the ideal leader to take the Council and our arts community into next era of great accomplishments,” said Mr. Henriques. “He is passionate, determined and persuasive about the power of the arts to change lives for the better.”
Mr. Cortada’s professional art practice is focused on social engagement and the environment. He holds three degrees from the University of Miami: Bachelor of Arts, College of Arts and Sciences; Master of Public Administration, Miami Business School; and Juris Doctor, School of Law. He also serves on national and regional arts advocacy boards including South Arts. “I look forward to working with our board and the cultural community to increase support for the arts at the local, state and national levels,” stated Mr. Cortada. “Cultural organizations and artists are change leaders and work tirelessly to make our community a great place for constructive civic dialogue and social and economic success.”
In addition, the Council elected Janá Sigars-Malina, Esq. to serve as First Vice Chairperson and Mireille Chancy-Gonzalez as Second Vice Chairperson. The Cultural Affairs Council oversees the County’s annual investment of grants to non-profit cultural organizations and artists, supports cultural education and outreach initiatives, manages County funds committed to the development of new and renovation of existing cultural facilities, advocates on behalf of cultural issues, and advises the County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners regarding cultural policy.
For more information about the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council visit www.miamidadearts.org.
It is the policy of Miami-Dade County to comply with all the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request materials in accessible format, sign language interpreters, and/or any accommodation to participate in any Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs program or meeting, please contact Francine Andersen at 305-375-4634 culture@miamidade.gov at least five days in advance to initiate your request. TTY users may also call 711 (Florida Relay Service).
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Media Note: Download Xavier Cortada’s Headshot
The Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council develop cultural excellence, diversity and participation throughout Miami-Dade County by strategically creating and promoting opportunities for artists and cultural organizations, and our residents and visitors who are their audiences. The Department receives funding through the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners, The Children’s Trust, the National Endowment for the Arts, the State of Florida through the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. Other support and services are provided by TicketWeb for the Culture Shock Miami program, the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, the South Florida Cultural Consortium and the Tourist Development Council.
Originally published at https://miamidadearts.org/news/miami-dade-county-cultural-affairs-council-elects-xavier-cortada-new-chairman
