Beyond the Beach: Miami’s Art Scene Amidst the palms, sun and surf, a year-round arts scene has emerged
Words by Harriet Quick
Well after all the hullaballoo of Art Basel in Miami Beach has subsided, the city proudly lays claim to a thriving scene that is hip and happening all year-round with inspirational new non-profit institutions and foundations in stunning architectural spaces, innovative curatorial programmes, a first-class ballet, a symphony orchestra plus world class film, poetry, music, food and wine festivals.
Miami does culture with a ‘come together’ spirit that engages the diversity of its local and visitor population while harnessing the rich beauty of its art deco architecture, coastline and wildlife. Top that with the renowned and decadent nightlife, and one could call it Miami Fever.
The Faena Forum (that opened mid-beach in December 2016) is a milestone. This not for profit arts centre is housed in a Rem Koolhaas/OMA building, resembling a paper cut-out, that cost in the region US$150 million.
It’s the brainchild of Argentine hotelier and developer Alan Faena and his wife, curator Ximena Caminos, whose shared focus is on delivering a powerhouse performance space in the shape of its glorious amphitheatre.
“Art is an essential part of our everyday life because it is an expression of ideas and imagination that can take so many different forms. It knows no boundaries and brings people together, sparking a conversation that has the power to change our lives, strengthen and expand our communities, and reshape the way in which we experience the world,” says Faena. “Miami has a very robust cultural scene and artistic community and at Faena District, we aim to enhance this through fostering dynamic exchanges of ideas as well as developing new dialogues that will catalyse a renaissance.”
The buzziest addition in late 2017 will be the new home for the Institute of Contemporary Arts. These cultural hubs add to well-established platforms such as the 2013 PAMM (home to Latin American Art) the rejuvenated Bass Museum of Art, the Rubell Family Collection and the galleries and showrooms centred around the bustling Design District.
This is the kind of city where you can surf in the am, exhibit hop by midday (in board shorts) and be out on a boat for lunch leaving at cocktail hour for a whole new set of social and cultural adventures.
Miami is that rare beast, a city that embraces your mind, body and soul.