The 18th Annual Art Basel Miami Beach and Miami Art Week are officially underway! Running from November 30 through December 5, this event will bring an estimated 150,000 people and $500 million of economic impact to the area.
Dozens of art fairs and events are happening all across Miami, but the main event takes place at the Miami Beach Convention Center. With so much to choose from, where should you start?
Here are some of our recommendations.
Celebrate with OLCDC
Miami Art Week is a great time to visit the Casting Shadows | Framing Histories film exhibition, on display at the ARC through December 31. The gallery is open for extended hours, from 1-6 PM daily, from November 29 - December 4. You can RSVP for free for any day you'd like to attend.
After you visit the gallery, take in a guided walking tour of the Opa-locka Light District, beginning at 6 PM daily (November 29 - December 4). The free tours will begin outside the Historic Hurt Building and continue along Opa-locka Boulevard. Be sure to RSVP online to reserve your spot in advance.
Find Black Art at Art Basel Miami Beach
Before you head out to the Miami Beach Convention Center, locate your must-see galleries on the digital floorplan so that you don't miss anything.
Be sure to visit some of the galleries who represent Black artists, and other artists who are in the OLCDC Art Collection. Here are a few galleries that we suggest, and some of the artists they represent:
Goodman Gallery B17 - represents many African artists, including Kudzanai Chiurai, Noland Oswald, Dennis, Jabulani Dhlamini, Mounir Fatmi and Nelisiwe Xaba, and Hank Willis Thomas
Fredric Snitzer C19 and David Castillo H13 (the only two Miami Galleries in the show) - Snitzer represents Tomas Essan, Vickie Pierre and Castillo represents Adler Guerrier (Miami), Lyle Ashton Harris, and Sanford Biggers.
Marian Goodman D7 - represents Tavares Strachan, Julie Mehretu, and William Kentridge
White Cube D20 - represents Theaster Gates and David Hammons
David Zwirner F7 - represents Kerry James Marshall, Chris Ofili, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, and Noah Davis
Pace F8 - represents Torkwase Dyson, Sam Gilliam, and Fred Wilson
Hauser & Wirth F11 - represents Mark Bradford, Rashid Johnson, Glenn Ligon; Simone Leigh who is representing USA in the Venice Biennial just quit this gallery
Victoria Miro H4 - represents Kara Walker, Chris Ofili, and Njideka Akunyili Crosby
Jack Shainman J3 - represents Radcliffe Bailey, Nina Chanel Abney, El Anatsui, Nick Cave, Barkley L. Hendricks, Kerry James Marshall, Toyin Ojih Odutola, Gordon Parks, Hank Willis Thomas, Carrie Mae Weems, and Lynette Yiadom-Boakye
Consider COVID-19 Restrictions
As a precaution, many art fairs are requiring attendees to pre-register for timed tickets, to avoid large crowds. Also, it's a good idea to have a mask on hand, as they may be required or recommended for many indoor events.
Some events are also requiring guests to present proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test to gain entry, so bring your documentation with you to be prepared.
Take in the Arts All Year
While Miami Art Week is a great way to explore the local art scene, remember that amazing art is happening here year-round. OLCDC is part of Miami's arts ecosystem, making quality art exhibitions, arts and cultural events, and public art more accessible to the entire community.
Stay tuned for information about the next exhibition opening at the ARC in February 2022, and future arts programming and events!