THE GROOVE - The Power of Art Basel Beyond the Fair

THE GROOVE

Welcome to the 211th issue of The Groove.

I am Maria Brito, an art advisor, curator, and author based in New York City.

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The 22nd edition of Art Basel Miami Beach came and went last week. It was the biggest of them all, with 286 galleries from North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa. (For comparison, the first ABMB in 2002 had 160 exhibitor galleries.) People always talk about the art and the parties, but I wanted to dig into the economic and cultural impact that this fair has brought to the city of Miami.

In the 1980s and 90s, Miami was a city of contrasts, grappling with crime, drug-related violence, and economic challenges, while simultaneously laying the groundwork for its future cultural and economic renaissance. The 1980s were marked by the influence of the “Cocaine Cowboys” era, which brought both wealth and lawlessness, earning Miami a reputation as a crime capital. Neighborhoods like South Beach, now synonymous with luxury, were run-down and affordable, attracting struggling artists and retirees. However, the 1990s saw a shift, driven by efforts to curb crime, attract tourism, and revitalize the city.

Of course, Hollywood capitalized on that old Miami with series like Miami Vice, the groundbreaking television show that aired from 1984 to 1989, and followed undercover detectives Sonny Crockett (Don Johnson) and Ricardo Tubbs (Philip Michael Thomas) as they navigated Miami's world of drug trafficking, organized crime, and high-end corruption. There was also Scarface, the 1983 Brian de Palma film portraying Al Pacino as Tony Montana, a Cuban immigrant who becomes a powerful drug lord. Small and big screens showed us a pastel color palette, palm trees, art deco architecture, fast cars, yachts. These visuals of Floridian excess became synonymous with the 1980s aesthetic of Miami's evolving identity.

Art Basel Miami Beach spurred a cultural renaissance. Before its arrival, Miami's art scene was local and fragmented, with limited institutional support. Until the early aughts, there were just a handful of art museums: The Bass, The Lowe, MOCA and The Wolfsonian.

Art collectors Mera and Don Rubell convinced Sam Keller to open a second outpost of his posh Switzerland art fair down in wild Miami. And so it happened that what began in 2002 brought international galleries, collectors, and artists to the city, shining a spotlight on its potential as a cultural hub. The fair emphasized Miami's strategic location, serving as a bridge between North America, Latin America, and Europe. This accessibility drew Latin American artists and collectors, making Miami a natural epicenter for cross-cultural exchanges.

Art Basel's presence spurred the development of major cultural institutions such as the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) and the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA). Private collectors also began opening their collections to the public, buying and building bigger spaces and expanding their cultural programming, further elevating Miami's status in the art world. The current Rubell Museum in Allapattah is 100,000 sq. ft. and as influential and relevant as ever.

Over time, the fair's influence extended beyond visual arts, incorporating food, music, design, and fashion, creating a multidisciplinary cultural ecosystem. Art Basel injected Miami's economy with significant financial activity. The fair draws thousands of high-net-worth individuals, art collectors, gallerists, and curators each December, generating hundreds of millions of dollars to the local economy.

This economic influx has helped solidify Miami's reputation as a city with year-round appeal, drawing international attention even outside the fair's timeline. In fact, economic data says that revenues generated for local hotels, shops and restaurants is north of $500 million during Art Basel Week.

The event has also spurred urban development. Neighborhoods like Wynwood, once industrial and overlooked, were revitalized into vibrant art districts, with housing galleries, street art, and creative spaces. This transformation attracted both locals and tourists, further embedding art into Miami's urban identity. Similarly, the Design District emerged as a luxury retail and cultural hotspot, aligning with Miami's newfound reputation as a city of art and innovation.

Art Basel has not only attracted international talent but also elevated local artists and organizations. The fair’s spotlight on Miami has encouraged partnerships between international galleries and local artists, boosting their visibility. Local organizations such as Oolite Arts, Locust Projects and Fountainhead Residency have gained recognition through collaborations tied to Art Basel.

Moreover, public art projects, workshops, and events held during Basel Week have engaged the community, making art accessible to Miami's residents while nurturing the city's creative ecosystem.

The Knight Foundation has been instrumental in supporting the arts in Miami, including major grants to local cultural organizations. In 2022 alone, the foundation invested $40.7 million into Miami's arts scene, with funds directed to high-profile institutions like the Pérez Art Museum, the New World Symphony, and Miami City Ballet, among others. Since 2005, the Knight Foundation has committed over $217 million to Miami's arts community, fostering not only cultural growth but also economic development, as these investments support innovation in technology-driven art and provide local artists with resources to thrive.

As Art Basel Miami Beach continues to adapt to an ever-changing art landscape, its influence in 2024 reaffirmed its status as more than just an art fair. It is a global cultural phenomenon that defines the zeitgeist, connects communities, and sets the stage for the future of art and creativity.

Through its embrace of technology, commitment to inclusivity, and celebration of Miami's unique cultural identity, Art Basel Miami Beach exemplifies the power of art to inspire, challenge, and unite. As we look to the future, it remains a beacon for what art can achieve-not just in galleries but in the world at large.

Furthermore, Art Basel transformed how Miami markets itself. The city is no longer just a vacation destination; it is now seen as a serious player in the global cultural economy. This shift has drawn businesses, conferences, and events that further diversify Miami's economy.

In a world increasingly fragmented by political and social tensions, Art Basel Miami Beach stands as a shining example of the unifying potential of creativity and dialogue. It is not just a fair; it is a catalyst for the conversations that shape our future.

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TEDX TALK

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