Hear what Petra Brennan shares about the initiative’s milestones, cultural impact, and plans for the future
Over the past decade, Art of Black Miami has evolved from a seasonal celebration during Art Week to a year-round initiative that amplifies the voices and artistry of Black and Afro-Latino artists. Spearheaded by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), this platform has become a cultural touchstone, showcasing Miami’s diverse artistic landscape while providing meaningful opportunities for economic and social growth. As it celebrates its 10th anniversary, Petra Brennan reflects on its journey, milestones, and vision for the future.
A decade of milestones
Petra Brennan, Senior Director of Tourism Business Enhancement and Multicultural Tourism & Development at GMCVB, highlights the program’s remarkable growth. “We’ve seen the expansion of neighborhoods thriving in the creative space and an increased collaboration with our hotel partners who showcase local art,” Brennan shared.
One standout milestone has been the incorporation of art into Miami’s hospitality industry. Hotels like the Kimpton Epic Hotel and Hilton Miami Airport Hotel have embraced partnerships with local artists, transforming their spaces into living galleries. “These partnerships not only beautify the spaces but connect Miami-based artists with visitors, giving them a unique way to engage with the community,” Brennan explained.
The launch of the Art of Black Miami podcast is another key achievement, providing a platform for creative entrepreneurs to share their stories and processes. “The podcast connects artists with audiences, offering insights into how Miami’s rich cultural backdrop influences their work,” Brennan added.
Driving economic growth
Beyond cultural enrichment, Art of Black Miami catalyzes economic development. Through GMCVB’s Tourism Business Enhancement platform, the initiative offers capacity-building support to small businesses, including artists and creative entrepreneurs.
Workshops tailored to topics like e-commerce, copyright law, and marketing empower participants to develop entrepreneurial skills alongside their artistic practices. Brennan emphasized the importance of this support: “These resources enable artists to grow their businesses while navigating the complexities of the creative economy.”
Additionally, GMCVB facilitates business referrals, connecting artists with meeting planners and event organizers. From live art activations to mural projects, these collaborations allow artists to engage with Miami’s robust tourism industry, creating unique experiences for visitors while driving economic opportunities for the local community.
Promoting equity in the arts
Central to the mission of Art of Black Miami is promoting equity in the arts. By elevating Black and Afro-Latino artists, the initiative ensures their visibility on both local and global stages.
“We utilize a range of marketing efforts—digital campaigns, social media, and paid advertising—to tell the stories of our artists and connect them with broader audiences,” Brennan explained. The dedicated Art of Black Miami website features a calendar of events where artists can showcase their work free of charge, ensuring widespread visibility.
During Miami Art Week, influencers and content creators are deployed to amplify the initiative’s reach, sharing stories from local and international artists alike. This digital storytelling has proven to be a powerful tool, fostering connections and drawing attention to the vibrant contributions of Black diaspora artists.
Showcasing Miami’s cultural neighborhoods
A hallmark of Art of Black Miami is its emphasis on Miami’s cultural neighborhoods, such as Little Haiti, Historic Overtown, and Little Havana. These areas, rich in history and heritage, serve as key destinations for visitors seeking a deeper connection to the city’s cultural fabric.
“Through the arts, we bring visitors into these neighborhoods to dine, shop, and explore,” Brennan noted. “This diversifies their experience, showcasing Miami beyond its beaches and nightlife.”
By integrating art into these communities, Art of Black Miami not only drives tourism but also fosters a sense of pride and ownership among residents. This year, the initiative’s 10th-anniversary celebrations have further solidified these connections, spotlighting both established and emerging artists in various events and exhibitions.
Balancing established and emerging talent
A critical aspect of Art of Black Miami is its commitment to supporting both renowned and up-and-coming artists. The 10th-anniversary lineup featured luminary mixed media artist Deborah Roberts, whose works resonate deeply with themes of identity, community, and culture.
“We always strive for a balance,” Brennan said. “It’s about connecting the local arts community with the global stage while celebrating the talent we have right here in Miami.”
Local groups like the Peter London Global Dance Company also played a prominent role in the celebrations, blending contemporary dance with cultural storytelling. Their participation underscores the initiative’s dedication to highlighting Miami’s creative voices alongside international stars.
Looking ahead
As Art of Black Miami looks to the future, its vision is one of continued growth and impact. Brennan envisions a platform that remains a global destination for diverse artistic expression while deepening its roots in the local community.
“We will continue to invest in capacity-building training, offering resources for artists to enhance their skills and expand their businesses,” she affirmed. Collaborative efforts with local and global partners will remain a cornerstone, ensuring the initiative evolves alongside Miami’s dynamic cultural landscape.
At its core, Art of Black Miami aims to represent Miami as a premier destination for Black and Afro-Latino art. “Miami’s diverse cultural landscape is its strength,” Brennan said. “This initiative celebrates that richness and invites the world to experience it.”
10th-anniversary highlights
The 10th-anniversary celebrations of Art of Black Miami brought together a diverse array of events, exhibitions, and performances. Highlights beyond Miami Art Week include:
- “Embodied” by Smita Sen: A thought-provoking solo exhibition examining the intersections of identity and cultural heritage.
- “Between Too Late and Too Early” by Andrea Chung: A showcase of Chung’s recent works that delved into colonialism, trauma, and imagination.
- The Whole World is Churning: Then and Now: Hosted by the Diaspora Vibe Cultural Arts Incubator, this exhibit celebrated the evolution of Black diaspora art.
- Performances by the Peter London Global Dance Company: Highlighting Miami’s vibrant performing arts scene, this local group captivated audiences with their storytelling through movement.
- Calida Rawles: Away with The Tides at Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM): This exhibition explores the healing power of water, merging hyperrealism and poetic abstraction to portray Black bodies in luminous, mysterious waters.
- Art Beat Miami at Brightline Miami: Celebrates the vibrant creativity of local and Caribbean Diaspora artists and multidisciplinary creators.
- Threads of Resilience: Celebrating Art, Beauty, And Cultural Legacy at the Marshall L. Davis Sr. African Heritage Cultural Arts Center: This exhibition features 3 distinct showcases including Legacy of Elegance, which presents 12 historically inspired costumes by fiber artist Margarette Joyner; Black Beauty as an Act of Resistance, honoring the cultural and historical significance of Black hair and beauty rituals along with Double Exposure featuring the works of lead singer of the iconic Third World Band, A.J. Brown’s Vibrant Artistic Vision.
For updated events schedule visit ArtofBlackMiami.com
A celebration of culture and community
Art of Black Miami stands as a true testament to the role of art to inspire creativity, drive economic growth, and unite communities. As it marks a decade of success, the initiative continues to shine a spotlight on the vibrant contributions of Black and Afro-Latino artists, enriching Miami’s cultural landscape and solidifying its status as a global hub for diverse artistic expression.
Whether you’re a visitor or a local, Art of Black Miami invites you to explore, engage, and celebrate the rich tapestry of art and culture that defines this unique city. As Brennan aptly put it, “This is just the beginning—there’s so much more to come.”
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