As Miami continues to grow into a global cultural hub, a new conversation is taking center stage: how can the arts serve not just as entertainment but as a force for transformation?
That was the question at the heart of “Arts Energize 305: Building Community Through the Arts,” a free event hosted by the Miami Emerging Arts Leaders to celebrate their 20th anniversary. The event took place on Wednesday, June 25, at 10 AM at The Moss Center. The panel brought together voices from the worlds of performance, journalism, tourism, and community development for an open discussion on the power of creative expression to foster unity and inclusion.
With Miami-Dade’s arts landscape growing, Arts Energize 305 offered a timely space to reflect on the role of creative expression in building community, honoring cultural identity, and amplifying often-overlooked voices.
The cultural leaders of Miami
Three influential figures from Miami’s cultural sector joined the Arts Energize 305 panel to share their insights.
Eric Fliss, Managing Director of the Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center, spent years curating performances that both elevate new talent and bring global artistry to local audiences. Fliss has consistently worked to ensure that a wide range of performances, from emerging local acts to internationally acclaimed productions, are within reach for communities across the county.
Meanwhile, Tawanna Hall, who founded Style Child Creations and The Magic Box, brings movement to the forefront. Hall’s work blends movement and storytelling, focusing on youth empowerment and shared cultural experience.
Connie Kinnard, Senior Vice President of Multicultural Tourism & Development at the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, has played a key role in making sure the city’s tourism strategy celebrates its diverse cultural fabric.
The panel was facilitated by Marialaura Leslie, who heads the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and has played a vital role in championing access and equity across the county’s cultural institutions.
A platform for emerging leaders
Now two decades strong, the Miami Emerging Arts Leaders program was established in 2004 by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs to empower the next generation of arts administrators. The program supports emerging arts professionals by offering mentorship, networking, and resources to advance their careers.
As the arts scene grows more diverse, so does the need for leadership that reflects the full range of Miami’s communities. And this anniversary event doubled as both a forum and a celebration of that mission.
Event details
Arts Energize 305 was free to attend and took place at The Moss Center, 10950 SW 211 Street, Miami, FL 33189. Attendees gained insights from seasoned professionals while networking with peers across Miami-Dade’s dynamic creative sectors.
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