Art of Black Miami: A Decade of Celebrating Black Creativity

Greater Miami & Miami Beach is renowned for its diversity, creativity and global cultures. At the heart of the local art community is Art of Black Miami (AOBM), a groundbreaking initiative celebrating 10 years of elevating and commemorating Black Miami artists in 2024. What started as a response to a gap in the representation of Black artists has evolved into a year-round platform that’s transformed how visitors experience Miami – and how artists see themselves as a key part of the local community.

A Look Into Art of Black Miami (AOBM)

AOBM was founded in 2014 with a clear vision: to create a premier art experience for visitors to see Miami through the lens of diversity while filling a void in the destination’s art scene and spotlighting Black artists who were often overlooked. The program started as a localized effort to bring Black art into the spotlight during Miami Art Week and Art Basel Miami Beach. The launch of AOBM helped bring Black art to the forefront of the art scene during a pivotal time when thousands of locals and tourists explore the destination looking for all things art.

Over the past decade, AOBM has expanded to showcase Black culture through visual art, music, film and other creative expressions all year long. It plays a pivotal role in shaping the destination’s cultural identity, allowing organizations, nonprofits and artists to see themselves as a pivotal part of the community and making it easier to celebrate Black art all year long.

As AOBM commemorates its 10th anniversary, the initiative’s long-lasting impact on Miami is clear. By connecting the dots between artists, locals and visitors, AOBM has revitalized Miami’s cultural landscape by showcasing the work of hundreds of Black artists to foster a deeper appreciation of the diversity and richness of Black art. Now, more than ever, Black artists have a platform to share their stories, inspire audiences and connect with the broader community through curated exhibitions, fairs, performances and events.

Art of Black Miami Through The Last 10 Years

In the past decade, AOBM has grown into a driving force in Miami’s cultural scene. By bridging the gaps in the local art community, AOBM has curated opportunities for collaboration among neighborhoods that once had minimal overlap. The program began in four pillar communities: Little Haiti, Coconut Grove, Little Havana and Historic Overtown. Ten years later, it has expanded to showcase Black art events across various neighborhoods throughout the entire destination.

Local Black artists who were once unknown outside of Miami are now building national and even international recognition, thanks to AOBM. Black Miami artists are included in major Miami events like Art Basel Miami Beach now more than ever, helping them connect with broader audiences and gain access to new economic opportunities through AOBM’s intentional partnerships.

“Art of Black Miami and AfriKin share a deeply aligned mission: to champion Black culture, elevate Black artists and provide platforms where their work can be recognized and appreciated by a broader audience,” said Alfonso Brooks, founder of AfriKin Art Fair. “Our collaboration with Art of Black Miami ensures that these important conversations reach both local and international audiences, fostering a greater appreciation for the contributions of Black artists and their ability to inspire change.”

With numerous success stories, AOBM has created opportunities for some artists to create iconic murals around the destination. Other artists have expanded their portfolios to showcase their work in prominent galleries, art festivals and conventions nationwide.

Pati Vargas of the Umbrellas of Little Havana festival has also witnessed AOBM’s transformational impact. AOBM has supported her annual three-day festival by providing critical exposure to Black and Latino artists who otherwise might not have had an opportunity to showcase their work.

“Art of Black Miami totally aligns with the goals of the Umbrellas of Little Havana. With their support, we’re able to host many events throughout the year, not just the Umbrellas festival,” said Vargas. “Miami is a true melting pot, though I believe it has been somewhat dispersed by race. However, I’ve noticed a real shift in 2024, with more aggressive efforts to bring communities together – and that makes me very happy.”

The Future of Art of Black Miami

Looking ahead, AOBM has ambitious goals for its next decade and beyond, with a clear focus on furthering its support of Black artists’ growth and success. In the years to come, AOBM will continue elevating artists, providing them with the resources, tools and connections to thrive in Miami’s growing arts and culture scene.

The economic impact of AOBM has made waves in the local community. The connection between art and the local economy is a key focus for AOBM moving forward, so the program can continue supporting artists and contribute to the broader success of the destination.

One of the key areas of development for AOBM moving forward is deepening relationships with businesses across Miami. A success story that highlights the power of collaborations is the partnership between AOBM and the Kimpton EPIC Hotel. EPIC launched its Artist in Residency program in November 2021 to help elevate the artwork of local artists and connect hotel guests to the Miami art scene.

Kimpton EPIC Hotel aimed to diversify its art collection, partnering with Art of Black Miami to identify artists for its art residency program. The collaboration not only supports artists in refining their creative vision but also connects organizations with diverse talent to promote inclusivity in the arts.

Explore More: Art of Black Miami Podcast Series

The Art of Black Miami Podcast series was launched in 2021 in response to a lack of creative opportunities during the pandemic, providing a platform for local Black artists to share their work and stories to connect with new audiences.

Airing monthly from April to September, the podcast offers listeners an intimate look into the creative journeys of the destination’s artistic community. Since its inception, the AOBM Podcast has grown into a creative outlet for emerging and established artists to highlight how Miami shapes their work.

The future of Black art in Miami is brighter than ever. As Art of Black Miami celebrates a decade of elevating Black artists, the movement is just getting started. Whether through murals, exhibitions or personal stories shared on the Art of Black Miami Podcast Series, AOBM is an invitation to locals and visitors alike to explore, engage and be a part of the destination’s growing Black art scene.