MIA in South Beach

Published: October, 28 2009
by Debra Lanning

The new Miami International Art Fair (MIA) will be held at the Miami Beach Convention Center January 6 – 10, 2010. “January will once again live up to the city’s motto: ‘Miami: Where Worlds Meet,’” Lee Ann Lester said. “We are delighted to be back in Miami during a time when international travel is at its peak and the city is filled with its seasonal and year round residents. North, south, east and west: MIA will bring the art world to Miami Beach in a totally new setting - poised for the 21st century.” One of MIA’s goals is to create a place where the international art world can interface with the local community.

The Miami International Art Fair is going to present collectors and art lovers with a unique experience this January. MIA’s new design is the result of an international team of urban architects working to create a completely new fair design concept—one that is modeled after European cities, such as Barcelona’s famous street, Las Ramblas. Grand promenades filled with monumental sculptures lead to pavilions featuring art from global communities alongside Miami’s renowned art districts. Art lounge areas sponsored by local design outlets provide each pavilion with intimate settings where dialogue between collectors, artists and dealers is fostered. “As many international fairs become super-sized, visitors’ satisfaction diminishes,” David Lester said. “The new fair concept we have designed allows collectors to savor their experience in a less hectic environment, as well as create a space where our exhibitors can interact with new clients.”

Visitors to the new Miami International Art Fair can expect to see to 4 pavilion areas at the Convention Center.

• Wynwood Pavilion: Celebrates The Association Of Art Institutions, Museums, Galleries, Collections And Alternative Spaces In The Wynwood Art District Area Of Miami. Joey’s Bar Is A Local Favorite In The District And Will Add Culinary Flavor To The Wynwood Pavilion At MIA.


• Next Generation: 30 Artists Under 30 Pavilion Will Be A Curated Section Of 30 Young Artists Who Are Emerging On The Global Arts Scene. The Pavilion Will Be Complete With A Lounge With An Internet Café That Will Be Created From Repurposed Materials And Designed And Built By Local Emerging Artists.


• Focus: Argentina Will Spotlight 20 Contemporary Argentinean Art Dealers -- Many Of Whom Are Members Of GALAAC, A Galleries Association For Leading Argentinean Art Dealers. The Galleries Involved In GALAAC Maintain The High Quality Standards Of Argentinean Art And Often Feature The Work Of Young Or Rising Artists With Various, New, Or Alternative Perspectives.


• Going Dutch: Art & Design From Holland Will Focus On 10 Dutch Dealers. The Exhibition Pavilion Is A Celebration Of YR400, A Major Cultural Event Being Held In NY This Year In Celebration Of The 400th Anniversary Of The Dutch Arrival In New York And Will Feature Dutch Art And Design.