One of the most wonderous times of the year will soon be smiling upon us – Miami Art Week! Anchored by the worlds’ largest international art fair, Art Basel, that happens from December 1st – 3rd, festivities can occur for weeks leading up to, as well as after, the fair arrives in town. The ‘unofficial’ dates are from November 30 to December 5 (ish), and as Art Basel prepares to celebrate its 20th year anniversary, there are bound to be hundreds of installations, pop-up exhibitions and art-centered fairs that join the cruise. Miami Art Week allows the city to turn into a creative epicenter of inspiration and fantasy, granting a rare opportunity to see the limitless and encompassing spectrum of todays’ art world. From expertly curated showcases and experential warehouse takeovers to contemporary performance art that defies explanation, allow us to list some of our most looked forward to events happening during Miami Art Week this year.
We know you’ll be pulled into a thousand different directions, but rest assured that if you make it to at least one spectacle on this list, you’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience.
P.S. Make sure to check out last years’ coverage, where we sought out our own itinerary of Black artists and galleries, aka, Black & Basel!
SCOPE Art Show, November 29th – December 4th – This critically acclaimed art show has managed to strike a fine balance in showcasing both traditional and emerging galleries and artists for the past several years. SCOPE always manages to host unique offerings from genre-defying artists that exist across every medium, giving you a true palette to look forward to. Among the standout artists that will be at SCOPE this year, we are most looking forward to an immersive installation from the UK’s Sew Your Soul, who is constructing an entire McDonalds made from felt! If you’re a fan of 90s childhood nostalgia, this ones’ for you. Passes are available here, and Sew Your Soul’s limited McDonalds merchandise will be made available here on November 29.
Satellite Art Show, November 29th – December 4th – Back for its 7th year, this unconventional fair has a reputation that certainly proceeds itself. The team at Satellite are here to expand artistic perception by spotlighting thought-provoking artists set on making an impact, all in order to turn everything you think you know about art on its head. Find out why Satellite Art Show is one of the most esoteric, experimental arts-first experiences happening anywhere. Tickets are available here.
Abracadabra, November 30th – Abracadabra’s venue of choice, Toe Jam, is a dusty warehouse in plain view that becomes an unstoppable rager from night to sunrise. This meticulously detailed party is produced by an all female collective of musicians, artists and producers set on combining music, art and crypto. With its 360 style DJ stage in the middle of the crowd, secret club rooms and more, Abracadabra will be a magical adventure to embark on. Catch Blond:ish (one of the events’ founders), Bora Uzer, Cole Knight and many more kicking off the Art Week vibes on Wednesday, Nov 30. Tickets can be purchased here.
Elrow, December 1st – Known for their over the top production and wildly themed dance events, international experience curators Elrow are bringing their most immersive party to Miami on December 1. Employing the creative direction of American pop artist Ron English, Delusionville promises to be nothing like Elrow has ever done before, which is not a statement to be taken lightly. Debuting a collaboration with local party legends Link Miami Rebels, the giant psychedelic art party will feature artists like Blond:ish, Paco Osuna and more. Try not to stress over the perfect outfit or how to accessorize, and just focus on getting to the party – with Elrow, it’s allll friendship vibes. You do not want to miss this. Tickets are available here.
Art Basel, December 1st – 3rd – The ultimate hub for global collectors and art enthusiasts, Art Basel is a landmark for seeing some of the worlds’ most sought after artworks up close. It isn’t surprising to see celebrity entourages snapping up paintings, or to witness a seemingly random yet emotional outburst from a fair attendee seeing a certain piece for the first time. Many of the worlds’ most notable blue chip gallery giants, such as Gagosian, Hauser & Wirth and others, have exhibited at Art Basel since its inception 20 years ago, meaning you can expect seriously stacked artist rosters. Passes are available here. Can’t make it to the fair in person? Visit the online viewing rooms as the fair happens here.