When it comes to the anticipation of a big event in Miami, there are two colossal ones that take place on an annual basis, one being the musical cluster-fuck that is Winter Music Conference, and the other is one the same scale, only the in the art world; Art Basel. Yesterday things kicked off once again for the Swiss-born art festival in Miami Beach. Every year some of the best artists from around the world come to Miami to share their works of art with locals and visitors alike. This festival not only serves as a reminder of thinking outside the box in a culture that at times seems to be limited to the box, but it’s also a boost in the economy in the form of tourism during tough times. Galleries will be full of friendly faces, and nightclubs, bars and lounges throughout the city will be buzzing with visitors of an eclectic state of mind.
While everyone looks forward to the new galleries and works by admired artists, we look forward to other things just as much. Not that we don’t appreciate good art, we’ll definitely be hitting up a lot of galleries, but it’s the after parties that we’re really interested in. Art Basel usually brings the best out of some of the venues both in downtown Miami and South Beach. What we like about these afterparties the most is the bookings. Nightlife venues throughout the city seem to try new things out for the Art Basel crowd, and more often than not certain acts like to stop in town for the mega event as well.
Some of the major events taking place this weekend include Justice playing at Mansion nightclub this Friday night, Lady Tron performing an exclusive DJ set at The Vagabond, and even techno heavyweight Radioslave doing his thing at White Room. Those three events should serve as an example that the amalgamation of art and music also brings about very special events all in one weekend, when usually we the city wouldn’t get this much talent in a five day span, which is why it reminds us of WMC. Art Basel can be compared to Winter Music Conference in that it brings in visitors to Miami from all around the world, seeing as the selection of art comes from around the world.
Some actual Art Basel events to look out for include tonight’s Art Loves Music, an opening night concert on the beach with performances by the UK’s own Ebony Bones and Amanda Blank, Thursday for “Artists Studio Visits in Wynwood” that feature appearances by artists Timothy Buwalda, Beatriz Monteavaro and Gean Moreno among others, and Friday nights “Art Film” which features director Tamara Davis’ documentary film ‘Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child’. These are just a few of the highlights taking place this week for Art Basel in Miami. In all there are dozens of events taking place, both Art Basel or some sort of afterparty associated with it.
This weekend provides the opportunity for everyone to indulge in alternative activities provided by Art Basel in Miami. Instead of opting for the typical lineup of activities you’re used to, why not visit a gallery, check out a film or listen to a lecture by an artist. As soon as the sun sets and the afterparties begin and it’s a completely different aspect to what the day provides.
