While Art Basel has been officially canceled, as with most major events this year, rich party-goers are determined to turn up in Miami, despite the ongoing and devastating COVID-19 pandemic.
Several major events thrown by the wealthy are promising to bring the glitz of Art Basel without the actual festival. One of these will be a lavish dinner party thrown by New York socialite Libbie Mugrabi “with only A-listers and artists” at the Faena Hotel. She revealed details of the dinner to the New York Times, saying that the dinner will only consist of “50 people max,” and every attendee will be tested for COVID-19.
“They can wear a mask if somebody wants. I won’t wear one, but other people can,” she explained.
Argentine hotelier and real estate developer Alan Faena hosted a preview on Sunday of his high-end hotel for an installation entitled “Dreaming With Lions.” According to his representative, the event, which was not an actual party, enforced social distancing, and masks were required.
Design Miami’s Craig Robins defended the wealthy’s decision to carry out stand-alone events in light of the festival’s cancellation.
“All that people want is to feel that Miami is safe and that this is being taken seriously. I understand some are saying, ‘Oh my God, this will be a disaster to do this kind of thing.’ It’s the opposite. It’s not about a bunch of people flying in from around the world. It’s about a bunch of people spending the season in South Florida and doing things that they feel are within boundaries that are responsible.”
Nicky Jam will also be holding a 50 person concert at Bardot in Wynwood. All attendees will be administered a COVID test on-site.
Though Art Basel has canceled the festival, they have created “OVR: Miami Beach,” a virtual art experience that will launch this week. It will feature 255 presenters from 30 countries and territories. Viewers will have access to nearly 2,500 pieces and can partake in virtual talks and museum tours.
