Miami Art Week and Art Basel just wrapped up its 2023 edition, and besides the art and exhibitions, the cultural spectacle included some seriously highlightable moments. Think dope performances, lit parties, and open bars turning up across Miami Beach and the Greater Miami area. Makes you wonder if enduring that crazy traffic was lowkey worth it. Here’s the rundown of some of the most ballerific moments that went down during Miami Art Week.
To kick off Miami Art Week in style, Tequila Don Julio teamed up with the globally acclaimed artist Felipe Pantone for an unprecedented collaboration unveiled at The Temple House on Dec. 7.
The Tequila Don Julio x Felipe Pantone Por Amor Exhibit offered attendees a captivating journey into the pulsating soul of modern Mexico through Pantone’s distinctive kinetic art and digital expressions. Guests grooved to DJ sets by Eric Dlux and DJ Ruckus, savored signature Tequila Don Julio cocktails, and became more than just spectators – they became integral parts of the living art. Attendees had the chance to have their portraits captured by Thalia Gochez, adding a personal touch to the artistic tapestry. The night concluded with a mesmerizing performance from Mexican singer-songwriter Sofia Reyes. It was an immersive fusion of tequila, art, and music, making the celebration a standout experience during Miami Art Week.
The Electric Lady Janelle Monae also kicked off Art Basel 2023 on Thursday at The Edition Hotel on Miami Beach. Guest mingled over drinks before Janelle and her band took the stage. With multiple Grammy nominations under her belt, she grabbed a glass of champagne and sang the lyrics to “Float” and “Champagne Shit.” In true Janelle Monae form, she ended the performance by jumping into the pool.
SpringHill, the creative and entertainment brand co-founded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter, hosted an exclusive event Friday night at Billionaire Boys Club. Celebrating the launch of SpringHill’s zine, “The Program Vol. 2,” PLEASE DO TOUCH THE ART experience, featured acclaimed artist Hebru Brantley and other talented creatives. It wasn’t just an art show; it was a lively celebration of creative expression, giving Art Basel attendees a one-of-a-kind, hands-on experience with the artistic world. And guess what? The night heated up even more with a surprise performance by none other than Rick Ross. Savannah James, rapper-singer SAINt JHN and RHOP’s Dr. Wendy Osefo were just a few names in the building!
@balleralert #rickross hits the stage to perform some of his classics at @makespringhill’s #pleaseDotouchtheart event. #ArtBasel
The Hip Hop Museum Tour, in partnership with Mass Appeal and sponsored by CÎROC Ultra-Premium Vodka, celebrated the culmination of its traveling exhibit that traversed coast to coast across five different cities, chronicling the narrative of the pioneers of Hip Hop. The two-day Miami Art Week event comprised a VIP preview night on Dec. 8, featuring a DJ lineup, and a public day on Dec. 9, highlighted by a special fireside chat with Miami-born rapper Trina.
Stay Macro joined forces with Chase Sapphire to host their yearly Miami Art Week event in Miami Beach. During the day, Macro organized the Sapphire Day Lounge, featuring curated bites, art installations, music, and vibrant vibes. As night fell, a stunning art exhibit and a creatively arranged beach setup set the perfect ambiance for an intimate evening, highlighted by a performance from Miguel.
RCA was no stranger to creating the vibes during Art Basel 2023 with its arcade-themed party. The intimate affair took place in the heart of Wynwood. Guests were able to see artwork inspired by Doja Cat’s latest project, Scarlet. While Doja’s piece may have been the center of attention, RCA was sure to include other artists, both new school and old school. Aretha Franklin and Britney Spears were only a few of the artists displayed. RCA merchandise was another highlight of the night. Hoodies, baseball caps, socks, and T-shirts were dispensed through a locker after providing a secret code.
On Saturday, NEON16 kicked off The Art of Being Latin, a two-day multimedia exhibit featuring a series of panel discussions with cultural icons and an exclusive after party with delicious tasting CÎROC and Buchanan’s Whisky cocktails. Guests had the opportunity to engage in conversations with a variety of cultural icons, including Ángel Manuel Soto, Santiago Zapata, and Caleeb Pinkett, the creators of Blue Beetle. The panelists spoke about their careers and the importance of representation in media. NEON16 CEO Lex Borrero, Elliott Muscat, and award-winning producer Tainy also discussed the making of Tainy’s latest album and his artistry as one of the biggest producers in the Latin industry.
American Express brought the vibes during Miami Art Week, featuring PLAY by American Express Platinum—an interactive gallery flipping toys into collectible art. It was a nostalgia trip, with a life-size see-saw, ball pit, and slide letting us embrace our inner child. The energy was off the charts at the PLAY by American Express Platinum House Party at The Miami Beach EDITION on Friday night, with A-listers like Lori Harvey, Chanel Iman, Yvonne Orji, and more in the mix. Saturday turnt up a notch with American Express hosting the third edition of SAVOR & SOUL™: #TheAmexBrunch in collaboration with Blacktag—an epicenter for Black creators and culture. Chef Akino West, a James Beard Semi-Finalist from Rosie’s Miami, served up a menu that had everyone talking. Art, vibes, and a touch of Black excellence – that’s how we did Miami Art Week.
EBONY FWD, powered by Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, took center stage with headliners Chance The Rapper and R&B sensation Mariah The Scientist.
This exclusive 2-day multimedia activation was more than just an event—it was a vibrant celebration of Black art, fashion, culinary delights, and overall Black excellence. EBONY FWD showcased the talent of thriving artists like Michi Meko, Cheryl Fox, Charity Palmer, Jon Moody, and more.
The buzz wasn’t just about the amazing artwork, entertainment, and the culinary masterpieces crafted by celebrity Chef Amaris. The star-studded guest list added to the weekend’s hot topics, featuring names like Vivica A. Fox, Trina, Lakeyah, and Tyson Beckford, making EBONY FWD the go-to destination for culture, creativity, and Black excellence.
STAMPED and Miami’s Norma Now collaborated to showcase the sounds of Africa to the world in a special Art Basel edition event called CLUB PARADISE, which was presented by CÎROC. On Sunday, guests had the chance to enjoy specialty cocktails during the CÎROC Happy Hour and experience a unique blend of community, origin, and diverse sounds while listening to the electrifying music of @AYA + FRIENDS featuring Joe Kay (Soulection) and Nayiram. Club Paradise was a celebration of unity, offering guests an opportunity to come together under one roof to celebrate themselves and others.
Shaun Ross and Rush Davis celebrated underserved multidisciplinary artists as inspiration sources during a panel discussion and party hosted by STARDUST powered by EVEN. Johnnie Walker Blue Label was served to Miami Art Week attendees.
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