Beyond the Glitz: How Miami Art Week is Finally Reflecting the City’s Black Creative Soul
Miami Art Week. The name conjures images of celebrity sightings, exclusive parties, and a whirlwind of high-dollar art transactions. But beneath the surface of this internationally renowned event, a vital shift is occurring. For years, the narrative surrounding Art Week has largely overlooked the rich, layered history and vibrant artistic contributions of Miami’s black community. This year,however,felt different. A conscious effort to claim space, celebrate local talent, and showcase the authentic Black experiance is reshaping the landscape of this cultural phenomenon.
As someone who’s observed the evolution of Miami’s art scene for years, I can attest to this change. It’s not simply about inclusion – it’s about recognizing that Miami’s artistic identity is inextricably linked to its Black heritage. “Miami’s more than a postcard; there’s real layered history, and there’s blackness here,” as local advocate and community leader DeAndre Green powerfully stated. And this year, that Blackness was undeniably present, not as an afterthought, but as a driving force.
(Image: Chamber of Reflections Opening Reception. Image: Cordell Jones.) https://media.ebony.com/sytwmfsyue/uploads/2025/12/10/Chamber-of-Reflections-Opening-Reception-Cordell-Jones.jpg
A New Generation of Creative Hubs Takes Center Stage
This reclaiming of space is being spearheaded by a new generation of creative collectives. Burgundy XYZ, a dynamic group self-described as a “petri dish” for black artists, is a prime example. Launched in August 2024, they’ve quickly become a vital incubator, providing platforms and support for artists working across diverse mediums. Their exhibition, Chambers of Reflections, was a standout moment of the week.
The exhibition beautifully connected the work of Qadir Parris and Terry Joshua,two incredibly talented Black male artists. Parris’s stunning tapestry paintings, inspired by poignant archival family photographs, offered a powerful exploration of lineage and memory. Joshua’s surrealist paintings, simultaneously occurring, delved into the complexities of emotional processes.The deliberate choice to host the exhibition in the heart of historic Overtown – a neighborhood deeply rooted in Miami’s Black history - was particularly meaningful. It wasn’t just about displaying art; it was about creating an intimate, reflective experience, allowing viewers to see themselves represented and fostering a sense of community.
“It was important to have us all coming together, just different backgrounds, being able to showcase other black artists, and like bringing something to a historic place like Overtown, it was unanimous for us to make that happen,” explained Olivier Michel Thervil, a collaborator with Burgundy XYZ. This sentiment underscores the intentionality behind these efforts – a desire to build something meaningful and lasting within the community.
(Image: Sariai Bethel at Neighborhood Thread. Image: CordellJones.) https://media.ebony.com/sytwmfsyue/uploads/2025/12/10/Sariai-Bethel-at-Neighborhood-Thread-Photo-CredCordellJones.jpg
Beyond the Galleries: Community-driven Events Fuel the Momentum
The impact extended beyond traditional gallery spaces. Events like The pop Up Market, hosted by West Palm Beach-based Neighborhood Thread (launched in September 2023), injected a vibrant energy into the week. This wasn’t just a party; it was a crucial platform for young creatives and entrepreneurs from across South Florida to connect, collaborate, and expand their reach.
I spoke with Sariai Bethel, owner of Inov8 Artwear and a vendor at the market, who highlighted the event’s profound impact. “It’s really supportive for the Black community and just brings us together to reach more people from Miami and other parts of Florida,” she shared. “It’s great to express myself as a black person and be creative in a space with other Black people.” This speaks
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