Art Basel is one of the most highly anticipated events on the global art calendar, connecting art lovers, collectors, curators, and artists worldwide. The international art fair is held annually in Basel, Switzerland; Miami Beach, FL; Hong Kong, China; and Paris, France — with Miami Beach recognized as the premier art show of the Americas, per its website.
While the event is most commonly known as a high-profile contemporary art fair, Art Basel Miami has evolved into a diverse cultural event combining art, culture, design, fashion, and business. Today, technologies like NFTs (non-fungible tokens), OVRs — online viewing rooms that let art enthusiasts join events through their computer screens — and immersive art experiences have transformed how art is viewed and purchased. As such, the fair has become a significant platform intersecting art and technology, according to a 2021 panel discussion at the event.
“The new Art Basel App reflects our mission to enhance and enrich the physical fair experience and create new paths for access and discovery, as well as seek out innovative ways to connect exhibitors with a new and engaged audience base,” said Art Basel CEO Noah Horowitz. “We are thrilled to partner with Microsoft to truly unlock the power of digital innovation to elevate our galleries and their artists and create expanded opportunities for meaningful interactions with art.”
Miami Art Week is from Dec. 2 to Dec. 8, with Art Basel events from Friday, Dec. 6 to Sunday, Dec. 8.
Here are some of the events to look forward to.
Okayplayer House, Presented In Partnership With BET
On Thursday, Dec. 5, Okayplayer is making its Art Basel debut with Okayplayer House, in partnership with BET. Legendary Hip-Hop photographer Danny Hastings will showcase an exclusive exhibit of never-before-seen work.
In addition, BET will premiere the new documentary “For the Love of Hip Hop,” featuring Rakim, MC Lyte, Jeezy and Ice Spice, among other artists.
There will also be a panel discussion featuring BET Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Kimberly Paige, My Code’s General Manager of Branded Content and Creative Victoria Jordan, Nigerian-British television actor Jimmy Akingbola, and media executive TJ Adeshola, along with live podcast recordings of “The Almanac of Rap,” hosted by Donwill.
To check out programming, click here.
The IKEA Sleepeasy
IKEA’s Sleepeasy pop-up focuses on six sleep essentials: comfort, light, temperature, sound, air quality, and decluttering. The event features special programming, including a Graffiti Demo on Dec. 6 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., followed by a headphones-only disco pajama party. On Dec. 7, attendees can customize pillows from noon to 3 p.m. and enjoy the IKEA Siesta + Fiesta Lounge from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event wraps up on Dec. 8 with a relaxation day featuring a sound bath and guided yoga.
For more information, click here.
Night Shift, AM Edition, Presented By American Express And Delta
On Friday, Dec. 6, American Express and Delta Air Lines will offer complimentary breakfast pizza, coffee, and tea at the Rubell Museum from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., while supplies last.
Guests can also enjoy early access to the museum. Get more information here.
Delta Air Lines And American Express Present The Resy Lounge
The Resy Lounge is returning for its second year at Untitled Art, one of the leading contemporary art fairs held on Miami Beach at Ocean Drive and 12th Street. This year, the beachfront lounge, which includes both indoor and outdoor spaces, provides a relaxing environment for valid Untitled Art ticket-holders and VIP guests. Visitors can enjoy complimentary bites and beverages from popular Los Angeles, CA-based restaurant Jon & Vinny’s. The lounge will be open from Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
To attend, click here.
NFL Artist Replay Gallery: A Fusion Of Art And Football At Art Basel
On Dec. 7 at 7 p.m., the NFL will host its first Artist Replay Gallery at BeyBey, curated by renowned photographer Cam Kirk. The exclusive event will feature unique artworks from five artists inspired by football, merging a love for sports and the arts. Attendees, including NFL legends, players, artists, and art enthusiasts, will enjoy drinks from Diageo and Don Julio, equipped with a custom lounge presented by Starter.
Here’s more information on the NFL Artist Replay.
PRIZM x REVOLT Art Fair
This is a dynamic celebration of diasporic narratives taking place from Dec. 3 to Dec. 7 at Ice Palace West Studio. Centered around the theme “Architecture of Liberation,” the event showcases groundbreaking art and powerful stories from the African Diaspora. Attendees can explore the art fair on Dec. 4 and Dec. 5 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring insightful discussions during PRIZM Panels on Dec. 6 during the same hours. On Dec. 7, the event concludes with film screenings from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by the REVOLT House party from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Check it out here.
Capital One And The Cultivist Showcase Vibrant Moroccan Culture With DAR MIAMI 1446 By Hassan Hajjaj
For the second year in a row, Capital One and the Cultivist are bringing an exciting lineup of events, featuring performances by 2025 Grammy nominees DJ Pee .Wee (Anderson .Paak) and Kaytranada, as well as a dining experience by MICHELIN-star chef Rose Previte.
From Dec. 4 to Dec. 6 at DAR MIAMI 1446, guests can partake in an open-to-the-public tea salon that includes Hassan Hajjaj’s “Jajjah” tea brand and fresh pastries, accompanied by live Gnawa music from Simo Lagnawi, available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Exclusive dinners for Capital One cardholders will feature a Tawle-style meal and live musical performances.
For more information, click here.
Art Basel Digital Dialogues
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BitBasel Miami Art Week 2024
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Discover the intersection of art and technology at the Sagamore Hotel from Dec. 3 to Dec. 8. The show brings together artists, collectors and enthusiasts for an exploration of digital art and blockchain innovation.
The week starts with a Grand Opening and VIP Dinner, followed by discussions on AI’s impact on creativity, a Creative Tech Investor Summit, and special all-day events on Thursday.
On Friday, there’s a Mooon.Party Vol. 2, a runway show by Jayne Pierson on Saturday, and a pool party celebrating local changemakers on Sunday.
Learn more here.
WANDERLUST, Presented By American Express And Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott Bonvoy and American Express return to Miami, FL, for their 8th annual Card Member party at the W South Beach on Dec. 7 from 8 p.m. to 11. pm.
The event will feature Resy restaurant Superbueno, offering Mexican cuisine, immersive art installations by visual artist Jimena Montemayor, and vibrant South African amapiano beats from DJ Uncle Waffles.
For access, click here.
