What’s new at Art Basel Miami Beach besides the director? Lots. Here’s what to know
New leadership is designed to bring fresh approaches. And with Art Basel Miami Beach, that’s exactly what has happened.
Just a year ago, Bridget Finn was named fair director. She spent the past year, she said, listening to gallerists about changes they’d like to see, and considering how to respond to Miami’s explosive growth in wealthy individuals. This year’s show goers will see the results.
Expanded retail
Art Basel Shops will be located outside the show doors at the east and west entrances and on the second floor at the Grand Ballroom. That means you won’t need to buy a ticket to scoop up keepsakes, fashion pieces and books, along with some less-expensive artist pieces. Items sold in the shop are available only on site. (Think totes, crayons, playing cards and even golf tees.) “We first launched the shop in Switzerland this summer,” said Finn. “It was so wonderfully well received… It’s a way for people to participate in the show who might not be able to do so otherwise.”
New floor plan
The Meridians sector, which features large-scale installations, has moved from the north end of the Miami Beach Convention Center to the south end near the Positions and Nova sectors. “In the old location, if you didn’t come through the VIP entrance you might not have seen Meridians,” said Finn. This year’s presentation was curated by Yasmil Raymond, an alumnus of Dia Art, the Walker Museum, MOMA and Frankfurt’s Städelschule. Among the works: “Goya,” a tornedo-like sculpture by Alice Aycock, whose floral monuments grace several Coral Gables roundabouts, and “Pathways,” a massive new painting by Miami native Jose Parla, whose work is now showcased at the Pérez Art Museum Miami.
Better app
Download the updated (and more user-friendly) Art Basel app. Along with show basics, it points out must-see works and special offers from partners. And yes, old-schoolers, you’ll still be able to get a printed show map.
New booth sizes
Show organizers introduced a new minimum booth size that is less expensive for exhibitors, which (in theory) allows them to bring some less expensive works to the show. “Everyone is thinking about broadening their audience and reaching new audiences. This offers an ideal platform to do that,” said Finn.
If you go:
What: Art Basel Miami Beach
Where: 1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach.
When: Public access hours: Dec. 6-8, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: Day tickets $85 per person, $65 for seniors, $10 for children. One-day ticket on VIP days Dec. 6-8, $120. Premium access tickets available at a substantially higher price.
Info: artbasel.com.
