The forward-thinking director of the Museum of Art & Design is reinventing how culture is reaching the people of Miami
Putting her passion for art on full display, Rina Carvajal is on a mission to spread her magic throughout Miami. As Executive Director and Chief Curator of the Miami Dade College Museum of Art and Design (MOAD), she is opening, connecting and expanding public participation to art on a citywide scale through her Museum Without Boundaries initiatives. By taking art, design, performances, and other events to the greater community, MOAD is promoting culture and dialogue on critical social issues. The idea came to Carvajal as a way of keeping the museum programs ongoing, as the building was undergoing renovations.
“It’s a very contemporary idea of what an institution should be. Our mission is very progressive and I think that’s what Miami needs. I am also at a point in my life that these are concerns I have. How do we live in a society that includes everyone? How do we create cultural projects that are for everyone? And how do we make this city more human through our work,” said Carvajal, from her office in the museum, housed inside the historic Freedom Tower in Downtown Miami.
BRINGING ART TO THE PEOPLE
Carvajal has organized international biennials, managed public art commissions, and designed, and implemented many modern and contemporary art exhibitions around the world. Hired by Dr. Eduardo Padrón over two years ago to put MOAD on the map, she has undoubtedly breathed new life into the museum. Presently, she also oversees the MDC Special Collections, comprised of the Kislak Center, The Cuban Exile Experience and Cultural Legacy Gallery.
Born in Caracas, Venezuela, her parents tried to dissuade her from an art career by suspending their financial support until she chose a more respectable path, such as law. Refusing to give in, Carvajal studied at night and worked during the day at the Caracas Museum of Contemporary Art, under its founder, Sofia Imber. Years later, she would return to be the director of that museum.
Her mom finally backed down, encouraging her to, “Pick a place in this world where there are people like you so you can be happy, and attend the best university to study what you love.” Carvajal headed to New York University’s Institute of Fine Arts, earning a Bachelor and Master, and ultimately working for The Metropolitan Museum for several years.
She’s gracious and soft-spoken, with a magnetic personality that captivates your full attention. Discussing the esthetics of art turns into an impassioned conversation on why we should examine the beauty of things, as well as what is not so beautiful. Her natural gift for engaging others may be why she has received so much support from the community.
“I must say that has helped me do all the things that I am doing. I have created monumental things in my career, but it is also because of the chain of people that support me… a chain of good will.”