Miami: Beyond the Beaches

Miami has long been celebrated as a prime tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors yearly to bask in the sun, party in the vibrant nightlife, and enjoy its world-renowned beaches. The glitz and glamour of the city's art deco architecture, swaying palm trees, golden sand, and picturesque coastline are the foundation of its tourism appeal. Festivals like Ultra Music Festival, Jazz in the Gardens, Calle Ocho, the Coconut Grove Art Festival, the SOBE Wine and Food Festival, and of course Art Basel all serve as a testament to Miami's cultural relevance.

But what if Miami is more than just a pretty face? What if beyond the carefully curated postcards of vacation fun lies a deeper, more intricate tapestry of art, culture, and community?

The Unseen Miami: Shining a Light on the Other Side of the Tracks

While Miami's international fame is built on its glitzy, commercial side, there is another side of the city — often overlooked in favor of the more glamorous attractions. Overtown, Little Haiti, Little Havana, Liberty City, Carol City and beyond hold a cultural richness that is too often brushed aside in favor of luxury resorts, private yachts, and upscale restaurants. But those who look deeper, those who take the time to breathe in the essence of these neighborhoods, will discover a Miami unlike any other — raw, authentic, and filled with history, stories, and art that often goes unspoken.

For decades, groups of local artists have been working tirelessly to shine a light on these vibrant communities. They have told stories of resilience, culture, and struggle through their art, yet their work is often relegated to the margins of the mainstream art scene. Few are truly documenting and giving visibility to the artists and communities that represent this other Miami. But there is a shift happening.

AfriKin: Bridging the Gap Between Miami's Diverse Art Worlds

AfriKin has been working to bridge the gap between the glossy, often one-dimensional portrayal of Miami and the deep, untold stories of its diverse communities. We are taking Miami's art and culture beyond the typical tourist track by focusing on the local, the underrepresented, and the stories that do not always make the glossy advertisements. Our theme for the 2025 Miami Art Week — Through Creation, We Find Meaning — speaks to the necessity of this bridge: finding meaning through the act of creation and collaboration across cultures.

In speaking with Joseph L. Underwood, our curator, I was struck by his insights and the ways our work reflects not only Miami's culture but also the deep connections we share with artists and communities from across global Africa. Whether in Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo, Benin, Botswana, Namibia, or elsewhere, I have found striking similarities between the experiences of the people there and those of my neighbors in Miami's lesser-known neighborhoods.

We have more in common than we think. The themes that resonate in places like Ghana and Nigeria echo through the streets of Liberty City and Overtown. The shared history of struggle, resilience, and the drive for self-expression is universal.

Alfonso D. Brooks — AfriKin Foundation

The Need for Critical Investment in the Arts

Miami's art scene has grown exponentially in recent years, especially with the international spotlight of Art Basel. However, the arts in Miami have often been held back by a lack of critical investment. While the city continues to pour resources into high-profile events and tourist-friendly attractions, the local art scene and the communities that sustain it are often overlooked.

The funding and resources needed for smaller organizations like AfriKin to thrive and sustain meaningful impact are often absent, leaving artists and cultural workers with little support to push their work forward. This has led to a cycle where the same organizations are given opportunities time and again, while newer, more innovative voices struggle to be heard. It is a frustrating cycle — one that stifles the growth of fresh ideas and creative potential.

Attracting a New Kind of Tourist

One of the key components of our strategy is the idea of attracting a different kind of tourist. Not the tourist who comes for the beaches and the nightlife, but the tourist who is interested in engaging with Miami's deeper cultural fabric. We want to attract those who are not just interested in checking off the typical Miami tourist list, but who care about the impact of their visit — those willing to spend time in local communities, learn from the artists, and take home stories that go beyond the glossy brochures.

By working with both local and international artists, AfriKin hopes to create a new kind of cultural tourism — one that is conscious, intentional, and mutually beneficial. We believe that art can be a tool for social change, for fostering greater understanding between cultures, and for creating partnerships that benefit everyone involved.

The Socio-Economic Impact of the Arts in Miami

The arts are not just a vehicle for cultural expression — they are also a powerful economic engine. When we invest in the local art and culture sector, we are not only enriching Miami's cultural landscape but also contributing to its economy. Arts and culture create jobs, stimulate local businesses, and bring in visitors who stay longer, spend more, and become advocates for Miami's vibrant communities.

Moreover, art is an essential tool for fostering peace and understanding. The arts provide a space for dialogue, for reflecting on shared histories, and for confronting difficult issues head-on. They have the power to bring people together, to create empathy, and to foster a sense of belonging in a city that is often divided by wealth, race, and geography.

The Future of Miami's Art and Culture

As we look to the future, it is clear that Miami's art scene will continue to grow and evolve. But for this growth to be truly meaningful, it must include the voices and stories of all Miamians, not just those in the glamorous neighborhoods. AfriKin's work is helping to create the space for these voices to be heard, for new collaborations to emerge, and for a more inclusive, diverse, and impactful art scene to take root.