MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – Marc Spiegler was excited about the opening of a more inclusive Art Basel Miami Beach this year.
The global director of Art Basel said during a news conference that this year the selection committee allowed galleries to face fewer hurdles to be eligible to participate.
This allowed four galleries from Africa to join including First Floor Harare from Zimbabwe showcasing Troy Makaza’s surrealist sculptures on canvas at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
“This is not just another edition. It is a historic event for the American art world because this show marks the first truly international fair to take place since the start of the pandemic 18 months ago,” Spiegler said.
More than 250 exhibitors from around the world are showcasing sculptures, digital works, photography, and paintings on Tuesday and Wednesday during invitation-only viewings.
The fair first opened in Miami Beach in 2002. After the coronavirus pandemic forced last year’s cancelation, local authorities expect it to attract about 80,000 visitors to Miami-Dade County.
The show opens to the public for ticket holders from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday.
Attendees age 12 or older must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test or COVID-19 vaccination or medical proof of recovery. Face masks are required inside.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber were at the private opening on Tuesday and said attendees can feel confident in the safety measures that are in place.
“These kinds of events are easier to control because they’re ticketed,” Gelber said. “You can control capacity.”
Tickets are only available online. A day ticket for attendees aged 12 to 62 is $65 and $50 for students or attendees aged 62 or older.
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