Listen up, Broward and Palm Beach counties! I know what you're thinking: Who the hell cares about this Art Basel bullcrap?! Well, the answer is: You! Well, you should, at least.
See also
- Top 15 Art Basel Miami Beach Music Events (Updated)
Simon Doonan might be pooing all over the art fair on Slate, but personally, it don't matter all that much what he thinks. This fair is a gift that's been given to South Florida. Whether or not you're also "over this shit," the main attraction and surrounding events offer us locals and semilocals endless opportunities for growth, learning, and crazy, drunken, free fun!
Here are five really good reasons Art Basel Miami Beach matters and should matter to you.
If you're not familiar with this foundation and art space, you're in luck! Not only have we now just informed you about its existence but we're also letting you know that the Girl's Club has set up a booth at Pulse Art Fair, which takes place this week in Miami.
Founded in 2006 by Francie Bishop Good and David Horvitz, Girl's Club focuses on nurturing female artists and culture in Fort Lauderdale. The booth at the fair is consistent with its mission. Work by Julie Davidow from its latest exhibition, dedicated to drawing and curated by Carol Jazzar, "Following the Line" will be featured in a site-specific installation.
While at Pulse, you'll see so much art, and some of it even good! Check out Miami galleries like Dorsch, and enjoy the beautiful grounds of the Ice Palace, which has played host to many a crazy rave in the past.
Supporting Broward in Miami is seriously important.
Pulse Art Fair, Girl's Club at Booth P1, Pulse Miami, 1400 N. Miami Ave., Miami. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday to Sunday. Visit pulse-art.com.
4. Your chance to see art that's worth seeing
Art is awesome. Seriously. You may not "get it," but you don't have to. You just have to experience it and process it in your own way.
Right now, the Miami Beach Convention Center is brimming with work from some of the most ridiculously famous contemporary artists. You'd have to fly all over the world like a billion times to see this much quality work. And right now, it's only like an hour's drive from your front door and it costs $42 or $29 (after 4 p.m.). There are group rates, school rates; Sunday is cheaper. I mean, these people want you to see art, and you should take them up on that opportunity.
Taste the deliciousness of culture.
3. Robb Bank$ at Electric Pickle, Band in Heaven at Churchill's Pub
When musical artists from Broward and Palm Beach counties, or even Dade, perform during this art-tastic week, they are seen by so very many people whom they wouldn't have otherwise had access to. That alone is worth braving all the tourists and parking troubles. This is some marketing magical moment shizz. Two artists from Broward and Palm Beach counties performing are Robb Bank$ and Band in Heaven. We suggest you drive down and show them some BroCo, PBC lovin'.
Cokey Shores, Robb Bank$, Metro Zu, Chalk. 18 and over. 8 p.m., Dec. 6, Electric Pickle, 2826 N. Miami Ave., Miami.
Lil Daggers, Merchandise, Band in Heaven, Teepee. 7 p.m., Dec. 7, Churchill's Pub, 5501 NE Second Ave., Miami. $5 entrance.
2. It's right freaking there
I mean, come on. It's right here. And there's so much of it! Besides, you can visit your Miami friends while you're down there. Bring your bikini and go to the beach first before tracking sand into the Convention Center. Try out some new restaurants; there are quite a few. Sneak into an invite-only party like you're 16.
Art Basel is a carnival for adults who care too much about what other people think, but it's also your chance to guzzle endless amounts of free champagne at that Chanel party you crashed. Have fun, see some bands, and check out art. It's all in your backyard this week.
1. The economy
The best thing about Art Basel is that it dumps so much money into our local economy. You gotta love that. If Miami wins, Broward and Palm Beach counties certainly feel the residual benefits of having culture, cash, and extra fun right down the street.
Happy Baseling. Keep hydrated, take a catnap, and enjoy yourself!
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