art_basel_1.jpgMIAMI — The promotional materials unequivocally proclaim it: Art Basel, sited in Basel, (Switzerland), Miami Beach and Hong Kong, stages the world’s premier art shows for modern and contemporary works.

From Dec. 6 — 9, Miami Beach will host the 11th edition of Art Basel, widely considered the most prestigious art show in the Americas.

More than 260 leading galleries from North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa will take part, showcasing works by more than 2,000 artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Defined by its host city and region, each show is unique, reflected in its participating galleries, the artworks on display and the parallel content programming produced in collaboration with local institutions.

In a striking example, the Little Haiti Cultural Center, a regular Art Basel participant, is featuring artists from the French- and English-speaking Caribbean who increasingly are playing an integral part of Art Basel Miami as they celebrate diversity through art, music and culture during a weekend of events. A warm invitation is extended to the community to attend and participate in the opening of Global Caribbean IV and Pieces of Jamaica.

Another notable example is the second annual Art Africa Miami Arts Fair, hosted by TheUrbanCollective and the City of Miami, presenting a top-notch lineup of the most exquisite contemporary artwork from Africa and its Diaspora during the weekend. The public again is invited.

Little Haiti Cultural Center

As part of the Art Basel satellite program, a selection of artists representing the Caribbean will display artworks as part of the Global Caribbean project, under the umbrella of the French government’s Institut Français Caraibes en Creation program, which was established to promote Caribbean contemporary artistic expression.

Also featured will be the book signing for the recently published book, Pieces of Jamaica: The Real Rock Edition, showcasing the artwork that reflects the traditional and avante garde expressions of Jamaican artists in celebration of the 50th anniversary of its independence.

The weekend also will include panel discussions featuring eminent scholars. The exhibit will open to the public on the morning of Dec. 7 and continue through Feb. 16 at the center, 212-260 N.E. 59 Ter., Miami. Admission free.

For more information visit facebook.com/LittleHaiti
CulturalCenter or call 754-234-3590.

Schedule of Events

THURSDAY, DEC. 6

OPENING RECEPTION

VIP Event for Global Caribbean IV & Pieces of Jamaica
Courtyard, 6 – 8 p.m.
Guests include Clement Foundation of Martinique / Institut Français’ Caraibes en Creation program

Pieces of Jamaica presentation and book signing
Theatre, 8 – 10 p.m.
Video, music and culture presentation in honor of the Jamaican 50th
Independence. Open to the public  

FRIDAY, DEC. 7

Vernissage of Global Caribbean IV
Main Gallery & Theatre,
10 a.m. – noon

Panel discussion with curators
Open to the public 12 – 6 p.m.

SATURDAY and SUNDAY DEC. 8 and 9

Center open to the public 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.