Like a Category 5 storm of serious art collectors and hipster partiers, Art-Basel Miami Beach kicks-off this Thursday for its 13th installment. The Swiss-born art fair has expanded to include numerous satellite shows, vaguely relevant fashion launches and galas that inevitably have invitees wondering “Where’s the art?” For the truly connected there’s annual fetes like Aby Rosen’s dinner at the W South Beach and swishy invites to museum parties like the new Pérez Art Museum Miami. But even for the non-collector, Miami becomes the epicenter of the art world with public and private installations from downtown to the design district.
This year, new hotels like The Redbury will offers posh dinners at its new Lorenzo Italian eatery by chef Tony Mantuano as well as the first supper club pop-up from designer Roberto Cavalli coming to Ocean Drive. Tuesday’s unofficial start begins with the Vanity Fair Party at the Museum of Contemporary. ArtScope Art Show also kicks-off with a Tuesday night gala and Friday musical extravaganza with Tegan and Sara at its sandy fair location at 10th and Ocean Drive. In terms of museum shows, look for one of the best at Museum of Contemporary Art where UK artist Tracey Emin gets her first North American solo show that lasts through the year.
At night, Mana Wynwood Production Village will feature nightly special performances with Kendrick Lamar on Wednesday and Boy George spinning on Friday. Paris-favorite Chez Andres is this year located inside the Rec Room and runs through Sunday. Luciano with Pete Tong rule LIV on Thursday with Steve Angelo on Saturday, Mark Ronson headlines on Friday at Mansion and Marco Carola at Story on Saturday. Poolside events include XIV Sessions on Saturday at Hyde Beach, Guy Gerber at Delano Beach Club and White Cube’s poolside mixer at Soho House that’s invite-only.
