Hollywood Art and Culture Center recently celebrated the culmination of its 50 th anniversary year with a ribbon cutting and unveiling of its Hollywood Arts Hub. The new wing addition to the Center’s historic Kagey Home gallery facility opened to the public on November 2 – exactly 50 years from The Center’s opening in 1975. Hollywood Art and Culture Center unveiled the addition of the Hollywood Arts Hub to its historic Kagey Home main campus with a grand opening ribbon cutting on November 2. This special event was attended by local dignitaries and partners including Mayor Josh Levy, City of Hollywood; Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz; Commissioner Caryl Shuham, City of Hollywood; Raelin Story, assistant city manager, City of Hollywood; Jeff Huber, partner, Brooks + Scarpa; Jamey Armstrong, VP, Pirtle Construction; and Phillip Dunlap, director, Broward County Cultural Division. “The Hollywood Arts Hub has been a labor of love for of many people for over a decade from planning to inception. Our Center team is honored to be the stewards to help people connect, create and communicate through art and cultural experiences,” said Jennifer Homan, executive director of the Hollywood Art and Culture Center . “As we celebrate 50 years of bringing bold exhibitions, education programs and accessible cultural experiences to our region, we’re excited to usher in a new era for the arts in Hollywood.” From left to right: Tim Curtin, City of Hollywood Commissioner Caryl Shuham, Center Trustee Barbara Marks, City of Hollywood Commissioner Traci Callari, Center Board Chair David Maurer, City of Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy, Max Chira, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Robert Chira, City of Hollywood Assistant City Manager Raelin Story, Alex Iglesias, and Jamey Armstrong Post ceremony, the public enjoyed complimentary tours, performances, artmaking and more in the new arts education wing. Attendees also were treated to current exhibitions: Dennis Scholl: A Day of Four Sunsets , Felice Grodin: Where do I go from here? and Brian Reedy: Gothic Pop Prints . Herb Conde-Parlto, Jennifer Homan, Joann Hussey The new Hollywood Arts Hub now holds the unique architectural distinction in Broward County of having adjoining, functional spaces built 101 years apart. It includes a 110-seat Arts Auditorium, a multi-purpose room for dance, drama, artist talks, film screenings, meeting space and more, the Create More Art Studio, the Digital Media Lab, and the outdoor Imagine Courtyard. This building will be a visual landmark in Downtown Hollywood, drawing residents and visitors to The Center.  The distinctly dramatic and contemporary design by award-winning architectural firm, Brooks + Scarpa, merges with the existing two-story, historic 1924 Mediterranean Revival architecture of the Kagey Home, which houses The Center galleries and administrative offices located at 1650 Harrison Street, just one block from ArtsPark at Young Circle.  Alex Iglesias, Jeffrey Huber, Ramses Terrero, Joe Bickar, Alec Hoadley, Jamey Armstrong Construction of the Arts Hub was funded by the City of Hollywood through dedicated funding from the 2019 General Obligation Bond that was approved by City voters in a special election. The Pirtle Construction team broke ground on April 30, 2024, and met the opening deadline as planned.  “The City of Hollywood proudly supports art and culture in our city, and this expansion of The Center is a tremendous milestone,” said City of Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy . “People of all ages and backgrounds can experience the arts at this new venue year-round, adding to the number of amazing experiences that can be found in Hollywood.” The Thunder Beingz play in the newly constructed Imagine Courtyard. The new Hollywood Arts Hub is built for ongoing learning and exploration. As part of its grand opening, The Center debuted a full lineup of new fall programs including Early Voices, storytelling and artmaking for young children every Saturday; Moms & Masterpieces, weekday program for parents and caregivers to explore the galleries and engage in Meet the Masters artmaking for bigs and littles; Art Workshops, multiple session workshops offered monthly by teaching artists in a variety of mediums; Group Tours, weekly daytime arts program for adults to explore a variety of forms; and Homeschool Programs, new offerings designed for flexible learning through STEAM integration. The new wing features a 110-seat Arts Auditorium, the Create More Art Studio, a Digital Media Lab, the outdoor Imagine Courtyard, a multi-purpose room for dance, drama, artist talks, film screenings, meeting space and more. Kids and families enjoy the new Create More Art Studio. The Center is also launching Create More Art Nights every Thursday from 5:30 to 8 p.m. designed to spark creativity, wellness, and community connection. Each week brings a new theme and a mix of activities.  Upcoming Center events include:  11/15  Art of Wine: US Regions, Food & Wine Series at 2 p.m. 11/15 Hollywood Art Walk Docent Tour at 5 p.m., BOGO Cinema Tickets at 7:30 p.m. 11/16 Free Arts Day from 12 - 4 p.m. 12/4   Cymbeline opening night presented by Thinking Cap Theatre at 7 p.m.* 12/6  Center Sessions, Basketweaving and Capoeira at 1 p.m. 12/12  Stage Kids and ENCORE Present: Hamilton and The Princess & the Frog at 7 p.m.* 12/14 Free Arts Day from 12 - 4 p.m.; Cyanotypes with Pamela Soares 12/20  Hollywood Art Walk Docent Tour at 5 p.m. * Note: Cymbeline on 12/4 and Stage Kids/ENCORE (12/12) are being presented at the Hollywood Central Performing Arts Center, 1770 Monroe Street, located two blocks from The Center. Phillip Dunlap, Director of the Broward County Cultural Division, views an artwork from Felice Grodin: Where Do I Go From Here? “Our Board of Trustees is committed to ensuring a bright future for the next chapter in the Center’s legacy,” said David Maurer, Board Chair of the Hollywood Art and Culture Center . “The timing couldn’t be more ideal – the opening of the Arts Hub marks The Center's 50th anniversary just as the City of Hollywood celebrates its 100th year. We've both come a long way.”  For more information, please visit artandculturecenter.org .    The Center’s programs and events are made possible through support from the City of Hollywood, Broward County Cultural Division, Broward County Board of County Commissioners, Max Chira and Family, Community Foundation Broward, David and Francie Horvitz Family Foundation, Josephine S. Leiser Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, State of Florida Division of Arts and Culture, Memorial Healthcare System, The Windhover Foundation & Quadracci Family, Kofsky Weinger, PA, and Helen Ingham Foundation. By ML Staff. Content courtesy of Hollywood Art and Culture Center. Photos credit: Michael Murphy Photography for Hollywood Art and Culture Center

During Miami Art Week, REEFLINE debuts a series of on-water and on-land activations centered on Concrete Coral  by artist Leandro Erlich, the inaugural installation of Miami Beach’s underwater sculpture park and hybrid reef. Conceived by cultural placemaker Ximena Caminos, REEFLINE expands Miami’s legacy of women-led innovation, reframing the city’s connection to the ocean through art, science, and public engagement. By Brittany Weber Located 780 feet offshore between 4th and 5th Streets and submerged 20 feet below the surface, Concrete Coral  transforms Erlich’s imagined traffic jam into a sculptural environmental warning. A monumental meditation buoy by Andrés Reisinger marks the installation’s location, visible from the shoreline and accessible by swimming or via custom-branded REEFLINE electric paddleboards (e-SUPs) developed with BMW and SipaBoards. By Nola Schoder Electric paddleboards will be available for timed pickup at REEFLINE’s headquarters on 9th Street, with limited availability. Visitors can also board the REEFLINE Floating Marine Learning Center, a hybrid research vessel dedicated to coral restoration and marine innovation. Guests will be able to meet REEFLINE artists, scientists, and divers, with special appearances by Leandro Erlich on December 2 and Dr. Sylvia Earle on December 5. Two-hour excursions depart from Miami Beach Marina. By Nola Schoder Throughout the week, REEFLINE will host a daily series of activations in partnership with local poetry organization O, Miami, held between 11 AM and 3 PM at the 9th Street headquarters. Bringing Concrete Coral  to land, Coral Car (sand) – REEFLINE Series  by Leandro Erlich, produced in collaboration with Lladró, will be exhibited at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach. The limited-edition Carta Marina—available in 200 units for USD$150—can be purchased at Carolina K’s Design District store, at REEFLINE’s headquarters, or online at carolinak.com  and thereefline.org , with proceeds benefiting REEFLINE’s conservation efforts. REEFLINE Series: by Leandro Elich in collaboration with Lladró. Courtesy of Lladró. REEFLINE is a multi-phase underwater public art initiative designed with Shohei Shigematsu/OMA, supported in part by the voter-approved City of Miami Beach Arts & Culture G.O. Bond. Over 11 phases, the project aims to plant thousands of corals on large-scale underwater artworks, creating a seven-mile living corridor along Miami Beach and serving as a model for coastal cities worldwide. By ML Staff. Photos: Nola Schoder, Lladró and Brittany Weber.

Clase Azul México introduces the fourth release in its Master Artisans Collection , a project dedicated to elevating Mexico’s most exceptional craftspeople. The new edition centers on three limited-edition decanters created by Tonalá master Ángel Ortiz , a leading figure in the barro bruñido tradition. Only 100 sets will be available, each containing three one-liter decanters, beginning November 13. The Master Artisans collection launched in 2021 as a platform for Mexico’s most accomplished creators, previously featuring work by Ángel Santos, Jesús Guerrero Santos , and the team of Fernando Jimón and María Elena López . Each edition blends heritage and innovation, translating traditional craft techniques into contemporary expressions. Ortiz, who inherited his early training from his grandparents and later refined his skills under renowned ceramicist Jorge Wilmot , has spent decades exploring the artistic potential of barro bruñido. Known for its distinctive luster achieved through the friction of pyrite, the technique is central to Tonalá’s identity. Ortiz’s work often draws from daily life, folklore, and natural landscapes, merging ancestral practice with personal interpretation. His contributions to Mexican craft have earned multiple honors, including the Tonallan National Craft Award and the National Prize for Arts and Sciences in Folk Arts and Traditions. The three decanters in the collection reinterpret barro bruñido through Ortiz’s signature style, each telling a distinct story: Jardín tonalteca (Garden in Tonalá) Earth-toned pigments illustrate a serene natural scene featuring a white-tailed deer, local flora, blue agave, and the classic Tonalá flower. A hammered copper cap with a matte chocolate finish completes the piece. Coro silvestre (Choir of the Wild) A vivid composition of birds and dense foliage in deep green, orange, and red, painted with oxides and earth-derived pigments. The decanter is finished with a hammered copper top in matte brass tones. Paraíso nocturno (Nocturnal Paradise) Set against a dark matte base, this design reveals a radiant nighttime landscape punctuated by blue and white highlights. A hammered copper cap in matte black crowns the piece. Tequila Mastery Each decanter houses a unique tequila crafted by Master Distiller Viridiana Tinoco . Aged in American whiskey barrels and finished in Premier Cru Supérieur Sauternes casks from Bordeaux, the expressions reflect increasing depth and complexity: Jardín tonalteca (Reposado) : Apricot, peach, raisin, toasted almond Coro silvestre (Añejo) : Apricot preserves, walnut, clove, citrus Paraíso nocturno (Extra Añejo) : Dark chocolate, clove, candied walnut, spice All three employ the slow-drip dilution process, in which water is incorporated gradually for balance and refinement, a technique traditionally used in brandy and cognac. The set of three decanters (40% ABV; 80 proof) will retail for USD 22,000 before taxes, available at Clase Azul La Terraza Los Cabos in San José del Cabo and at The Loft Brooklyn by invitation. Clase Azul México, founded in 1997 in Guadalajara by Arturo Lomelí , distributes its spirits in over 100 countries. The brand also supports artisan communities through Fundación Causa Azul , which works to preserve craft heritage and promote cultural sustainability. Learn more at Clase Azul México . By ML Staff. Photos: Photo(s) courtesy of Clase Azul México.

ICA Miami’s Family Sundays series welcomes children of all abilities to engage with contemporary art through activities inspired by the museum’s exhibitions. The free, one-hour workshops engage families in hands-on art-making and creativity through storytelling, music, movement or art making (rotating weekly). Recommended for children enrolled Pre-K to 2nd grade. Accessibility Requests Please contact ICA Miami Education at 305-901-5272 for any accommodation or accessibility requests. Please note that interpretation requests require a two-week notice. Reserve Tickets No unattended children, parents/guardians are required to stay with their child. Reserved tickets are required for all ages, including infants. Tickets are available until 11:45 am on the day of the workshop. The earliest time for check-in is 11:00 a.m. Workshop starts promptly at 11:30 a.m. No more than 4 tickets per group. Select Tickets Confirm Order By ML Staff. Courtesy of Institute of Contemporary Art Miami

Coastal design once meant seashell prints, rope accents, and a predictable sweep of ocean blue. The new version tells a different story rooted in restraint, texture, and light. Think calm rooms that breathe, natural materials chosen with care, and colors that echo the horizon rather than imitate it. In Miami, this quieter take on coastal living feels right at home. Interiors open to the sky, connect to the outdoors, and balance ease with polish. The result is grounded and indulgent at once, timeless yet fresh. Light Foundations: Embracing a Soft, Airy Palette Every coastal room begins with light and the way it moves, reflects, and shapes the space. The modern palette pulls from nature and trims the excess. Soft white, driftwood beige, sea-salt gray, and a whisper of sky feel clean without turning cold. In Miami’s bright sun, these tones work with the daylight to open up a room, even when you layer in texture. Walls in chalky neutrals or warm ivory set the stage. Pale oak floors, linen panels, and matte ceramics diffuse glare and soften edges. A touch of contrast, like a woven lounge chair or a simple black sconce, keeps the composition from washing out. Keep accessories purposeful so the eye can rest. A stone bowl, a textured throw, a single sculptural vase can say more than a crowded shelf. Select pieces from Cherie Kay decor  reinforce that approach, favoring balance, craft, and subtle coastal cues that read relaxed but refined. Luxe Through Layers: Texture Over Theme The new coastal look relies on feel over motif. Instead of anchors and stripes, focus on materials that suggest the shore without spelling it out. Linen that softens over time, rattan that adds warmth, honed stone that recalls wind and salt, bouclé that invites touch, these are the details that bring quiet richness. Layering creates depth without noise. A jute rug under a plush sofa. A raw wood table next to smooth ceramic lamps. Nubby textiles paired with crisp cotton. Each contrast earns its place. Metallics can work too when they are brushed or burnished, gently catching sunlight rather than stealing attention. In a city flooded with light, texture can replace ornament and still feel complete. Functional Serenity: Layouts That Invite You In A coastal home should move like water. Open sightlines and thoughtful furniture placement let air circulate, which sets a calm rhythm. Pieces have purpose. Pathways stay clear. Corners hold an accent chair or a reading lamp, not clutter. Comfort carries the room. Low, deep sofas invite conversation. Oversized armchairs balance them out. Layered lighting, from floor lamps to dimmable pendants, helps shift the mood from day to night. This is an intuitive design rather than a set of rules, which is why it suits modern living so well. These choices align with the core tenets of coastal interior design , where the connection between rooms, materials, and daily routines sets the tone. When that flow is right, the whole space feels effortless. Personal Touches: Curating a Space, Not Copying a Style Formulaic rooms fall flat. Homes gain character when they reflect how you live. Artwork collected over time. A handmade ceramic picked up on a trip. A vintage mirror that catches morning light. These choices make the space yours. Mix polished with raw. Pair a refined wood console with a woven bench. Hang a contemporary piece over a limewashed wall. Small custom moves, from a table finish to the angle of a reading light, can change how a room feels. Designers who build around daily rituals tend to create interiors that read honest and relaxed. That is the spirit of modern coastal style, where personality shows up softly but clearly. Lasting Appeal: Why the New Coastal Is Here to Stay This approach endures because it rests on fundamentals. Natural light, honest materials, and comfort never fall out of favor. The look also adapts easily. Swap in a darker wood for contrast, add a sculptural pendant, or refresh textiles with a new tone. The core idea stays intact. Dining areas show how versatile this style can be. A clean-lined table, textured seating, and restrained styling keep the room cohesive, capturing the feel of Miami coastal elegance  through proportion, texture, and breathing room. The result is both calm and memorable. The appeal lasts because it supports real life. Sunlight on a plaster wall. Sand shaken from a beach bag onto an oak floor that can handle it. A living room that feels easy in the afternoon and quietly glamorous at night. That sense of ease is the point, and it is what makes this coastal lens feel timeless. By ML staff. Image courtesy of Unsplash.

South Florida’s cat population is about to get some much-needed relief. PURRR Adoption + Sanctuary has received a $25,000 grant from Florida Animal Friend, allowing the organization to provide more than 400 free spay and neuter surgeries for TNR and community cats. The funding comes from Florida’s specialty spay/neuter license plate, which supports affordable sterilization programs statewide. For PURRR, the grant means immediate help for the region’s most vulnerable cat populations—and relief for the trappers, rescuers, and caregivers who struggle to keep up with constant breeding cycles. PURRR, founded in 2018, operates one of the only feline-exclusive, high-volume spay/neuter clinics in Broward County. Since opening the clinic in 2021, the organization has become a go-to resource for cat caregivers who have few low-cost options. Last year alone, PURRR performed more than 3,000 surgeries. Executive Director Michelle Schecht says the need is overwhelming.“South Florida faces a feline overpopulation crisis,” she said. “Affordable, high-volume spay and neuter services simply aren’t available at the scale the community needs. This support from Florida Animal Friend helps us save lives and prevent countless future litters.” Across South Florida, independent trappers and grassroots rescuers often pay out of pocket to sterilize outdoor cats—sometimes dozens or hundreds at a time. When funds run out, surgeries get delayed, kittens are born, and the cycle continues. PURRR’s reduced-cost and discounted programs aim to break that cycle by keeping services consistently accessible. The new grant gives PURRR the ability to reach cats who might otherwise go unsterilized, helping ease the year-round kitten season that overcrowds shelters and strains local rescues. More information about PURRR’s services, including spay/neuter and vaccines, is available at www.purrr.org . By ML Staff. Photo/Ayako/Unsplash

In a city known for bold color, expressive architecture, and a taste for the dramatic, interior designer and artist Briggs Solomon  occupies a different frequency. His work moves quietly, almost meditatively, through space. He champions restraint over spectacle, sensual materials over ornament, and timelessness over trend. The result is a body of work that feels both architectural and deeply human, a study in elevated simplicity that has quietly shaped some of Miami’s most compelling private residences. Solomon describes his design language on his website as “ blending art, antiques, and contemporary design ,” a philosophy that defines the serene, crafted environments he creates. He is known for natural materials, negative space, and a deep belief that interiors should feel calm, warm, and intensely personal. His rooms appear effortless, but beneath the ease lies a disciplined command of proportion, line, and texture. It is no surprise that he is both an interior designer and a lifelong artist; the painter’s instinct remains evident in every room he touches. Solomon was born in Lansing, Michigan, in a family he describes as innately creative. “ Every one of us came out so creative. We laugh about it all the time .” His parents moved the family to Miami when he was twelve, trading the Midwest for a city pulsing with light and possibility. From the beginning, his world revolved around creating. “ I have been doing creative things for as far back as I can remember. Painting, decorating rooms, designing clothing ,” he recalls. “ My parents always had a huge studio for me in the basement where I would paint and draw. It was my favorite place in the house .” He began painting at age three and designing clothing as a young child. His first career was in fashion, where he sold his sportswear collection at Fred Segal in Los Angeles. That period sharpened his eye for proportion, silhouette, and materiality. When he later opened his first store on Melrose Avenue, a destination where art, furniture, and design converged, it became clear that he was moving toward a more architectural expression of creativity.“ Learning textures, learning balance, learning the importance of line and color, ” he says, were the foundations that ultimately led him to interiors. “I n interior design, I get to use all the forms of creativity I love and merge them into one career.”  The Briggs Solomon aesthetic is defined by quiet luxury. Raw stone, pale plaster, bronze, linen, aged wood, sculptural silhouettes. His rooms breathe. Negative space is treated with the same reverence as the objects placed within it. The focus is on craftsmanship, authenticity, and emotional clarity. “I love all eras of interior design,”  he shares. “ What makes timeless design is the combination of all of them. Never lean on just one era. It will date itself, and it is not classic.”  His list of influences reads like a syllabus in modern design: Christian Liaigre, Axel Vervoordt, Vincent Van Duysen, Joseph Dirand, as well as his cousins and mentors Kathleen and Tommy Clements. The sculptural quietude of his interiors reflects their shared sensitivity to form and material.   As an artist, Solomon brings an innate understanding of composition to his work. “ Less is more. I have always had an eye for placement and negative space,”  he says of his paintings, many of which appear in his clients’ homes. His Instagram (@briggssolomoninc ), a curated stream of shadowed staircases, raw materials, sculptural objects, and moments of stillness, mirrors this philosophy. It reveals a designer who sees beauty not in grandeur but in refinement. Solomon’s life and career now unfold between Miami and Los Angeles, but Miami remains the emotional anchor. Coral Gables, where he lives, informs his work deeply. “ Most of the homes are historical and built in the 1920s. Old Spanish. It is incredibly inspiring,”  he says. He is equally energized by the Miami Design District. “ The buildings are beautiful. The restaurants are incredible. The highest fashion and the most interesting people. It is a combination of all the best,”  he notes. Against the city’s vivid visual culture, his serene aesthetic creates a compelling contrast. His work is not about competing with Miami’s exuberance but grounding it in craftsmanship, calm, and timeless design. Among Solomon’s most celebrated Miami projects is Journey’s End , an expansive private estate where his design philosophy comes fully into view. The residence reveals the sophistication that has earned his studio international attention. In Journey’s End, Solomon choreographs scale, light, and materiality with surgeon-like precision. Stone meets linen. Bronze meets plaster. Sunlight glides across raw wood floors. This is a home that feels monumental yet deeply intimate. Lines are streamlined, compositions are careful, and nothing feels excessive. He describes his work as an orchestration. “ Seeing a space that I think I could transform into something amazing inspires me ,” he says. At Journey’s End, that transformation is palpable. The architecture and interiors are united in a quiet, confident harmony. Solomon’s current project list is extensive, with many residences built from the ground up. He gravitates toward commissions that allow him to control the total environment, from the architectural shell to the landscape, gates, driveway, and hardware. “ My most beautiful projects are those where the client gives me free rein over everything ,” he says. One of his most personal current projects is a renovation for a longtime client who specifically asked for a collaboration between Solomon and his cousins Kathleen and Tommy Clements. “ Getting to work with my family and my mentors does not get any better ,” he says. This intergenerational design dialogue has become one of the most exciting arcs in his practice. Perhaps the most anticipated development is Solomon’s forthcoming Coral Gables showroom , opening inside a restored 1920s historical home. It will function as both a retail destination and a living expression of his design world. “ I am opening a boutique store in an old 1920s historical home. A beautiful showroom where things can be purchased off the floor immediately. Who wants to wait six months for a piece of furniture. By then you are sick of it anyway,”  he says with a smile. The showroom brings Solomon full circle: a designer shaped by Miami’s historic homes now creating a space that celebrates history, craftsmanship, and modern restraint. When asked about the future, Solomon reveals an unexpected ambition. “ I love the idea of a TV show. Something that really shows what goes on behind the scenes and the time it takes to create timeless, good design, ” he says. It feels fitting. Solomon’s process is deeply cinematic: slow, rich, exacting. A behind-the-scenes lens into his methodology would be a gift to design lovers everywhere. In a cultural moment defined by maximalism and constant stimulation, Briggs Solomon’s quiet clarity feels especially resonant. His work is a reminder that luxury can be soft spoken. That refinement can be emotional. That architecture, art, and interior design can merge into a single breath. Miami is evolving quickly, becoming one of the world’s most significant design capitals. Solomon’s work is part of that evolution, offering a counterpoint to the city’s energy and anchoring it in timeless beauty. He designs spaces that soothe rather than overwhelm, that honor craft instead of trend, and that allow materials to speak in their own voices. For Miami, and for the design world at large, Briggs Edward Solomon is a defining talent of the present and future moment.  Website: https://www.briggssolomon.com/ Instagram: @briggssolomoninc           Email: Info@briggssolomon.com   By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Briggs Solomon

The Miami Downtown Development Authority  (Miami DDA) announced the 25 recipients of its 2025–2026 Downtown Creative Collaborators Grant (DCCG) program, marking a substantial investment in art, culture, and community connection across Downtown Miami. The grant program allocated a total of $475,000  in funding, with awards ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, to support creative initiatives in streets, parks, and gathering spaces across the Miami DDA’s three subdistricts. The funded projects encompass a diverse range of activations, including heritage celebrations, musical storytelling, large-scale festivals, and immersive theater. This investment supports the Miami DDA’s broader mission to enhance quality of life by fostering a more vibrant, connected, and people-centered Downtown. The goal is to establish Downtown Miami as a place of belonging for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. The selected awardees represent a mix of neighborhood-level activations, mid-sized cultural experiences, and major citywide events. Notable recipients include Hued Songs  (Common Ground: An AfroLatinx Musical Journey), Nu Deco Ensemble  (Arsht Center Residency), Miami Dade College / MDC Live Arts  (Freedom Tower Centennial Series: Flock by BANDALOOP), PAMM  (Free Second Saturdays), Friends of The Underline  (Community Connections Festival), City Theatre  (How to Break in a Glove), FilmGate  (Downtown Immersive Series), and Miami Center for Architecture & Design  (Open House Miami). The funded projects will be executed between October 2025 and September 2026, transforming Downtown Miami into a year-round venue for creativity and inclusivity. All resulting events are scheduled to be free and open to the public . Residents and visitors are encouraged to follow along and take part by visiting miamidda.com and following @downtownmia on Instagram. By ML Staff. Image by Claudio Schwarz, Unsplash.

The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County ( @arshtcenter ) and Broadway Across America ( @bwayamerica ) are proud to continue the 2025–26 Broadway in Miami series with the anticipated South Florida premiere of & JULIET ( @andjulietbway ), playing a limited engagement December 30, 2025 through January 4, 2026 in the Ziff Ballet Opera House. Just in time to ring in the new year, Miami audiences will celebrate with one of Broadway’s biggest parties — a jubilant, high-energy musical that reimagines Juliet’s story (Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet ) with a fearless voice, a fresh twist and chart-topping pop anthems from the past three decades. Adding a hometown connection to the production, University of Miami graduate Joseph Torres stars as Romeo in the national tour. Created by the Emmy-winning® writer of  Schitt’s Creek , this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. & JULIET  asks what would happen if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo. Theatergoers will be whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love — her way. Juliet’s new story bursts to life through a playlist of pop anthems as iconic as her name, including "Since U Been Gone‚" "Roar," "Baby One More Time," "Larger than Life‚" "That’s the Way it Is," and "Can't Stop the Feeling!"— all from the genius songwriter/producer behind more #1 hits than any other artist this century — Max Martin. Fans are encouraged to break free of the balcony scene and get into this romantic comedy that proves there’s life after Romeo. The only thing tragic would be missing it.  Featuring songs by the legendary Grammy-winning songwriter/producer Max Martin, a book by the Emmy-winning writer from Schitt’s Creek , David West Read, direction by Luke Sheppard and choreography by Emmy Award winner Jennifer Weber, & JULIET opened on Broadway in November 2022, where it continues playing to sold-out crowds and breaking box office records.  Tickets to & JULIET are $52-$181* and may be purchased now at ArshtCenter.org or at the Arsht box office by calling (305) 949-6722.  Fabiola Caraballo Quijada and Joseph Torres in the North American Tour of & JULIET Noah Marlowe and Nico Ochoa in the North American Tour of & JULIET Fabiola Caraballo Quijada and the company of the North American Tour of & JULIET The company of the North American Tour of & JULIET CJ Eldred and the company of the North American Tour of & JULIET Fabiola Caraballo Quijada in the North American Tour of & JULIET All Broadway in Miami ticketholders have access to Arsht Plus , a series of interactive pre-performance experiences such as artist conversations, dance lessons, cooking demos, live music and family fun offered on select performances. For & JULIET , Arsht Plus takes place on opening night, December 30, beginning at 6:30 p.m. For guests with accessibility needs , the Arsht provides accessible seating and complimentary assistive listening devices for all performances, along with sign language interpretation, open captioning and audio description at select shows to ensure an inclusive experience for all guests. & JULIET continues the 2025-26 Broadway in Miami season presented by Florida Theatrical Association in association with the Adrienne Arsht Center, with generous support from presenting sponsor Bank of America. The tour will feature 2025 Jimmy Award® Winner Fabiola Caraballo Quijada in the title role of ‘Juliet,’ Paul-Jordan Jansen as ‘Lance,’ Crystal Kellogg as ‘Anne Hathaway,’ CJ Eldred as ‘Shakespeare,’ Nico Ochoa as ‘May,’ Kathryn Allison as ‘Angélique,’ Joseph Torres as ‘Romeo,’ and Noah Marlowe as ‘François.’ The ensemble includes Jared Alexander, Dasean Brown, Bridgette Carey, Lois Ellise, Josh Fermin, Jourdan Ibe, Armani Ponder-Keith, Matt Rene Rivera, Bex Robinson, Kayla Saunders, Daniel Tracht, Robbie Serrano, Kyra Smith, Alex Tho and Ryan Winkler.  The production is stage managed by Joel Rosen. The company manager is Denny Daniello. The full creative team for the North American tour of & JULIET includes David West Read (Book), Max Martin & Friends (Music & Lyrics), Luke Sheppard (Direction), Jennifer Weber (Choreography), Bill Sherman (Musical Supervision, Orchestrations and Arrangements), Soutra Gilmour (Scenic Design), Paloma Young  (Costume Design), Howard Hudson (Lighting Design), Gareth Owen (Sound Design), Andrzej Goulding (Video & Projection Design) and J. Jared Janas (Hair, Wig & Makeup Design) and Dominic Fallacaro  (Additional Orchestrations and Arrangements). The North American tour is music directed by Andre Cerullo. US Casting is by Stephen Kopel, Carrie Gardner, and Jillian Cimini, CSA. & JULIET is Executive Produced on Broadway and tour by Eva Price. & JULIET is produced on Broadway and on tour by Max Martin, Tim Headington, Theresa Steele Page, Jenny Petersson, Martin Dodd and Eva Price.    & JULIET has now performed on four continents since its world premiere in September 2019. It began at the Manchester Opera House in England, before moving to London’s West End, where it won three Olivier Awards and six WhatsOnStage Awards before playing its final performance at the Shaftesbury Theatre in March 2023. The show had its North American premiere in July 2022 in Toronto, where it broke box office records and played to standing-room-only audiences, before heading to Broadway, where it again broke box office records and plays nightly to sold-out crowds. An Australian production of & JULIET premiered in February 2023 at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre, joined by a UK Tour in July 2024 and a German production in October 2024. The German production marks the show’s first production with a book translated into a different language, and will also be the sixth country to welcome & JULIET in less than five years. More information for all productions can be found at andjulietthemusical.com The Original Broadway Cast Recording of & JULIET was released in October 2022 on Atlantic Records and is available wherever streaming music is played. *All programs, artists, ticket prices, availability, dates and times are subject to change without notice. Ticket prices include fees. Visit ArshtCenter.org for up-to-date information. By ML Staff. Content courtesy of The Arsht. Photos/Evan Zimmerman.

The Delano hotel  in Miami Beach is scheduled to officially reopen its doors on March 9, 2026 . Located in the heart of South Beach , the heritage property has undergone a comprehensive reimagining intended to honor the artistic and cultural atmosphere of the city. The design maintains its signature Art Deco  roots through the preservation of historical features. Key elements such as the terrazzo floors , white columns, sweeping white curtains, and the iconic Delano Pool  remain central to the guest experience. The resort features 171 guestrooms and suites, which include Poolside Bungalow Suites and Penthouse Suites. These accommodations feature bespoke furnishings, oversized windows, and terraces offering views of the Miami skyline or the Atlantic Ocean. The reopened Delano Miami Beach will introduce a state-of-the-art wellness studio and a holistic social spa offering curated treatments. Furthermore, the property will launch four distinct food and beverage concepts. This will include a recreation of the legendary Rose Bar , a space historically known for attracting celebrities and local society figures, as well as an innovative new members club . Delano Miami Beach 1685 Collins Ave, Miami Beach More information on their website . Follow on Instagram and Facebook . By ML/Photos courtesy of Delano.

The Big Woof Festival (January 17-18, 2026, at Regatta Park) is proud  to announce that Ron Magill , renowned wildlife photographer, Communications and Media Relations  Director at Zoo Miami, and conservation advocate, will serve as Festival Ambassador in support of dog  rescue efforts in The City of Miami and Miami-Dade.  Magill has spent decades dedicating his life to the protection of animals, both wild and domestic,  through education, outreach and hands-on programs. At Zoo Miami, Magill founded the Cheetah  Ambassador Program, established the Ron Magill Conservation Endowment, and has raised millions to  support wildlife rescue efforts around the world.   “Animals have taught me one thing above all: you protect what you love, and you love what you  understand,” said Ron. “That’s why I’m proud to serve as Ambassador of The Big Woof Festival — because every dog deserves a home, every pet needs a voice, and together we can turn the tide on this  shelter-crisis in our community.”  In joining The Big Woof Festival, Magill will lend his voice and passion to a new front: supporting  thousands of dogs surrendered each year in Miami-Dade, promoting adoptions, and raising awareness  of the local pet-welfare crisis. The festival will collaborate with PAWS4you Rescue and others to present  a branded adoption zone, educational and wellness sessions and a special appearance by Magill.  “We are honored to have Ron on board,” said Carlos Blanco, Managing Partner of The Big Woof Festival . “His legendary animal-rescue credentials and storytelling ability bring the credibility and heart  we need to elevate this festival into a movement for change in our community.”  Magill’s support underscores the festival’s mission: to help transform the narrative of dog abandonment  in Miami-Dade – where tens of thousands of dogs enter shelters each year – into one of rescue, hope  and action through adoption alternatives, educational resources and wellness talks so that dogs can truly find there forever homes.  About Ron Magill   Ron is a renowned animal expert, wildlife photographer, and Zoo Miami's Communications and Media  Relations Director who has dedicated over 40 years to wildlife conservation and education. He is a multi Emmy award-winning photographer and documentary producer, a Nikon Ambassador, and makes  frequent media appearances on various television programs, both in English and Spanish. Magill is also a  passionate advocate for conservation, notably establishing the Ron Magill Conservation Endowment to  fund conservation projects and scholarships.  About The Big Woof Festival  Taking place on January 17-18, 2026, The Big Woof Festival – Miami’s first large-format dog festival in  the nation’s 8th largest dog ownership market – brings together thousands of dog lovers, families, and  rescue organizations for a weekend of adoption, community, and celebration. The festival showcases  Champion Frisbee Dog performances, entertaining pup contests, K-9 exhibitions, dog training  demonstrations, wellness talks, vendor booths, and delicious food and drinks. The festival takes place at  Regatta Park in Coconut Grove. The festival’s prime benefactor is PAWS4you, a Miami-based rescue  shelter. In addition, Miami-Dade Animal Services will also participate in the festival.   For more festival information, please visit www.thebigwooffest.com .  For Sponsor and Vendor Opportunities, please email: info@thebigwooffest.com .  Media Contact:  Laura Pequignot  The Big Woof Festival   Laura@TheBigWoofFestival.com   www.TheBigWoofFest.com By ML Staff. Images courtesy of The Big Wooof Festival

The internationally acclaimed nightlife destination Selva  is set to make its highly anticipated U.S. debut in Miami this fall. Opening November 15, Selva will bring its signature blend of glamour, design, and vibrant cultural rhythm to the Magic City, marking the brand’s first expansion outside Europe. “Miami is known to be one of the best nightlife destinations in the world,” say co-founders Sandro Silva and Marta Seco. “There’s a pulse here that’s unlike anywhere else. It’s vibrant, diverse, and full of life, and Selva is designed to capture that rhythm and take it to the next level.” Designed as a multi-sensory experience, Selva immerses guests in a world of light, sound, and rhythm. A custom photon lighting design and the iconic LED tree transform the space into a living, breathing environment, a visual journey that evolves with the music. Every pulse, every beam, every shadow contributes to the atmosphere, creating a feeling that is both primal and futuristic.  The sound system, exclusively designed by NEXO, offers one of the most advanced acoustic experiences in Miami. With total coverage and unparalleled clarity, it envelops the dance floor, ensuring that every beat and nuance is felt as much as heard,  a sound that moves through the body as powerfully as it fills the room. Located on the third floor of Amazónico Miami , the Latin American–inspired restaurant which has quickly become one of the city’s hottest dining destinations. Selva is an elegant yet electric extension of Amazónico’s vibrant world, an intimate sanctuary where culture and world-class music intertwine. Inspired by its Monte Carlo counterpart and envisioned as a luxurious late-night hideaway, Selva pairs jungle-inspired interiors with Miami’s vibrant after-dark pulse, bringing an entirely new energy to Brickell’s nightlife landscape. Selva’s opening month lineup will feature artists including Vanjee, GENESI, Nic Fanciulli, Grossomoddo, Josh Baker, Omar+ & Obskur with special guest DJs to be announced, setting the tone for what the nightlife destination embodies: an invitation to the dark side of the jungle. Selva explores the full spectrum of house and electronic music, from smooth, soulful rhythms to the deeper, more hypnotic layers of tech house, creating a soundscape that moves with both elegance and intensity. Situated in the heart of Brickell, Selva is designed for locals and international travelers alike who seek an intimate nightlife experience. While connected to Amazónico, Selva is a world of its own, promising to be more than a nightlife destination; it’s an experience. A place where design, music, and atmosphere converge to create unforgettable nights. Selva Miami will open November 15, 2025 at 800 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131 11:30 pm - 3:00 am – Friday, Saturday & Monday Occupancy: 250 @ selva_miami About Selva Meaning “jungle”  in Spanish, Selva is an elegant yet electric extension of Amazónico’s vibrant world, an intimate sanctuary where culture and world-class music intertwine across the brand’s Monte Carlo and Miami locations. Musically, Selva celebrates the best of house and electronic music, covering every style from soulful grooves to the deeper edges of tech house. The programming features internationally acclaimed DJs and rising talents, all handpicked for their ability to take nightlife goers on a journey. Selva is a destination where artists are encouraged to extend time, where music unfolds fully, creating rare, immersive moments that allow both performers and guests to experience the story as it was meant to be told. About Doğuş Group and D.ream International D.ream (Doğuş Restaurant Entertainment and Management) was created in 2012 under the vision of Mr. Ferit Sahenk — pioneering leadership in finance, operations, marketing and development, representing hospitality from all perspectives of the industry. Now operating across three continents, D.ream International has evolved by acquiring and operating market-leading concepts across the globe such as Zuma, COYA and Roka, and specializes in creating iconic concepts such as Il Gattopardo and unique luxury lifestyle venues. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of James McDonald