This morning, the digital version of Whitewaller Miami launched HERE. As we anticipate the debut of the print publication next week in Miami, we are very excited to announce the issue’s Guest Editor, Sarah Arison. Below is her letter to our readers.
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I don’t have the words to describe how thrilled I am to participate as the Guest Editor of this edition of Whitewaller. I have watched Miami grow and develop since I was born in 1984, and feel incredibly proud to say that so many of my family and friends are responsible for the incredible cultural changes we have seen over the past few decades. Being able to welcome the arts community to the city that I love so much, and to share my favorite places, is beyond an honor. I can’t wait to see everyone in Miami this week!
My grandparents were originally from New York and Tel Aviv, but for them, Miami was home, and they did everything possible to ensure that Miami would have a presence in the global arts community. To this end, they established the National YoungArts Foundation in Miami in 1981. We now have an incredible new CEO, Carolina García Jayaram, and a home in Wynwood, and we continue to identify and support the next great generation of artists in the visual, literary, performing, and design arts. Every year for Art Basel in Miami Beach, we bring in luminaries such as Marina Abramović and Isaac Julien to create wonderful programming and installations. This year is no exception, and I cannot wait to see what Jose Parlá does on our campus! Additionally, we have our first YoungArts booth at the fantastic PULSE Miami Beach thanks to the incredible Helen Toomer. I will definitely be decorating my apartment with works from YoungArts alums I purchase there this year!
We have so many outstanding new cultural institutions in Miami that are such important additions to our community. I’m highly anticipating the opening of the Faena Forum and all of the programming they will have in Miami this week under the artistic direction of the lovely Ximena Caminos. At ICA, Alex Gartenfeld has already done so many excellent programs and shows, and I know that this week will be no exception. I would never miss my Saturday night pre-Basel ritual at the EDITION, which includes an amazing meal at Matador, followed by bowling and ice skating downstairs. Any downtime (ha!) is best taken advantage of with a cocktail at Freehand Miami, or a delicious meal at Mandolin at Soho Beach House.
One of the exhibitions I’m most looking forward to is “Desire,” curated by my fellow MoMA PS1 board member Diana Widmaier Picasso and presented by Larry Gagosian and Jeffrey Deitch. And finally, there is the epic MoMA PS1 closing party at the Delano on Friday night, which is always delightful to host!
Rest up, buy comfortable shoes, stock up on extra phone chargers, prepare for a diet consisting only of champagne for a week, see great art, buy great art, support wonderful artists, make new friends, and please stop me if you see me to say, “Hi,” and get some more Miami recommendations!
—Sarah Arison
President, Arison Arts Foundation
