Category Archives: Culture
Tobacco Road According to the BBC’s Guide to Life, the Universe, and Everything
Surprisingly, H2G2, the BBC’s Guide to “Life, the Universe, and Everything“, has a neat profile of Tobacco Road, Miami’s oldest bar. The Brickell Village nightspot has been in business since 1912. According to the featured article Tobacco Road has: “managed … Continue reading
Filed under Culture
Young Cuban-Americans Softening Embargo Stance
In a recent study done by FIU with assistance from the Brookings institute, it has been found that over half of Cuban-Americans favored unrestricted travel to Cuba. The poll still finds 57% in favor of the embargo, but the number has declined drastically, particularly among the younger Cuban-American population. Continue reading
Filed under BoB Articles, Culture
Museum Park Plans Questioned
According to Riptide 2.0 (The Miami New Times blog), Museum Park plans (Miami Art Museum and Museum of Science and Planetarium)are getting complicated by diverging viewpoints. At Wednesday’s public meeting in the PAC, a group called Neighborhoods United claimed that the plan did not include enough open park space. This was reiterated by several people in the crowd, including a group called Citizens Against Everything Bad. Some concern was based in part on an initiative that was voted on by City residents in 1974 that would ensure green space at Bicentennial Park. Continue reading
Miami Misconceptions: The Banana Republic
Miami is often referred to as the Banana Republic. Cuban-American Republicans are sometimes called Banana Republicans. How charming. For several reasons Miami is despised by many. There are those that seem threatened by the notion of Hispanization in America and feel that Miami is at the forefront of it. These same folks claim to be protecting America’s social fabric and are proponents for a national homogeneous culture. Miami, of course, is a threat to this fictitious status quo. Naturally, such an unreasonable stance ignores the melting pot social roots of the U.S., but what more can you expect from these misguided folks? We live in a racist world, unfortunately. Miami cannot shake these prejudices. The irony is that those who feel threatened by America’s supposed Hispanization and Miami’s role in propelling it are right about one thing: Miami is a vision of what could be the future for the country. Continue reading
Filed under BoB Articles, Culture, Miami Misconceptions
Miami is Latin America’s Sanctuary
As political instability continues to loom over South and Central America, Miami’s role as the main entry point for Latin immigrants continues to grow. Miami’s past absorbence of significant immigrant waves from Cuba, Nicaragua, and Haiti during the mid to latter 20th century is well documented. However, Miami’s current role as a gateway to those fleeing strife and insecurity in their homelands has expanded and diversified. Continue reading
Filed under BoB Articles, Culture, Economy
On Art Basel
NY Sun claims that Art Basel is the principal art event in the Hemisphere—dwarfing competitors. Critical Miami has a great overview of Art Basel 06’ with some excellent pictures to match. Oregon Live provides a day by day analysis of … Continue reading
Filed under Culture
Chelsea—with Palm Trees
Art Basel is an art festival unlike any other in the western hemisphere. This NY Sun article addresses how artists from all over the country and world prepare for the annual renowned art exposition. The international scope of Art Basel is evident in the author’s report, which is highly detailed and a must read for those who are participating in the event. This week, as the preparations begin for the December 7th-10th Art Basel event, Miami is going to be become, as the article states, “Chelsea—with palm trees ”. Continue reading for more. Continue reading
Filed under Culture
UK Sunday Times Highlights Miami’s Progress in the Arts
UK’s Sunday Times article refers to Miami as “a vibrant centre for contemporary art”. This article further illustrates the interest that Europeans have in Miami as a destination that is more than just a fun vacation spot in the sun. Tens of thousands of Brits are going to read this article and further realize that Miami is a special city—deserving of their tourist and investor dollars. Art Basel has really served as a sort of Magnet for affluent and refined Europeans. The world renown festival is boosting Miami’s cultural reputation while helping foster the city’s local art movement. The article also addresses Miami’s urban transformation, which again indicates that people as far away as the UK are quite interested in knowing what’s happening in Miami. Continue reading
Filed under Culture
New York Times Spotlights Wynwood
This is an incredible article on the bourgeoning Wynwood Arts movement. It is excellent to see Miami culture being reported on by the New York Times. What’s happening in Wynwood will not just define that neighborhood but help redefine Miami’s role in the art world and the perception others have of Miami as a city of culture. The article references the informative www.wynwoodartdistrict.com site as well as artist and collector websites. Wynwood, is emerging as a vital piece of Miami’s cultural portfolio. The New York Times coverage also reinforces the notion that New Yorkers are fascinated with what’s happening in Miami. Continue reading
Filed under Culture, Uptown: Wynwood Arts District
