Miami became the global epicenter for modern, contemporary, and experimental art during the Miami Art Week 2024 (December 2–8). Over 10 exhibitions and 20 promotional events, many led by renowned Italian brands, showcased the depth and creativity of Italian artistry. This year’s event featured the highly anticipated Art Basel Miami Beach, one of the world’s most prestigious art fairs, which serves as a major hub alongside Basel, Paris, and Hong Kong.
One of the key moments of the week was a pivotal talk titled “Italian Art in the Global Market – Between Exhibitions, Fairs, and Galleries”, organized by the Italian Consulate General in Miami, the Italian Cultural Institute in Miami, and the Italian Trade Agency (ICE). This event marked a first-of-its-kind discussion that explored the dynamic intersection of contemporary art and design.
The conversation featured two prominent figures in the art and design world:
- Vincenzo de Bellis – Director of Fairs and Exhibition Platforms at Art Basel
- Maria Porro – President of Salone del Mobile.Milano
The two speakers delved into the evolving relationship between contemporary art and design, emphasizing the social role and responsibility of artists and designers in shaping cultural landscapes. They also discussed the operational and communication strategies of two global trade show giants: Salone del Mobile.Milano and Art Basel.
The event opened with remarks by Matteo Zoppas, President of ICE (Italian Trade Agency), who underscored the importance of using global platforms like Art Basel and Salone del Mobile to promote the excellence of Made in Italy. Zoppas outlined ICE’s strategy to increase international engagement, especially in key markets such as the United States, China, and India. He announced the agency’s goal to attract top industry players, including 190 leading journalists and 160 high-profile buyers from architecture, interior design, and real estate sectors, to the 2025 Salone del Mobile.Milano.
Michele Mistò, Italy’s Consul General in Miami, highlighted how Art Basel and Salone del Mobile represent two interconnected ecosystems that shape business, culture, and society. He emphasized that art and design are core pillars of Italian heritage and that supporting the promotion of Made in Italy in the U.S. market is a strategic priority for Italian institutions.
The event drew more than 80 key stakeholders from the global art industry, including collectors, gallery owners, buyers, and design professionals. This gathering served as a platform to strengthen Italy’s role as a global trendsetter in art, design, and contemporary creativity.
The “Italian Art in the Global Market” event at Miami Art Week 2024 spotlighted Italy’s pivotal role in the global creative economy. Through the combined efforts of the Italian Consulate, the Italian Cultural Institute, and ICE, Italian design and art took center stage, fostering deeper connections between Italy’s rich artistic heritage and the world’s leading collectors and buyers.
This dialogue laid the groundwork for future collaborations and cemented Italy’s reputation as a leader in shaping global trends in art and design.
For more information please see full press release here
