ART BASEL MIAMI RECAP
Art Basel Miami Beach roared back in 2024 with a bold, refreshed energy under the stewardship of new director Bridget Finn. As the preeminent art fair in the Americas, the event not only reinforced its reputation as a global cultural epicenter but also marked a significant turning point for contemporary art fairs worldwide. With over 75,000 attendees, 286 galleries from 38 countries, and groundbreaking initiatives, this year’s edition cemented its place as a must-see event for art aficionados, collectors, and institutions alike.
A Dynamic Showcase of Artistic Excellence
The 2024 edition saw an impressive turnout of galleries, with two-thirds representing the Americas, alongside a notable influx of new participants. This year’s fair welcomed 34 new galleries—the largest group in a decade—bringing fresh voices and perspectives to the event. Exhibitors celebrated robust sales across all sectors, placing works by renowned masters and contemporary visionaries into prestigious collections. From Pablo Picasso to emerging talents like Melissa Joseph and Péjú Alatise, the breadth of art on display highlighted the fair’s commitment to showcasing diverse artistic practices.
Innovations and Highlights
Under Finn’s direction, Art Basel Miami Beach embraced innovation with significant updates to its format and programming. The Meridians sector, renowned for its monumental artworks, was reimagined for its fifth anniversary. Positioned at the heart of the show floor, the open layout fostered dynamic exchanges and discovery, featuring standout pieces by artists such as Franz West, Alice Aycock, and Zhu Jinshi. Curated by Yasmil Raymond, this section became a focal point for conversation and engagement.
Conversations, Art Basel’s renowned talks program, also reached new heights. Curated by Kimberly Bradley, the program included a standout Premiere Artist Talk by Shirin Neshat, drawing record-breaking audiences. The talks explored pressing topics at the intersection of art, culture, and technology, reflecting the fair’s forward-thinking ethos.
A Celebration of Community and Collaboration
This year’s edition deepened its ties with the local and global art community. Miami Beach’s Legacy Purchase Program continued to shine, acquiring Nina Surel’s "Allegory of Florida" (2023) as a permanent installation at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Additionally, the CPGA-Étant Donnés Prize spotlighted the excellence of the French art scene, awarding artist Johanna Mirabel and Galerie Nathalie Obadia for their contributions.
Art Basel also embraced digital innovation through the launch of its new app, developed in partnership with Microsoft. This tech-forward initiative introduced features like the Art Basel Companion and Art Basel Lens, leveraging AI-powered tools to enhance the visitor experience. Furthermore, the Digital Dialogues program delved into the intersection of art and blockchain, bridging traditional and crypto art communities.
The Art Basel Shop: A Curated Retail Experience
For the first time in Miami Beach, the Art Basel Shop expanded into three locations within the MBCC, featuring exclusive collaborations with artists like Judy Chicago and Paulo Nimer Pjota. This retail activation offered visitors a tangible connection to the fair’s creative spirit, blending collectible merchandise with public programming by artists like José Parlá and Calida Rawles.
Looking to the Future
As Bridget Finn reflected on her inaugural edition, she expressed gratitude for the trust and collaboration of exhibitors, artists, and partners. Her leadership has ushered in a new chapter for Art Basel Miami Beach, characterized by bold artistic proposals and a commitment to innovation. The fair not only celebrated its storied past but also set a clear trajectory for its future as a transformative force in the art world.
Art Basel Miami Beach 2024 was more than an art fair—it was a testament to the enduring power of creativity, community, and collaboration in shaping the cultural landscape.