Miami Beach saw another round of protests outside the Miami Beach Convention Center during Art Basel, with activists and artists coming together to voice their concerns. The protesters highlighted UBS’s investments in Israeli weapon manufacturing and the event’s impact on the local ecosystem. Artists 4 Artists also joined the protest, calling for a boycott of the next edition of the fair in 2026.
The coalition of Miami artists and activists gathered near City Hall, engaging in peaceful demonstrations and conversations with fairgoers. They raised awareness about Israel’s ongoing violence in Gaza and the Occupied West Bank, despite a ceasefire. The presence of police and sniper surveillance did not deter the protestors from sharing their message and distributing flyers with QR codes linking to Palestinian art and poetry.
Palestinian-American artist Elias Rischmawi emphasized the importance of de-centering Art Basel and focusing on community building. He is organizing an exhibition called “Beyond Home” at the Boom Box in Miami, featuring Palestinian and immigrant artists exploring themes of displacement.
The protest also drew attention to Art Basel sponsor UBS’s investments in Israeli weapons manufacturer Elbit Systems and Miami-Dade County’s reported investments in Israeli bonds. Miami Artists 4 Artists urged a boycott of Art Basel and its associated events, highlighting the intersectionality of the Palestinian cause with broader issues of fascism and censorship in Florida.
The organizers emphasized the exploitation of labor and culture by art fairs like Art Basel, calling for a shift towards artist-centric exhibitions and programming. The ongoing artists’ census and previous exhibitions protesting immigration detention centers demonstrate their commitment to social justice through art.
As artist Eddie Arroyo captured the scene through sketches, Jewish Miami resident Amanda Rose reflected on the symbolic significance of looking towards the future. She expressed hope for a free Palestine, echoing the sentiment of “Next year in Jerusalem” as a vision for a more just and equitable future.
Overall, the protest at Art Basel highlighted the power of art as a tool for activism and social change, challenging the status quo and advocating for justice and equality.
