The Miami Museum of Contemporary Art of the African Diaspora (Miami MoCAAD) looks forward to working with Miami-Dade County, the City of Miami, and the Overtown CRA to turn an abandoned county-owned detention center into Miami MoCAAD’s physical home.
This effort will advance its mission to use technology to create new ways to experience and access art.
Miami MoCAAD is set to celebrate a decade of creativity and community with a grand 10th Anniversary Celebration of Art, Technology & Innovation during Soul Basel as part of Art of Black Miami during Miami Art Week. The event will take place on December 2, 2025, at the Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater lobby and on the Plaza, from 6:30 to 10 PM, located at 819 NW 2 Avenue, Miami, FL 33136.
RSVP to attend in person or virtually: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/save-the-date-celebrate-miami-mocaads-first-ten-years-tickets-1557299377359
On the Lyric Theater Plaza, Miami MoCAAD will unveil its newest Virtual Reality innovation, featuring virtual museum galleries showcasing the museum’s ongoing exhibitions. These will be accessible online through the Miami MoCAAD website. Two major exhibitions will be launched:
“Telling Overtown Stories, Saying Their Names”: This exhibit includes three interactive murals commissioned by Miami MoCAAD that share vibrant stories of the Overtown community, honoring its history and residents.
“Looking Forward”: Curated by N’Namdi Contemporary Fine Art, will feature works of five leading artists from the African Diaspora.
The New World Symphony Mobile WALLCAST® (a 23′ by 13′ outdoor screen) will also showcase exhibitions for public viewing, providing a larger-than-life outdoor art experience.
Inside the Lyric Theater lobby, visitors will experience the future with “Looking Forward,” a lively exhibition featuring works by renowned artists like Mark Delmont, Stephen Arboite, Maxwell Pearce, Sidney Blu, and Samuel Nnorom.
“N’Namdi Contemporary has remained committed to education, culture, and aesthetics, while bridging the gap between institutions and community, which is why working with Miami MOCAAD is pivotal. “Looking Forward” continues this mission by bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, offering a dynamic exploration of contemporary artistic expression.”-Jumanne E. N’Namdi, Owner, Director N’Namdi Gallery.
Public Art Murals and Interactive Experiences
Miami MoCAAD’s mobile interactive mural exhibition, “Telling Overtown Stories, Saying Their Names,” will be a highlight of the event. This project uses technology to engage and inspire the public by adding QR codes to each mural, unlocking oral histories, and bringing these works to life. The murals showcase the culture and creativity of the African Diaspora and are also available virtually on Miami MoCAAD’s website (miamimocaad.org) and at key landmarks in Overtown, including:
The International Longshoreman Local 1416 Building (816 NW 2nd Ave, across from the Lyric Theater)
● Judge Lawson E. Thomas Law Office Building (1021 NW 2nd Ave)
● The Carver Building (801 NW 3rd Ave, site of the historic Carver Hotel)
Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage with the interactive mobile mural exhibition during Soul Basel, at the North Dade Regional Library (mid-December to March 2026), and at Miami International Airport (April to October 2026), experiencing the intersection of art, history, and technology.
Since its inception, Miami MoCAAD has operated as a virtual museum, hosting pop-up exhibitions and creative conversations to showcase artists and art while fostering important dialogues. The museum’s founders and supporters are excited to begin a new chapter by transforming an abandoned county-owned detention center into its physical location, furthering Miami MoCAAD’s mission to highlight art, technology, and innovation while supporting communities. Visit: https://www.miamimocaad.org/.
Community Vibes, Live Music, and more
The event will feature live music, light bites, and a lively atmosphere, making it a perfect occasion for attendees to connect with their community while celebrating the fusion of art, technology, and innovation. This celebration promises to be a key moment in Miami Art Week and a testament to the power of the arts in shaping Miami’s cultural landscape.
This 10th Anniversary Celebration marks a monumental milestone in our journey. We’ve always strived to create a space where innovation and culture come together, and this celebration will showcase just how far we’ve come — with a strong look toward the future.”—Marilyn Holifield, Co-Founder of Miami MoCAAD.
Miami MoCAAD is an integral part of our cultural community. This event is a perfect example of how art and technology can work together to honor our history while shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for all.-Keon Hardemon, Miami-Dade County Commissioner:
Miami is a city that thrives on creativity and diversity. Miami MoCAAD’s 10th Anniversary is a celebration of our shared history and the global impact of Black culture. I’m thrilled to be part of such a momentous event.–Christine King, Chair, Miami City Commission:
Celebrating Miami MoCAAD’s 10th Anniversary is exciting, as they are cultural changemakers throughout Historic Overtown and greater Miami-Dade County. Now more than ever, we must champion our culture, and we are grateful for Miami MoCAAD’s impact throughout the community.-James McQueen, Executive Director, SEOPW CRA.
“N’Namdi Contemporary has remained committed to education, culture, and aesthetics, while bridging the gap between institutions and community, which is why working with Miami MOCAAD is pivotal. Looking Forward continues this mission by bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, offering a dynamic exploration of contemporary artistic expression.” N’Namdi Contemporary-Jumanne N’Namdi–Founder, N’Namdi Contemporary.
“Miami MOCAAD plays a pivotal role in showcasing the depth and diversity of Miami’s cultural landscape. Its contributions to the art season exemplify how creativity and heritage come together to strengthen Miami’s position as a premier global destination for arts and culture.” — Connie Kinnard, Senior Vice President, Multicultural Tourism & Development, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Event Details:
● Date: December 2, 2025
● Time: 6:30 PM-10pm
● Location: Black Archives Historic Lyric Plaza, 819 NW 2nd Avenue, Overtown, Miami, FL
● Admission: Free. Donations encouraged. -https://www.eventbrite.com/e/save-the-date[3] -celebrate-miami-mocaads-first-ten-years-tickets-1557299377359.
Content (including image) used with the permission of Ludlow Bailey.