The City of Miami Beach is attempting to change people's perspectives of Memorial Day weekend by hosting its very first arts and cultural festival, called ReFrame.
Local artists will showcase works of art that spark crucial conversations about inclusion, blackness and relationships.
Octavia Yearwood, one of the festival's curators, says the media has historically portrayed visitors, particularly people of color, in a way that makes residents feel they should flee for the weekend. She hopes ReFrame can reshape the weekend's past "energy and vibe."
Read more: 'ReFrame' Aims To Bring Locals And Visitors Together At Miami Beach's Urban Beach Week
Matt Kenny, the Director of Tourism and Culture of Miami Beach, says art is a safe and beautiful ways to start conversations about inclusion and culture.
Partner institutions include Miami New Drama, BASS Museum and FIU Miami Beach Urban Studios.
The ReFrame Festival will begin Thursday, May 23, with the I See You, Too exhibit curated by Yearwood and Naiomy Guerrero with works by Loni Johnson and Rodney Jackson. It focuses on the impact of propaganda and misinformation. I See You, Too will be on view at 737 Lincoln Rd. through Monday, May 27.
Other events happening over the weekend include photo installations, live dance performances and open mics. All the artists are local to South Florida. Among them: Michelle Lis Polissaint, Chris Friday and GeoVanna Gonzalez.
The festival will conclude with a special Memorial Day concert presented by Miami New Drama at the Colony Theatre Monday, May 27 at 5 p.m.
All events are free. For a full list, click here.
