As Art Week descends upon Miami, the spotlight extends beyond traditional artistic expression to address critical issues of sustainability and resilience. At the forefront of this transformative narrative stands Xavier Cortada, Miami-Dade County’s first Artist in Residence. His groundbreaking project, “The Underwater” Interactive Art Campaign, aims to captivate the community’s curiosity while delivering essential insights into the environmental challenges that echo throughout the county.

During Art Week from December 4th to 10th, The Xavier Cortada Foundation’s campaign will bring a unique visual experience to Miami Beach, Downtown, and Wynwood. Thousands of elevation yard signs, strategically placed in front of various locations, will serve as dynamic canvases, visually representing the sea level in each area. This initiative provides a compelling means of highlighting the critical issue of rising sea levels, turning public spaces into engaging platforms for community awareness.

The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation proudly aligns itself with The Xavier Cortada Foundation, offering financial support for this impactful endeavor. In collaboration with Miami Beach Senior High, yard signs that transcend conventional markers symbolically depict the elevation above sea level for each specific area. Beyond their visual impact, these signs offer an interactive experience, encouraging individuals to scan embedded QR codes for a personalized exploration of their home’s elevation and a deeper understanding of the potential consequences of rising sea levels. By transforming abstract threats into tangible realities, this campaign strives to elevate the discourse on sea-level rise, bringing it to the forefront of public consciousness during the immersive experience of Art Week.

“The Underwater” is more than just an art campaign; it is a community-led climate action initiative. Using interactive art installations, it seeks to reveal South Florida’s elevation, spark crucial conversations, and urge civic engagement. Lucia Baez-Geller, Miami-Dade County Public Schools Board Member representing District 3, has supported this initiative, recognizing its educational potential. The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation and The Xavier Cortada Foundation, alongside partners such as Creative Capital, Cecil & Ana Milton Family Foundation, Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, Wynwood BID, The Knight Foundation, and other stakeholders, have invested in this large-scale interactive art project.

“Art possesses a transformative power, serving not only as an informative tool but as an inspirational force,” says Brittnie Bassant, Miami Beach Chamber President & CEO. Richard Segal, Chairman, echoes this sentiment, stating, “Backing ‘The Underwater’ is crucial as it raises awareness about sea-level rise in the Miami Beach community. Together, we can contribute to a more resilient future for our city.” They jointly emphasize the influential role of art as a catalyst for change, envisioning the campaign not merely as an informative tool but as an inspirational force. Their shared vision encourages active community participation in safeguarding the future of Miami, recognizing the transformative impact that collective engagement can have on building resilience and sustainability.

As Miami navigates the complex landscape of environmental challenges, “The Underwater” Interactive Art Campaign emerges as a beacon of hope, uniting art, education, and community engagement to address the urgent issue of sea-level rise. Through visionary leadership, artistic expression, and collective engagement, the campaign charts a course toward a more resilient and sustainable future for Miami and beyond.

About the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce: 

As a cornerstone of community development since 1921, the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to enhancing the economic well-being of our residents and championing the perspectives of the business community on key public policy issues. At the heart of our mission is a commitment to providing invaluable support for businesses in Miami Beach. We are eager to offer local insights, personalized recommendations, and the essential tools needed to maximize your experience in our beloved city. Our passion lies in helping businesses thrive, and we stand ready to contribute to the success of entrepreneurs and enterprises in the vibrant and dynamic landscape of Miami Beach.