Miami MoCAAD highlights plans for permanent museum at appreciation luncheon
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Key Points(5)
- The Miami Museum of Contemporary Art of the African Diaspora (Miami MoCAAD) is advancing plans for a permanent physical home as it expands its cultural programming and seeks to grow its founding community of supporters.
- The museum highlighted its next phase of development at its 2026 Appreciation Luncheon, held October 17 at the Overtown Performing Arts Center in historic Overtown, Miami.
- The gathering brought together cultural leaders, scholars, supporters and community partners to discuss the museum’s vision and its potential contributions to Miami’s arts, education and business sectors.
- Miami-Dade County Commissioner Keon Hardemon and City of Miami Commissioner and Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency Board Chair are helping lay the groundwork for the museum’s permanent location, according to the organization.
- “This luncheon was a reminder that Miami MoCAAD is no longer an idea; it is a vibrant cultural institution,” said Marilyn Holifield, the museum’s co-founder and a senior partner at Holland & Knight.
The Miami Museum of Contemporary Art of the African Diaspora (Miami MoCAAD) is advancing plans for a permanent physical home as it expands its cultural programming and seeks to grow its founding community of supporters.
The museum highlighted its next phase of development at its 2026 Appreciation Luncheon, held October 17 at the Overtown Performing Arts Center in historic Overtown, Miami.
The gathering brought together cultural leaders, scholars, supporters and community partners to discuss the museum’s vision and its potential contributions to Miami’s arts, education and business sectors.
Miami-Dade County Commissioner Keon Hardemon and City of Miami Commissioner and Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency Board Chair are helping lay the groundwork for the museum’s permanent location, according to the organization.
“This luncheon was a reminder that Miami MoCAAD is no longer an idea; it is a vibrant cultural institution,” said Marilyn Holifield, the museum’s co-founder and a senior partner at Holland & Knight.
She said the museum aims to connect communities, preserve Miami’s stories, broaden the public’s experience of art and improve accessibility.
A fireside conversation moderated by Rodrick Miller, president and CEO of the Miami-Dade Beacon Council, examined the role of art, culture, technology and innovation in Miami’s development as a global city.
The discussion featured Holifield; Alejandro de la Fuente, a Harvard University professor and founding director of the Harvard Afro-Latin American Research Institute; and Howard Herring, former president and CEO of the New World Symphony.
Panelists explored how the museum could contribute to economic development, support small businesses and strengthen educational opportunities in the surrounding community.
Hans Ottinot, a co-founder of Miami MoCAAD, said the support demonstrated at the luncheon reflected growing momentum behind the institution.
He said the museum is working to expand access to art, create opportunities and strengthen Miami’s connections with national and international communities.
The event also introduced the Miami MoCAAD 100 Initiative, which seeks to build and sustain the museum’s founding community. Initiative Trailblazers Zarifa Brown Reynolds, CEO of Royal Neighbors Insurance, and Theresa Therilus, city manager of North Miami, invited individuals to join the effort.
Organizers also showcased the museum’s expanding reach through exhibitions, immersive technology experiences and cultural programming designed to engage audiences locally and internationally while plans for a permanent location advance.
Attendees received a video preview of the upcoming virtual reality exhibition, El Pasado Mio/My Own Past: Contributions of Afrodescendant Women to Cuban Art.
Miami MoCAAD is inviting individuals, businesses, foundations and community partners to participate in the Miami MoCAAD 100 Initiative, donate through Give Miami Day or sponsor programs and mobile mural exhibitions.
More information about the museum and opportunities to support its work is available at MiamiMoCAAD.org.
