Story by Terry Check
The Sagamore Hotel’s groundbreaking art program sets the stage for Miami Art Week 2024 with a thrilling lineup of events. From an extraordinary collaboration with BitBasel to the 23rd Iconic Sagamore Brunch, immerse yourself in unforgettable art, culture, and celebration. Join the Sagamore Hotel and Masquerade Magazine in a “One on One” interview about all the exciting details of official BitBasel’s Miami Art Week programming.
Masquerade: Can you tell us about the vision behind BitBasel’s Miami Art Week 2024 events at the Sagamore Hotel? What themes or experiences are you hoping to showcase?
Sagamore: BitBasel’s Miami Art Week 2024 at the Sagamore is a celebration of the synergy between art, technology, and community. Our vision is to create a dynamic platform where blockchain, AI, immersive experiences, and traditional art intersect, inspiring collaboration and sparking innovation. This year, we’re focusing on “The Future of the Arts,” showcasing how technology is revolutionizing creative expression. We’re not just celebrating art; we’re redefining how it’s made, shared, and experienced.
Masquerade: How has the Sagamore Hotel’s approach to BitBasel’s Miami Art Week evolved over the years, and what makes the 2024 lineup stand out?
Sagamore: The Sagamore has always embraced its identity as “The Art Hotel,” but its partnership with BitBasel has pushed this commitment to new heights. In 2024, we’re introducing programs that expand on blockchain, AI, and XR (Extended Reality), making the Sagamore a hub for cutting-edge creativity. What sets this year apart is the fusion of traditional artistry with groundbreaking technologies, offering attendees an experience that’s both innovative and deeply rooted in Miami’s cultural vibrancy.
Masquerade: Beyond A.I. is an intriguing part of the program. How will it address the intersection between artificial intelligence and creative expression?
Sagamore: “Beyond A.I.” is designed to explore the cutting edge of how artificial intelligence collaborates with artists to create something entirely new. The program features innovators demonstrating AI’s potential to generate, enhance, and even curate art. Attendees will experience how AI is becoming a creative partner, offering tools that expand the boundaries of what’s possible in art and design. It’s an unmissable opportunity to see where the future of creativity is headed.
Masquerade: What inspired the Creative Tech Investor Summit, and how is it helping bridge the gap between investors and emerging technologies in art?
Sagamore: The Creative Tech Investor Summit was born from the need to connect the tech and investment worlds with the burgeoning creative economy. This summit creates a space for dialogue between visionaries and investors, showcasing opportunities at the intersection of art and technology. It’s a place to uncover groundbreaking projects and foster partnerships that can propel innovation forward, ensuring that emerging artists and technologists have the resources they need to thrive.
Masquerade: The Visible Women’s Brunch is a fantastic initiative. How does this event aim to celebrate and support female creatives?
Sagamore: The Visible Women’s Brunch is all about amplifying the voices and contributions of women in the creative industries. This brunch provides a welcoming space for female creatives to share their stories, connect with peers, and find opportunities for collaboration. By highlighting their achievements and fostering a strong community, the brunch seeks to empower women and inspire future generations to pursue their passions in art and technology.
Masquerade: With Pink Floyd’s Scott Page attending, what can fans expect from his participation? Will there be any interactive or special moments with his work?
Sagamore: Scott Page brings a unique blend of rock history and cutting-edge technology to Miami Art Week 2024. Fans can look forward to exclusive insights into his legendary career, along with interactive experiences featuring blockchain-powered digital memorabilia. His participation bridges the worlds of music and tech, offering attendees a rare chance to engage with his artistic journey in innovative ways.
Masquerade: Mooon.Party Vol*2 has a vibrant and eclectic vibe. Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind this event and its significance to BitBasel’s Miami Art Week 2024?
Sagamore: Mooon.Party Vol*2 is an ode to creativity and exploration, blending art, music, and technology under a cosmic theme. This event is a sensory experience, featuring electrifying performances, immersive visuals, and interactive installations. It’s designed to embody the bold and eclectic energy of BitBasel’s Miami Art Week, offering attendees a night of connection and inspiration in a truly unique setting.
Masquerade: The 23rd Iconic Sagamore Brunch is a celebrated tradition. What’s in store for guests this year?
Sagamore: This year’s brunch takes on the theme “The Future of the Arts,” combining elegance with innovation. As one of the most coveted invitations during Miami Art Week, the Sagamore Art Brunch continued to set the standard for excellence. The event featured a range of immersive experiences, including live art activations, fashion shows, NFT displays, performances by the South Florida Symphony, gourmet catering by Paul, mixology stations, and more. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that celebrates creativity and connection, making it a cornerstone of Miami Art Week.
Eternal Creations—a breathtaking collection of seven unique pure silver casts of Michelangelo’s most renowned masterpieces was presents in the hotel’s lobby. These exceptional sculptures were created in partnership with BitBasel, using the original negative molds preserved by the historic Fonderia Artistica Ferdinando Marinelli in Florence, Italy. These molds, entrusted to the foundry by Pope Pius XI before World War II to safeguard the Vatican’s invaluable art treasures, ensure an authentic connection to Michelangelo’s originals. Treasure Investments, which holds exclusive rights to these posthumous works, adds an additional layer of prestige to the collection.
A longstanding tradition for the boutique beachfront hotel, the Sagamore Art Brunch has solidified its place as a must-attend gathering for collectors, dealers, and artists from the global art community. Its legacy as a hallmark of Miami Beach’s art scene dates back to the hotel’s storied art deco days, making it a timeless celebration of creativity and culture.
Masquerade: What kind of experience is planned for the 305 Pool Party, and how does it capture the spirit of Miami’s art and music culture?
Sagamore: The 305 Pool Party is quintessential Miami—vibrant, diverse, and full of energy. With live DJs, art installations, and a dynamic atmosphere, this event celebrates the city’s rich cultural tapestry. It’s a place where art and music come together to create unforgettable moments, capturing the essence of Miami Art Week.
Masquerade: With so many intersecting themes—art, technology, and culture—how are these events curated to ensure a cohesive experience for attendees?
Sagamore: Our curation process focuses on the central theme of “The Future of the Arts,” ensuring that each event complements the others. By integrating diverse art forms with technology and culture, we’ve crafted a weeklong experience that feels cohesive while offering something for everyone. Every program adds a unique dimension, creating a holistic journey through the cutting edge of creativity.
Masquerade: How are the artists and speakers chosen for these events, and what factors are considered to reflect Miami’s diverse and evolving art scene?
Sagamore: We select artists and speakers who embody innovation, cultural relevance, and a deep connection to the themes of BitBasel’s Miami Art Week. By prioritizing diversity and creativity, we ensure that our lineup reflects Miami’s vibrant and evolving art scene. These voices bring fresh perspectives and groundbreaking ideas, enriching the weeklong celebration.
Masquerade: What do you hope guests will take away from BitBasel’s Miami Art Week 2024 at the Sagamore, both in terms of artistic inspiration and personal connections?
Sagamore: We hope guests leave with a renewed sense of inspiration and excitement for the future of art and technology. Beyond the incredible displays of talent and innovation, we want attendees to build meaningful connections—with the art, the city, and the creative community. BitBasel’s Miami Art Week is about celebrating what’s possible when creativity and technology come together.
Masquerade: Lastly, how do you see the Sagamore Hotel’s role in Miami’s art scene evolving over the next few years, especially as new technologies and trends continue to emerge?
Sagamore: As Miami’s art scene grows, the Sagamore Hotel remains dedicated to leading the way. We aim to balance tradition with innovation, creating a space where artists, collectors, and enthusiasts can explore new trends and technologies while honoring classic art forms. As advancements like AI, AR, and blockchain reshape the art world, we’ll integrate these elements into our exhibitions and experiences. At the same time, we’ll continue to be a welcoming hub for authentic connections and cultural exchange.
Located oceanfront in the heart of Miami Beach, the Sagamore offers not only a prime location but also an exceptional guest experience, thanks to our outstanding operations team spearheaded by General Manager Jordan Gvili. Under the guidance of Art Director Ronit Neuman, we’ve curated a space where art and hospitality meet seamlessly.
What sets the Sagamore apart is that the art doesn’t stop after Art Basel. Guests can stay with us year-round to experience our curated art collections and installations, making every visit an opportunity to immerse themselves in creativity. Our mission is to keep the Sagamore a vibrant platform for art and ideas, evolving with the times while staying true to our roots.
Masquerade Magazine wishes to thank GiAnna Orangio of The Dana Agency for coordinating this cover story, and to the Sagamore Miami Beach for sponsoring the art program every year. Many thanks to WorldRedEye and Terry Check for the photography published in this article.
