This year IKT Congress (International Association of curators of contemporary art) gathered in Miami, Florida for a four-day program of discussions, artist studio visits, presentations and exhibition tours. One of IKT’s board members and Miami resident Ombretta Agró Andruff organized the sprawling, successful itinerary throughout Miami and Miami Beach. It included ICA, RFC ( Rubell Family Collection), PAMM ( Peréz Art Museum), Wolfsonian among a few others.

One of the best aspects of this year’s curatorial assembly, was the theme “exploring issues of resilience and sustainability in cultural production.” The assembly connected Latin American and Caribbean curators to an impressive network of European, Canadian, Mediterranean, North American and Australian scholars in the field. Curators of diverse backgrounds had the chance to speak intimately, exchange ideas and establish professional connections that could lead to future collaborations in Miami and abroad. Additionally, Miami-Dade County Art in Public Places offered scholarships to local curators that covered expenses for the four-days. Plus, they selected visual artists to present 5- minute rounds during Long of Arts in Public Places. This was lead by Amanda Sanfilippo at the RFC ( Rubell Family Collection).

Over the four days, curators traveled throughout the city and experienced highlights such as a first-time public walk through of RFC’s future museum location, a group exhibition Room for Failure curated by Omar López-Chahoud at Piero Atchugarry and hearing Rosa De La Cruz speak candidly on the De la Cruz Collection and their approach to helping young artists at NWSA ( New World School of the Arts). These particular moments exemplified the fire that exists in Miami’s art ecology. With a focus on figures in the community with a passion for moving Miami’s artistic landscape forward, it allows the attendees one step closer to their private space of familiarity. Other moments, such as the 5-minute rounds at the RFC, seemed to trail off a bit. Some of the artists veered away from the structure, and at times even the dialogue was sloppy. The result was a lengthy discussion that distracted the curators from sitting through the visual presentation and seeing compelling works Miami has to offer.

Fortunately, the last day of IKT Congress, PAMM presented Suiting-Up, an outstanding collaboration between artists Lucinda Liberman and Kim Yantis. Both artists paired up to create fashion that intersects survival gear, functionality, and performance. The performance opened with a video projection. Liberman narrated a small segment that described each performer’s style as a character, set in the bleak future of Miami’s climatically altered environment. Each person’s wardrobe enabled them to adapt to their new home. It was a simple presentation that went straight to the point, and IKT’s assembly of curators responded well.

The four days not only offered a close view of artist’s work to the curators, but also a healthy challenge for Miami artists to be innovative and engage in new opportunities. IKT Congress’ team did a great job at rounding up Miami’s gems, nurturing talent and connecting cultural institutions to fresh curatorial voices. Additionally, the association opened windows for curators looking to collaborate with other curators, and exposed the city to new, possible ventures.