Arsht Center’s Second Annual Art + Mind Day Is Free and Fulfilling

Now, in its second year, Art + Mind Day at the Arsht Center in Miami is bigger, with more programming. The event is free to the community starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17. (Photo by Sergi Alexander/Eyeworks Production, courtesy of the Arsht Center)

The Arsht Center for the Performing Arts is gearing up to host its second annual Art + Mind Day, celebrating the impact of the arts on our well-being. The indoor event will take over the theater venue with a variety of activities throughout the day on Saturday, Aug. 17. Beginning at 10 a.m., the community is invited to start their day with a drumming performance by local percussion band Miamibloco.

“Art + Mind Day focuses on the healing power of the arts,” says Jairo Ontiveros, Vice President of Education and Community Engagement at the Arsht Center. “We’re offering activities across our campus that are specifically and intentionally connecting the mind, the body, and the soul through the performing arts and the visual arts.”

At last year’s Art + Mind Day 2023 at the Adrienne Arsht Center, people of all ages get their bodies moving. (Photo by Sergi Alexander/Eyeworks Production, courtesy of the Arsht Center)

Ontiveros, who has been with the Arsht Center for more than 17 years, discusses how special an event like Art + Mind Day is for the community.

“One of the things that is so important to us at the Arsht Center with Art + Mind Day is that we’re being very intentional and focused on the role that the arts can play on individual health and wellness, and then the collective health and wellness of our community.”

There’s no denying that the arts play an invaluable role in mental health. For starters, art is many times the go-to coping mechanism for many. Ontiveros gives an example of being anxious and stuck in traffic. What do you turn to to calm your nerves? Music on the radio or a tune in to a podcast.

Participants at last year’s Art + Mind Day at the Arsht leave their mark on the Mind Day mural. (Photo by Sergi Alexander/Eyeworks Production, courtesy of the Arsht Center)

“There’s research out there that engaging in artistic activities can reduce stress levels, promote relaxation, and support emotional expression,” he says.

Now, in its second year, Art + Mind Day is bigger, with more programming and more space throughout the performing arts venue, according to Ontiveros. “We’ve added a lot more active arts participation sessions,” says Ontiveros of the learnings from its inaugural event in 2023. “We like to change it around, but we also like to make sure that we’re working with local organizations, local artists, to amplify the work that they’re doing in the arts and wellness sector.”

Jairo Ontiveros is the vice president of Education and Community Engagement at the Arsht Center
(Photo by Justin Namon)

One activity that was popular last year, a virtual reality guided meditation, will be returning with local artist Alissa Christine once again leading the experience. Another event that Ontiveros is looking forward to this weekend is a new addition by Dania Beach’s MAD Arts.

The installation combines the magic of 3D mapping and music to leave the viewer with the deepest possible impact. “You’ll get to sort of immerse yourself in one of our largest rooms,” describes Ontiveros. “It’ll be part sound and part visual landscape where guests will be able to meander and experience it at their own pace.”

Families will have access to classes and workshops throughout the day, including a percussion session, a song circle, and even a generational storytelling class to dance, draw and even learn about holistic health.

Programming for Art + Mind Day at the Arsht Center is intentionally meant to connect the mind, body and soul through the performing and visual arts. Participants at last year’s Art + Mind Day at the Arsht leave their mark on the Mind Day mural. (Photo by Sergi Alexander/Eyeworks Production, courtesy of the Arsht Center)

“Part of health and wellness is paying attention to your body and what you’re putting in it,” says Ontiveros. “So new this year we have healthy food demonstrations by artists and chef Nzingah Oniwosan.”

Art + Mind Day is free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to RSVP via the Arsht Center’s website and can even snag free parking.

“What we want to collectively say with Art + Mind Day is that it’s a social connection where people can come, share artistic experiences together that foster a sense of community and belonging, and that ultimately brings joy,” shares Ontiveros.

 WHAT: Art + Mind Day

 WHERE: Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami

 WHEN: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 17

 COST: Free with RSVP at www.arshtcenter.org.

 INFORMATION: (305) 949-6722 or www.arshtcenter.org.

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