Original artwork set to grace University of Miami Herbert Business School

A large original artwork is set to grace the ground level foyer of the UM Herbert Business School Aresty Building this summer, thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor who wants to show that the University cares about the arts and working creatively.

“The donor wanted to give back and show love to the art community,” said Michael Noah Coleman, one of a handful of UM Business School students overseeing the marketing efforts and submissions for the competition. “He does extensive work in the Miami area and this is his way of showing that the business community supports the arts and finds it vital.”

Initiated toward the end of April, the competition to commission an original piece is open to South Florida residents from Miami-Dade, Broward, Monroe and Palm Beach counties. Coleman said “we want to emphasize that the contest is open to artists of all levels of experience. The goal — give a platform to an undiscovered artist, someone who hasn’t had their big break yet. We’re looking to possibly be that big break for someone.”

Artists must submit their applications by June 1, a deadline that may need to be extended, because of the current state of the world . Selection will be based on ideas and use of themes, prior experience, and artist’s relevance to the region.

Potential artwork themes:

Globalization/International Unity
Miami, often referred to as the capital of Latin America, is believed to be one of the most diverse cities in the United States. Here, people from all walks of life and every corner of the globe come together to create the Miami we know today. In a world where people feel more and more divided, MHBS’s emphasis on “Business Without Borders” brings citizens from over 100 nations together in its integrative academic environment.

Sustainability/Environmentalism
As a tourist destination, Miami is universally known for its lush vegetation, its tropical biodiversity, and the beautiful sands and crystal-clear waters of its beaches. Often referred to as the “ground-zero” of the pressing threat of sea-level rise, Miami and its economy rests upon its ability to remain sustainable. Through the power of business, we can make the changes we seek in society.

Work Hard, Play Hard
If you just drive around downtown, you’ll see Miami has one of the starkest contrasts between business and pleasure. Suit-and-tie-clad businesspeople pace around Brickell, while just a few blocks North, some of the most talented, creative, laid-back people inhabit Wynwood. At the University, too, some of the smartest students from around the world come together for a world-class education just a short Uber ride away to Ocean Drive.

Leadership/Scholarship
Miami is a hub of opportunity. At MHBS, students can be trained in nearly every facet of the business world, with an emphasis on the tech, real estate, and international banking industries. Here, people can become a professional in any of these fields and more and develop the skill set required of a 21st Century leader.

The deadline for the winning artist to complete the piece is currently August, “but that deadline could be extended. And ultimately, the goal is to receive 100 submissions which is why we extended the submission deadline to June 1,” said Cohen. “We want to have a good base of applicants to choose from.

Primarily, they’ve been receiving 2-D artworks but are open to anything, including sculpture. “We’re looking for a piece that will fit the dimensions of the room, and those dimensions are outlined in the application,” said Cohen.

Although this is the first contest of its kind “we hope this is the first of many and that it become a new initiative at the Business School,” he said.

Here’s info on the submission process and winner notification:

Interested artists should complete the application in a word compatible document and submit to tesla@miami.edu on or before June 1, 2020. Click here for to view/download the artist submission application with additional information.

All artists who submit the application for consideration will be notified of the decision on or before July 1, 2020. Further questions should be directed to mnc67@miami.edu.

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