From Sept 10th through Oct 17th, 2010.

ArtCenter/South Florida is hosting a series of posters produced by artist Philip Brooker for the inaugural year of the Miami Poster Project, a brand-new initiative. The exhibition opens to the public with a reception on Saturday, September 11th, 2010 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.

The show's intent is to update Miami's look - to provide visual content that is a reflection of the complex and fascinating place that is Miami, and to offer audiences respite from the frequently stale and tourist industry-driven images that have saturated the city. Booker was an art director and illustrator for The Miami Herald for 23 years, and his eclectic portfolio includes works as an illustrator, furniture-maker and filmmaker. Based in South Florida, he has participated in the poster production for the Miami Design Preservation League's Art Deco Weekend Festival (2007 and 2008); The Wolfsonian's Thoughts on Democracy exhibition (2008); and now has taken the lead to initiate the Miami Poster Project in bringing the community together to transform the Miami’s visual message.

The primary activity of the Miami Poster Project is the production and widespread distribution of an annual Miami poster or, as in year one, series of posters that serves as a portrait of the place, both reflecting the place and communicating a representation of Miami. While many local festivals create annual posters, Miami as a whole doesn’t have a similar avenue for visual self expression and celebration.

The annual poster/poster series will not be the typical sun-sea-bikini-flamingo-come-to-Miami tourist poster. Instead, the idea is to go beyond superficial or "stock" notions to create substantive, smart images that are of the place and for the place, a portrait of sorts.

Community involvement is a major focus of the Miami Poster Project. First, the poster will be a piece of artwork that is a point of community interest and pride. Second, the poster will be available for input from the entire community through a contest, beginning in year two of the project, which is open to everyone (all ages, all professions). Third, the poster will be available for distribution to the entire community through free digital distribution from the project’s website. The poster will be downloadable in multiple sizes compatible with home printing, and will include a placemat version, for use by area restaurants as well as residents. Free hard copy distribution of a version of the poster is also being explored and is a goal.

ArtCenter/South Florida
800 Lincoln Road
Miami Beach, FL 33139
305.674.8278
www.artcentersf.org