Tourism and Culture Department – Cultural Affairs Division – Art in Public Places (AiPP)
Project Name: No Vacancy, Miami Beach
Submission Deadline: Monday, June 30, 2025 at 5:00 pm, via Submittable
Location(s):
Selected hotels located within Miami Beach, FL. Selected artworks must be installed within the hotel property (art installations on the beachfront will not be allowed). The selected artist will work collaboratively with City of Miami Beach Tourism and Culture department and participating hotels to determine specific locations.
Brief Description:
Launching November 13, 2025 through December 20, 2025, No Vacancy is a contemporary art happening that celebrates artists, provokes critical discourse, and invites the public to experience Miami Beach’s famed hotels as destination art spaces. No Vacancy is an open, international art competition in Miami Beach for five (5) weeks.
Thirty-five thousand dollars ($35,000) in prizes will be awarded, which includes a $10,000 prize awarded entirely by public vote and another $25,000 prize awarded by a jury of art experts. The City of Miami Beach will select at least fifteen (15) applicants to participate in the program. Each selected artist will receive a stipend of $10,000 to materialize their project. This stipend is all-inclusive and must allow for ALL expenses.
Any artist working in any medium from anywhere in the world can submit credentials. Art is exhibited throughout a select number of hotels in Miami Beach—lobbies, restaurants, lounges, patio areas, rooms, balconies, and swimming pools may serve as the canvas.
No Vacancy is committed to providing art experiences that are accessible to everyone, free, and open to the public. Public voting will take place through an online social media platform.
Application Process:
The application process is managed by the City of Miami Beach Tourism & Culture Department. A curatorial advisory committee will select a pool of artists for participating hotels to consider. A curatorial advisory committee will be comprised of a six-member panel: The City of Miami Beach Art in Public Places Committee (2), City of Miami Beach Cultural Arts Council (2) and Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (2).
City of Miami Beach Cultural Affairs staff will work with the participating hotels to match the artist and venue and serve as the project manager throughout the process; the artist is responsible for all installation, shipping, transportation, and fabrication coordination and expenses. The artist and hotel will work collaboratively to select an easily accessible public area located within the hotel property for the exhibition of the work.
Submissions must be received as a complete application on the Submittable website by no later than the advertised deadline. All materials will be submitted online, via Submittable. There is NO application fee to apply or to use the Submittable online application system.
For general Information about how to create or use a Submittable account, visit http://help.submittable.com/knowledgebase/articles/225218-how-do-i-submit
Hotel Partnerships
For the sixth year of No Vacancy, fifteen (15) hotels will welcome art interventions into their public spaces, depending on funding for this project. The participating hotels will be located within walking distance or easily accessible by the Miami Beach trolley transportation system. City of Miami Beach Tourism and Culture department will work collaboratively with participating hotels and artists to assist in coordination and provide project management.
Eligible Hotel Venues Must
- Be located within the geographical boundaries of Miami Beach
- Be ADA compliant
- Be willing to dedicate at least 100 sq. feet with at least 8 feet of height clearance to the project
- Meet federal, state, and city codes (and have no outstanding code / BTR violations)
- Sign a Hosting Agreement with artist exhibiting at their hotel
- Be willing to provide oversight, on-site management, a dedicated on-site point person and security watch for the duration of the installation
- Allow full rights to photograph the artwork and venue during the event to be used for promotional purposes of No Vacancy, City of Miami Beach, CAC and MBVCA
Anticipated Project Schedule
- Opportunity Announced- June 2, 2025
- Application Deadline- June 30, 2025
- Curatorial Advisory Committee Selects Semi-Finalists- July 2025
- Installation- October 28-November 10, 2025 (Fabrication and installation schedules may vary depending on selected project and location)
- Project Opening- November 13, 2025 (The exhibition period is before, during, and after Art Week, Miami Beach 2025 )
- Project Closing- December 20, 2025
Hotel Selection and Curatorial Advisory Committee
The Committee will evaluate all submissions and will select a pool of artists based on the quality of previously completed projects, artistic accomplishments, and anticipated project budget. The primary evaluation criteria will be previous artistic accomplishment as demonstrated in images of completed work samples, experience, and/or initial approach to the project as demonstrated in the preliminary project statement. If appropriate, the City reserves the right to recommend an artist directly from initially submitted applications. Hotel properties will be recommended by the same Committee and will be selected according to appropriateness of site for placement of artworks. We welcome partnership opportunities.
Application Requirements:
The information and documentation must arrive at the City of Miami Beach via Submittable by June 30, 2025 at 5:00 pm.
- Please submit up to five (5) images of overall hotel property. At least two images must clearly define the 100 square foot space that will be dedicated for display of artwork. Hotels may submit multiple options for display of artwork.
- Brief description of hotel property, including hotel occupancy and any amplification hotel is willing to do on behalf of the project / installation.
Total Project Budget
USD 10,000 per artist. The selected artist is responsible for fully developing and installing the project within the allocated budget which must be inclusive of design, engineering, fabrication, shipping, installation, insurances, and any other cost associated with the implementation of the work. The selected hotels will not receive any funding for hosting the artist and their project but will be included in promotional materials for the program.
Required Minimum Hours for Exhibition of Artwork
During the event, participating hotels are required to be open and accessible to the public for at least the minimum required hours listed below. Hotels are welcome to stay open beyond the required hours, so please choose your space accordingly (if attendees cannot access a space without a security card, please do not choose that space – public spaces work best for this sort of activation). If the artwork is located outdoors or the exhibit can be experienced as intended from the outside, you do not need to keep your facility open to the public, so long as the Artwork is accessible and viewable during the minimum ‘Hours of Operation’. Outdoor locations will only be suitable for artworks that can sustain exposure to the elements.
Hours of Exhibition
November 13, 2025 - December 20, 2025
Monday – Saturday: 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Hotel Staff and Volunteers
Hotels may choose to make use of hotel staff or volunteers to promote the exhibition, keep the doors open, answer questions, provide security, or guide visitors through the hotel, and we strongly encourage all hotels to involve their community in hosting. It’s important to note that No Vacancy, City of Miami Beach, MBVCA or CAC does not provide volunteers for on site management at each individual hotel. Venues should arrange for their own support during the event, so please take that into consideration when applying to be a host venue.
Insurance
The hotel and artist are responsible for insuring the artwork. The City of Miami Beach and MBVCA are not responsible for any damages that could occur to the hotel during the event. Each host hotel will need to name the City of Miami Beach as an additional insured entity on their General Liability insurance policy. The City of Miami Beach and MBVCA are not responsible for artwork left in the venue after the event.
No Vacancy, Miami Beach is a joint initiative of the City of Miami Beach, Cultural Arts Council (CAC) and the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA).
About the Miami Beach Cultural Arts Council
The Cultural Arts Council (CAC) is an eleven-member council created in 1997 for the purpose of developing, coordinating and promoting the performing and visual arts in the City of Miami Beach. The CAC serves as arts advocates before governmental bodies, coordinates collective marketing initiatives for the local arts community and funds not-for-profit arts organizations. Since the program’s inception, the CAC has awarded approximately $18 million in cultural arts grants, supporting thousands of performances, exhibits, and other cultural activities in Miami Beach.
About the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority
The MBVCA is a seven-member authority, appointed by the City of Miami Beach Commission, with the goal of encouraging, developing and promoting the image of Miami Beach locally, nationally and internationally as an outstanding tourist destination. To this end, the MBVCA strategically focuses its funding investments in a balanced manner, fostering outstanding existing programs, stimulating new activities, and encouraging partnerships. The MBVCA is committed to a careful, long-term plan for allocation of resources to help Miami Beach thrive as a destination with something for everyone.
For additional information contact:
City of Miami Beach – Tourism and Culture Department, Cultural Affairs Division
Web: Artist Opportunities - City of Miami Beach
Danielle Bender
Cultural Affairs Manager
305-673-7577 Ext. 26256
daniellebender@miamibeachfl.gov
Oscar Rieveling Sanchez
Art in Public Places Coordinator
305-673-7577 Ext. 22711
Tourism and Culture Department – Cultural Affairs Division – Art in Public Places (AiPP)
Call to Artists – CTA-2025-003
Total Budget: USD $10,000 per artist.
Project Name: No Vacancy, Miami Beach
Submission deadline: Monday, June 30, 2025 at 5:00 pm, via Submittable
Project Location:
Selected hotels located within Miami Beach, FL. Selected artworks must be installed within the hotel property (art installations in the beachfront will not be allowed). The selected artist will work collaboratively with Cultural Affairs staff and participating hotels to determine specific locations.
Brief Description:
Launching November 13, 2025 through December 20, 2025, No Vacancy is a contemporary art happening that celebrates artists, provokes critical discourse, and invites the public to experience Miami Beach’s famed hotels as destination art spaces / temporary galleries. No Vacancy is an open, international art competition in Miami Beach for five (5) weeks.
Thirty-five thousand dollars ($35,000) in prizes will be awarded, which includes a $10,000 prize awarded entirely by public vote and another $25,000 prize awarded by a jury of art experts. The City of Miami Beach Cultural Affairs staff will select at least fifteen (15) applicants to participate in the program. Each selected artist will receive a stipend of $10,000 to materialize their project. This stipend is all-inclusive and must allow for ALL expenses. Please note that no additional funding is available to offset any related travel expenses.
Any artist working in any medium from anywhere in the world can submit credentials. Art is exhibited throughout a select number of hotels in Miami Beach—lobbies, restaurants, lounges, patio areas, rooms, balconies, and swimming pools may serve as the canvas.
No Vacancy is committed to providing art experiences that are accessible to everyone, free, and open to the public. Public voting will take place through an online social media platform.
Application Process:
The application process is managed by the City of Miami Beach Tourism & Culture Department. A curatorial advisory committee will select a pool of artists for participating hotels to consider. The committee will be comprised of a six-member panel: The City of Miami Beach Art in Public Places Committee (2), City of Miami Beach Cultural Arts Council (2) and Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (2).
City of Miami Beach Cultural Affairs staff will work with the participating hotels to match the artist and venue and serve as the project manager throughout the process; the artist is responsible for all installation, shipping, transportation, and fabrication coordination and expenses. The artist and hotel will work collaboratively to select an easily accessible public area located within the hotel property for the exhibition of the work.
Submissions must be received as a complete application on the Submittable website by no later than the advertised deadline. All materials will be submitted online, via Submittable. There is NO application fee to apply or to use the Submittable online application system.
For general Information about how to create or use a Submittable account, visit http://help.submittable.com/knowledgebase/articles/225218-how-do-i-submit
NOTE: Artists must submit a complete application to Submittable. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Eligibility:
Open to professional artists only. Artists who demonstrate innovative, contemporary, and creative approaches in addressing site specific, temporary works of art are encouraged to apply. All mediums will be considered but performance-based work must account for mandatory viewing hours and periods of public display. The creation of a new work is not required; however, all work should be suitable for public display.
Selection Criteria:
The Curatorial Advisory Committee shall consider the following issues:
- Quality of the artist’s work
- Aesthetic merit, quality, enduring value; and
- Experience and other qualifications of the artist.
Other Selection Issues:
- Florida “Sunshine Law:” All meetings of the Curatorial Advisory Committee are open to the public, are publicly advertised and are documented through written minutes.
- Conflict of Interests: Artists with immediate family or business partners on the selection committee are not eligible.
- Curatorial Advisory Committee Contacts: Artist applicants should not have contact with Curatorial Advisory Committee members between the release of the Call to Artists and the completion of the selection process.
- Contact the City of Miami Beach for all questions and information.
For additional information contact:
City of Miami Beach – Tourism and Culture Department
Cultural Affairs Division
Web: Artist Opportunities - City of Miami Beach
Danielle Bender
Cultural Affairs Manager
305-673-7577 Ext. 26256
daniellebender@miamibeachfl.gov
Oscar Rieveling Sanchez
Art in Public Places Coordinator
305-673-7577 Ext. 22711
oscarrievelingsanchez@miamibeachfl.gov
Anticipated Project Schedule:
Opportunity Announced & Promoted: June 2, 2025
Application Deadline: June 30, 2025 at 5pm EST
Curatorial Advisory Committee Selects Semi-Finalists: July2025
Installation: October 28 – November 10, 2025
Fabrication and installation schedules may vary depending on the selected project and location
Project Opening: November 13, 2025
The exhibition period is before, during, and after Art Week, Miami Beach 2025
Project Closing: December 20, 2025
Process:
The Committee will evaluate all submissions and will select a pool of artists based on the quality of previously completed projects, artistic accomplishments, and anticipated project budget. The primary evaluation criteria will be previous artistic accomplishment as demonstrated in images of completed work samples, experience, and/or initial approach to the project as demonstrated in the preliminary project statement. If appropriate, the City reserves the right to recommend an artist directly from initially submitted applications.
Selected artists (or artist team) will be awarded a stipend of $10,000 to conceive, produce, and deliver/install artwork. This stipend is all-inclusive and must cover all expenses, shipping, insurance, and travel associated with the project. 80% of this stipend will be paid upon acceptance into the competition. The remaining 20% of this stipend will be paid upon successful completion of the competition. Proposed artworks may be previously realized projects or a newly conceived piece but should take into account that works that are larger in nature will present best for this purpose.
Application Requirements:
The information and documentation must arrive at the City of Miami Beach via Submittable by Monday, June 30, 2025 at 5:00 pm EST.
1. Artist Statement not to exceed 250 words
2. Project Statement
Describe in a couple of paragraphs your interest in the project and preliminary ideas for how you would approach this project. The letter should demonstrate your understanding of the project objectives and a preliminary proposal on how they would be achieved.
3. A current professional CV;
If submitted as a team, please identify the team leader, and include a CV for each team member, with each being no longer than three pages. CV(s) should reflect artist experience designing, fabricating, and installing artwork in outdoor public settings, as well as exhibitions, awards, grants, and education.
4. No less than five (5) images of previously completed visual arts/structural works.
Please accurately identify medium, dimensions, date, location, client/agency, size, budget, completion date, and a brief written description. The Submittable system will prompt you to enter this information with each uploaded image.
5. Headshot (to be used for promotional purposes, if selected)
6. Weblink to Artists' website and social media platforms (to be used for promotional purposes, if selected)
Required Minimum Hours for Exhibition of Artwork:
During the event, participating hotels are required to be open and accessible to the public for at least the minimum required hours listed below - hotels are welcome to stay open beyond the required hours. Artwork must be accessible and viewable during the minimum ‘Hours of Operation’.
Hours of Exhibition:
November 13, 2025 through December 20, 2025
Monday – Saturday: 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Miami Beach Public Art and Sustainability Initiatives:
In considering materials for public art commissions, artists are required to visit http://www.mbrisingabove.com/, which provides information on “Plastic Free” Miami Beach and other sustainability initiatives being implemented by the City of Miami Beach. Proposals contrary to City’s initiatives in terms of materials used, will not be considered. Due to Miami Beach's environmental regulations, single-use plastic, Styrofoam and other polystyrene products will not be permitted.
Why is Miami Beach discouraging the use of single-use plastic?
Miami Beach is a unique coastal community that sits between the pristine waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the ecologically diverse Biscayne Bay. As a city that is rich in natural resources, we understand the importance of keeping our streets, waterways, and ecological habitats healthy. The reduction of single-use plastic will help protect these natural elements by:
- Decreasing the demand on natural resources to produce plastic
- Reducing the production of greenhouse gas emissions
- Protecting wildlife from ingesting plastic debris/litter
- Reducing litter in waterways and beaches
- Allowing the city’s storm water system to function adequately and debris free
- What has the City of Miami Beach done to reduce the use of plastic?
Three ordinances were adopted to support the City's waste reduction and recycling goals, promote environmental health, protect wildlife, and conserve resources. In conjunction with these ordinances, the city is launching the #PlasticFreeMB campaign along with a certification program for businesses to pledge to reduce and/or remove certain types of plastics from their establishments.
- Ordinance 2017-4068 This ordinance prohibits the sale and use of expanded polystyrene (also known as Styrofoam) within the City and includes: parks, beaches, city-owned facilities, sidewalk cafes, special event permits, city marinas, unencapsulated docks, buoys, platforms, piers and boat ramps.
- Ordinance 2018-4205 extends the existing single-use plastic straw/stirrers ban from beaches to all city properties, including marinas, parks, piers, docks, boat ramps and sidewalk cafes (as well as contractors and special events permittees). The ordinance does not allow for biodegradable or compostable plastics as substitutes.
- Ordinance 2018-4208 prohibits the use/distribution of single-use carry out plastic bags on the right of way and to sidewalk café patrons.
Insurance Requirements:
The selected artist must obtain and maintain the below required insurance in effect prior to installing the project and for the duration of the program. The maintenance of proper insurance coverage is a material element of the contract.
Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions) Insurance appropriate to the Consultant’s profession, with limit no less than $100,000.
Additional Insured – City of Miami Beach must be included by endorsement as an additional insured with respect to all liability policies (except Professional Liability and Workers’ Compensation) arising out of work or operations performed on behalf of the contractor including materials, parts, or equipment furnished in connection with such work or operations and automobiles owned, leased, hired or borrowed in the form of an endorsement to the contractor’s insurance.
Notice of Cancellation – Each insurance policy required above shall provide that coverage shall not be cancelled, except with notice to the City of Miami Beach c/o EXIGIS Insurance Compliance Services.
Waiver of Subrogation – Vendor agrees to obtain any endorsement that may be necessary to affect the waiver of subrogation on the coverages required. However, this provision applies regardless of whether the City has received a waiver of subrogation endorsement from the insurer.
Acceptability of Insurers – Insurance must be placed with insurers with a current A.M. Best rating of A:VII or higher. If not rated, exceptions may be made for members of the Florida Insurance Funds (i.e. FWCIGA, FAJUA). Carriers may also be considered if they are licensed and authorized to do insurance business in the State of Florida.
Verification of Coverage – Contractor shall furnish the City with original certificates and amendatory endorsements, or copies of the applicable insurance language, effecting coverage required by this contract. All certificates and endorsements are to be received and approved by the City before work commences. However, failure to obtain the required documents prior to the work beginning shall not waive the Contractor’s obligation to provide them. The City reserves the right to require complete, certified copies of all required insurance policies, including endorsements, required by these specifications, at any time.
Special Risks or Circumstances – The City of Miami Beach reserves the right to modify these requirements, including limits, based on the nature of the risk, prior experience, insurer, coverage, or other special circumstances. Compliance with the foregoing requirements shall not relieve the vendor of his liability and obligation under this section or under any other section of this agreement.
**Please note, payments cannot be disbursed until a valid Certificate of Insurance is on file.
No Vacancy: A Contemporary Art Happening is dependent upon City of Miami Beach and Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority funding allocations for FY26.
About the Miami Beach Cultural Arts Council
The Cultural Arts Council (CAC) is an eleven-member council created in 1997 for the purpose of developing, coordinating, and promoting the performing and visual arts in the City of Miami Beach. The CAC serves as arts advocates before governmental bodies, coordinates collective marketing initiatives for the local arts community and funds not-for-profit arts organizations. Since the program’s inception, the CAC has awarded approximately $18 million in cultural arts grants, supporting thousands of performances, exhibits, and other cultural activities in Miami Beach.
About the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority
The MBVCA is a seven-member authority, appointed by the City of Miami Beach Commission, with the goal of encouraging, developing, and promoting the image of Miami Beach locally, nationally and internationally as an outstanding tourist destination. To this end, the MBVCA strategically focuses its funding investments in a balanced manner, fostering outstanding existing programs, stimulating new activities, and encouraging partnerships. The MBVCA is committed to a careful, long-term plan for allocation of resources to help Miami Beach thrive as a destination with something for everyone.