Culture Treasures

Artist Tal Amitai-Lavi recommends visiting the Locust Projects art space in Miami and participating in the artist residency program there.

The Locust Projects in Miami’s Design District is the city’s most prestigious alternative art space. Their mission is to encourage artists to take risks and create new, experimental and ambitious projects in scale and concept while providing the artists with project grants and a fully funded residency program. 

In June 2021, artist Tal Frank and I arrived at Locust Projects’ art space in Miami to work on the Homeline art installation, selected in their 2019 open call. As we arrived, the huge gallery space was awaiting us, painted black and darkened according to the installation’s requirements. We immediately got to work trying to turn a two-dimensional plan into the monumental installation we hoped to create. Our proposal was funded by Locust Projects and a grant was provided by the Artis organization.

  • Locust Projects art center in Miami
    Photo: Zachary Balber
  • Locust Projects art center in Miami
    Photo: Rafael Paula
  • Locust Projects art center in Miami
    Photo: Zachary Balber
  • Locust Projects art center in Miami
    Photo: Zachary Balber

Working in the space was a delightful experience. Just as the center’s slogan declares – Make Art Happen – the team’s message to us was: we trust you and are here to help you with whatever you need. During our time in Miami, we were invited to stay at a luxurious private house a few meters from the gallery. The experience as a whole was incredibly respectful and nurturing. I have experienced many exciting moments in my career as an artist, but there is no doubt that this was one of the most significant.

Article by:

Tal Amitai-Lavi

Since 1998, Locust Projects has been Miami's premier nonprofit alternative art space, founded by artists for artists. Their mission is to cultivate experimental and ambitious new art and facilitate the exchange of ideas through commissioned exhibitions, artist residencies, summer art intensives for teens, and public programs focused on contemporary art and curatorial practice.

As a leading incubator for new art and ideas, Locust Projects prioritizes creative endeavors that push boundaries, encourage risk-taking and experimentation, and showcase the work of local, national, and international artists.

Locust Projects offers visual artists of all career stages the opportunity to create new work on a large scale through their open-call process, which is juried by artist board members. With the freedom to work without commercial pressures or limitations of traditional art institutions, artists are given the time, space, and resources to realize their vision. For out-of-town artists, Locust Projects also provides residencies, allowing them to live nearby and work in Miami for as long as needed to complete their projects.

Additionally, Locust Projects provides artists with 24/7 access to their flexible, industrial storefront space, giving them the freedom to work on their own schedules and terms. With a team of open-minded curators, artists, and staff, Locust Projects is committed to supporting ambitious ideas and inviting experimentation, which are vital processes for pushing the boundaries of one's artistic practice.

The Locust Projects Call for Entries is published once a year, so be sure to follow them on social media and subscribe to their mailing list for updates.

The center is located at 297 NE 67th St, Miami, FL 33138, United States.

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