Curating belonging: A new public sculpture garden in Miami takes shape

As artists and art aficionados flock to Art Basel, Airbnb and Nasdaq have teamed up to debut a new public sculpture garden at The Underline, transforming a section of the 10-mile linear park into a vibrant and surreal gathering area. A colorful respite from Brickell, Miami’s bustling financial district, the new permanent installation represents Miami’s diversity and role as a global art capital. Renowned local artists Typoe and EstudioLAAVA weaved together modern architecture, outdoor furniture and bigger-than-life sculpture in an interactive community space. Designed to serve as a space to spark conversation and community, the installation will offer a forum for connection and belonging for the Miami community. 

I can’t think of a better way to kick-off Miami Art Week than by introducing this new installation at The Underline, one that will feature Miami born-and-bred creatives and recognizes the central role that Miami plays in the art world. We are grateful to Airbnb and Nasdaq for their support of The Underline, a true gift to our Magic City, and we look forward to seeing our vibrant community enjoy Typoe and EstudioLAAVA’s creation beneath the Miami Metro.”

-Miami Mayor Francis Suarez

“This new space at The Underline provides an enriching way for our locals and visitors alike to come together and connect over a shared love of our beautiful natural environment, our melting pot and art. We are glad that Airbnb and Nasdaq have chosen to invest in our community through this important project.”

– Vince Lago, Mayor of the City of Coral Gables

“This park is my love letter to Miami. It is something I hope the entire community can come to enjoy and experience together. My dream has always been to design parks and public spaces, and I’m so thankful for the opportunity to make my dream into reality with The Underline and Airbnb. As I grew up here, I have always been highly influenced by the Art Deco movement, and  it’s a tradition that I wanted to keep in the city, but in a fresh modern way.” 

– Typoe

“We are immensely grateful to Airbnb for their support of public art on The Underline with this new installation by local artist Typoe. This recent work demonstrates how art, nature, and play can enhance the connections of our community. We look forward to continuing to celebrate local talent that inspires and celebrates Miami’s diverse culture.”

-Meg Daly, Founder, and CEO of Friends of The Underline

One of the goals of this installation is to recognize Miami’s local artists. Airbnb has long supported the creative community: many of our Hosts identify as artists and designers themselves, as home sharing provides them with an opportunity to earn extra income to supplement their passions. Based on a survey of Hosts in the US, over 100,000 either worked in arts and entertainment, or had an artist or musician in their household.¹ With the pandemic changing the way we work, live and travel, we are seeing creatives like artists, musicians, and writers seeking a much-needed change of scenery from their homes and daily routines to recharge creatively and tap into their own pursuits and passions – and they’re turning to Airbnb for these creative escapes. 

“Nasdaq is pleased to partner with Airbnb to bring to life this important installation to showcase Miami’s entrepreneurial spirit. Guided by our purpose to drive economic progress for all and aligned with our existing collaboration with Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academies and the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center, we are incredibly excited to extend our support to the vast community of entrepreneurs in the greater Miami region.”

– Jailan Griffiths, Global Head of Purpose at Nasdaq and President of the Nasdaq Foundation

“Public art has the power to inspire the imagination of a community and bring us together through a shared experience. With such a thriving community of Hosts and guests, Airbnb is proud to support The Underline installation which celebrates Miami’s diverse culture and artists, and contributes to the city’s cultural heritage.”

-Tom Martinelli, Airbnb Regional Public Policy Lead

The Economics of Art 

Home to premier galleries and museums, international art fairs, and iconic local art, Miami has become one of the most influential culture capitals in the world— and only grows more vibrant each year: 

• In the build-up to Miami Art Week, and to support local residents in embracing the economic opportunities created by hosting and entrepreneurship, we launched our Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy in Miami – a flexible and interactive education program focused on empowering more people from diverse communities. 

• Working with the Center for Black Innovation (CFBI), a think-tank and Black innovation ecosystem that works to cultivate great leaders, entrepreneurs, and real capital pathways, the Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy included online workshops with top tips on hosting a space through Airbnb to earn extra income, and the option to connect with an experienced Superhost ahead of Miami Art Week. 

• With Miami preparing for the return of Art Basel in a big way this year, the opportunity to earn is significant. Throughout 2021, Miami Hosts welcomed more than 710,000 guest arrivals, with a typical Host in Miami earning nearly $5,000 in the year.² When Miami was home to Art Basel in 2019, a typical year prior to the pandemic, local Hosts collectively earned $2.4 million by opening their doors to nearly 12,000 guests — art lovers and artists from around the world.³ 

“The Center for Black Innovation is excited to partner with Airbnb to bring the Entrepreneurship Academy to our community. Creating economic pathways through entrepreneurship will help our community thrive and is a win for everyone involved. We look forward to working with Airbnb and continuing to grow our relationship with them to support our local community.”

-Derick Pearson, Center for Black Innovation Executive Director

Big events, such as the return of Art Basel during Miami Art Week, are not only a win for local Hosts but also have proven what has long been known to be true: by using existing space to absorb influxes of visitors, Hosts help small businesses and their wider community in taking advantage of the economic benefits of events.