Miami MoCAAD is celebrating its 10th anniversary with an exciting event at Soul Basel 2025, featuring art, XR technology, and innovation. Over the past decade, the museum has been dedicated to showcasing art and culture from the African Diaspora, with a mission to honor Black creativity and engage the community through innovative platforms.

This milestone celebration will take place during Soul Basel 2025, which is an important part of Miami Art Week and Art of Black Miami. Against the vibrant cultural backdrop of Miami, this event will highlight the museum’s unique combination of art, technology, and community spirit that defines the ever-changing landscape of the city.

What you will discover:

1. The evolution of Miami MoCAAD from a virtual museum to a dynamic cultural force
2. Integration of XR (extended reality) technology in groundbreaking exhibitions
3. Partnerships with universities driving student-led VR projects
4. Featured VR exhibitions and immersive digital storytelling initiatives
5. Community-driven interactive murals enhanced by augmented reality experiences
6. Vision for transforming a former detention center into a cutting-edge tech-forward museum space

Experience how Miami MoCAAD pushes boundaries to connect heritage, innovation, and inclusion.

1. The Evolution of Miami MoCAAD: From Virtual Museum to Cultural Changemaker

The Miami Museum of Contemporary Art of the African Diaspora (Miami MoCAAD) started as an innovative virtual museum focused on showcasing artists of African descent. This online platform allowed it to connect with audiences worldwide and promote lesser-known voices without being limited by physical space.

Key aspects of its evolution include:

• Virtual Museum Origins: Launching online enabled immediate access to diverse artworks and narratives, setting Miami MoCAAD apart as an innovative platform in the contemporary art world.
• Growth into a Cultural Changemaker: Over ten years, Miami MoCAAD expanded beyond virtual exhibitions, becoming an influential community hub within Historic Overtown and the wider Miami area. It now actively shapes cultural conversations and supports local artists.
• Marilyn Holifield’s Vision: As co-founder, Holifield envisioned a space where innovation, culture, and community engagement intersect. Her leadership emphasizes using technology not just for display but as a tool to empower Black creatives and connect audiences with rich diasporic histories.

Miami MoCAAD’s journey showcases its transformation from a digital platform to a powerful agent of cultural change, deeply connected to both its heritage and future potential.

2. Anniversary Celebration Highlights at Soul Basel 2025

The 10th anniversary of Miami MoCAAD will be celebrated with a free RSVP event on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM. The venue is the historic and culturally rich Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater Lobby & Plaza located at 819 NW 2nd Ave., Miami, FL 33136. This location itself symbolizes the deep ties Miami MoCAAD has with the African Diaspora’s legacy in Miami.

Expect an immersive art experience that seamlessly blends cutting-edge XR technology with thought-provoking exhibitions. Attendees will explore:

• Art exhibitions that highlight contemporary and historical works by artists of African descent
• XR showcases featuring Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) elements that elevate storytelling and engagement
• Cultural programs designed to celebrate the richness of Black heritage through music, spoken word, and community dialogues

This evening invites you to participate actively—whether by interacting with digital installations or engaging with artists and curators present. The event’s open format encourages exploration of both physical and virtual art spaces.

Reserve your spot early by visiting www.miamimocaad.org/ten. This celebration offers a rare opportunity to experience how Miami MoCAAD continues to innovate while honoring culture and community through immersive art.

3. Integration of XR Technology in Miami MoCAAD Exhibitions

Miami MoCAAD uses XR technology in museums to create a more immersive experience and make African Diaspora art more accessible. Extended reality (XR) combines virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), creating immersive environments that enhance storytelling and cultural representation.

Virtual Reality Art Exhibitions

New VR exhibits launched online showcase innovative digital experiences featuring artists of the African Diaspora. These exhibitions are highlighted through the New World Symphony Mobile WALLCAST®, enabling audiences to explore interactive 3D spaces from anywhere. The VR platform invites you to step beyond traditional viewing and fully immerse yourself in narratives that connect history, identity, and creativity.

Augmented Reality Murals

AR transforms Overtown into a living museum with public murals enriched by interactive layers accessible via QR codes. These digital overlays link mural imagery to oral histories, biographies, and community stories, fostering a multi-sensory experience on site. The initiative activates public spaces as vibrant storytelling canvases where activism, culture, and technology intersect.

Miami MoCAAD’s commitment to integrating XR technology reflects its mission to blend art, innovation, and community engagement—pushing boundaries of how cultural heritage is preserved and experienced in the digital age.

4. University of Miami Partnership: Student-Led VR Projects

Miami MoCAAD’s partnership with the University of Miami Department of Interactive Media brings a dynamic educational aspect to its mission. Students are actively engaged in creating immersive VR storytelling projects that deepen the connection between technology, history, and culture.

Two standout projects from this collaboration include:

• “Telling Overtown Stories, Saying Their Names”
• This VR exhibit honors the rich history and legacy of Overtown through interactive murals and oral histories. Students developed an emotionally powerful experience that preserves community narratives, ensuring these stories resonate with new audiences in an innovative format.
• “Looking Forward”
• Curated alongside N’Namdi Contemporary Fine Art, this project features works by prominent African Diaspora artists. The VR exhibit offers visitors an intimate way to explore themes of identity, resilience, and cultural expression beyond traditional gallery spaces.

The partnership delivers hands-on learning opportunities for students by immersing them in emerging technologies while amplifying Black voices through digital storytelling. It also strengthens Miami MoCAAD’s role as a platform where academic innovation meets community heritage.

Lorena Lopez from the University of Miami notes:

“Working with Miami MoCAAD allows students to use emerging tech to honor community history in virtual reality.”

This initiative exemplifies how education and cultural preservation can merge through cutting-edge mediums, expanding access and impact for both creators and audiences alike.

5. Community Engagement Through Interactive Murals & AR Experiences

Miami MoCAAD’s Interactive Mural Series Overtown transforms public spaces into dynamic canvases that celebrate Black culture and history through art and technology. Key mural locations include:

• International Longshoremen Association Local 1416 Building (816 NW 2nd Ave.)
• Judge Lawson E. Thomas Law Office Building (1021 NW 2nd Ave.) – OVERTown: Our Family Tree

These murals serve as more than static artworks. Miami MoCAAD integrates augmented reality (AR) layers that activate when visitors scan QR codes embedded in the mural designs. This AR component enriches each piece by overlaying digital storytelling elements such as oral histories, archival footage, and activist narratives.

The use of augmented reality public art bridges past and present, making cultural legacy accessible in everyday environments. It invites viewers to engage actively with community stories, connecting them directly to Overtown’s rich heritage of resilience and creativity. The murals become interactive portals where technology amplifies voices historically underrepresented in mainstream museums.

By embedding activism into the urban landscape, these public art experiences foster ongoing dialogue about identity, memory, and social justice. This approach makes Miami MoCAAD a catalyst for cultural preservation while embracing innovation that expands the reach of Black arts beyond traditional gallery walls.

6. Vision for the Future: Transforming a Detention Center into a Tech-Forward Museum Space

Miami MoCAAD is making a significant change by turning a former detention center into its first innovative tech-forward museum space. This new location is an important step in the museum’s growth, providing a permanent place where art, technology, and community come together in new ways.

Key features of this development include:

• Integration of cutting-edge technology to create immersive, interactive exhibits.
• A seamless blend of physical and digital artwork that enhances visitor engagement.
• Flexible spaces designed for XR (Extended Reality) installations, allowing for more dynamic storytelling and experiential learning.
• Opportunities for collaboration with local artists, technologists, and cultural institutions to push creative boundaries.

The conversion project shows Miami MoCAAD’s dedication to making Black Diaspora art more accessible through innovative tech-forward experiences. By transforming a site with historical importance into a lively cultural center, the museum redefines how communities connect with history and creativity.

This new chapter strengthens Miami MoCAAD’s role during Miami Art Week and beyond, establishing its authority in combining art with XR technology. Visitors can anticipate an enhanced experience that respects tradition while welcoming the future—where digital innovation meets cultural expression at every turn.

Voices from the Community & Cultural Leaders

Local officials and cultural leaders emphasize Miami MoCAAD’s powerful impact on both community identity and the global arts stage. Their words capture the museum’s unique ability to blend history, technology, and cultural celebration.

“This event shows how art and technology honor our history and shape an inclusive future.”

— Keon Hardemon, Miami-Dade County Commissioner

“Miami MoCAAD’s 10th Anniversary celebrates shared history and the global impact of Black culture.”

— Christine King, Chair, Miami City Commission

City commissioners recognize Miami MoCAAD as a vital platform for Black arts representation that extends far beyond local boundaries. Cultural organizations praise its role in strengthening Miami’s reputation as a global hub for diverse artistic voices. These endorsements highlight the museum’s commitment to preserving African Diaspora narratives through innovative, technology-driven exhibitions.

Such recognition reflects Miami MoCAAD’s growing influence as a catalyst for community empowerment and cultural dialogue within Historic Overtown and beyond.

How to Experience the Celebration & Get Involved?

Plan your visit to Miami MoCAAD Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Art, XR Technology & Innovation at Soul Basel 2025 on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM. The event takes place at the Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater Lobby & Plaza (819 NW 2nd Ave., Miami, FL 33136).

• Admission is free with RSVP. Secure your spot by registering at www.miamimocaad.org/ten.
• Experience immersive exhibitions both onsite and online. Explore virtual reality art exhibitions accessible via the New World Symphony Mobile WALLCAST® and Miami MoCAAD’s WebXR platform.
• Engage with interactive murals and augmented reality experiences throughout Overtown, connecting you directly with vibrant community stories.
• Opportunities for ongoing involvement include future programs, student collaborations, and partnerships that continue to expand access to African Diaspora art and technology.

Join the celebration to witness how Miami MoCAAD blends culture, innovation, and community—making art accessible beyond traditional boundaries.