Impact of Art Basel on Miami and Miami Beach: Interview with Mayor Matti Herrera Bower

Art Basel Miami Beach 2009 drew more than 42,000 visitors and was hailed as a bounce-back year. Premier Guide Miami sat down to find out what that means — and what comes next.

Art Basel Miami Beach is said to be the king of all art shows in the USA, and indeed it has earned its title. This year's fair ended with positive reactions and abundant optimism from collectors, dealers, and general supporters of the arts. Galleries and dealers were very pleased with the unexpected interest of visitors and surprising sales at the fair.

Staging a fair of this magnitude takes a lot of planning and preparation on the city's part, and reflects positively on Miami and Miami Beach's economy, especially now. Restaurants, hotels, local transportation, and just about every industry in the area welcome this celebration, as it helps to boost the economy and provides jobs — at least for a few days.

One major contributor to the Miami Beach community during Basel was Centerplate, a hospitality company that crafts and delivers extraordinary entertainment experiences in more than 260 prominent sports, entertainment, and convention venues across North America. Centerplate brought on over 500 new staff, served more than 60,000 meals to the exhibition's 40,000 guests, and catered the exclusive Vernissage gala on December 2.

"We are dedicated to the Miami community and are proud to have supported the local economy with hundreds of new jobs for the eighth edition of Art Basel Miami Beach," said Eric Bayne, Centerplate's General Manager of the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Art Basel Miami Beach 2009 attracted more than 42,000 visitors and was reported as a bounce-back year. Parties were hosted throughout the city by Lance Armstrong, Val Kilmer, Sylvester Stallone, Dr. Dre, Paris Hilton, Calvin Klein, Russell Simmons, Pharrell Williams, and the Olsen twins.

PGM: How involved is the city with Art Basel Miami Beach?

MHB: The city has been involved in the way it is going to happen, how the city is going to look, and the plans on how the traffic is going to be. We play an integral role in what's happening here because we expect a lot of people and we have to be prepared.

PGM: Why is it important for Miami to host Art Basel?

MHB: Art Basel is a wonderful fair to have. It puts us on the map of arts because it is the premiere art fair in the world, and it creates an ambience and perception that is very good for Miami Beach and Miami as a county. But for us also it hits the economy — people have to book hotels, eat at restaurants, shop and look around. That is something that is particularly good for the county and especially Miami Beach.

PGM: Do you think Art Basel will remain in Miami Beach?

MHB: Art Basel puts Miami on the world map of arts. We worked hard in the beginning. It has been 8 years that they are here and we keep making sure that they keep coming back. In Miami Beach we really take special care about the arts. Here in Miami Beach we have never cut the budget on the arts — even when everyone has to cut budget in other areas, our budget stays the same. We are always looking forward to creating more art and making sure that we stay on the line.

For more upcoming events across South Florida, visit the Premier Guide Miami Events Calendar .