Razzle Dazzle With a Lil' Art Basel
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Art Basel is a 4 day international art fair. It's truly an art lover’s heaven and comes highly recommend! I promise it won't disappoint. Below I've constructed a guide to Art Basel that can prepare you for when you decide to go.
Book Your Flight and Hotel
As I've said before, a trip becomes really real once your flight and hotel are taken care of. Book these months in advance for the best options and pricing. Prices increase rapidly as it gets closer to the date of Art Basel. Art Basel has three art fairs staged annually in Basel, Switzerland, Miami Beach, Florida, and Hong Kong, China. The Miami Beach, Florida, show is typically the first weekend in December and the one I attended.
Know "The Plug" 🔌
We all know life is typically about who you know not necessarily what you know. Art Basel is no different. Knowing a plug most definitely can take you far. Link up with the movers and the shakers. Now if you don't have (or know) a plug, proceed to the next section. I got you covered 😉.
Research
Do your research! Many events happening during Art Basel are completely free and only require an RSVP. Two weeks to a month before Art Basel, you should be looking up things to do. There's a few blogs and websites that offer guides to keep you up to date with all the happenings. I’m sure if you google, there are a lot to be found. Another resource is to see who you know is going to Art Basel as well and ask around for things to do. Nine times out of ten people would be willing to share what they know.
Finesse!
The art of finesse is legit one of my favorite things. Talk to people. By simple conversation, you might learn things you didn't know. You might even be able to finesse an invite to an exclusive party. If you know someone with a multi-day pass, borrow it. You see a wristband on the floor to a party you're trying to get in, pick it up and use it! Use your charm! Most events you DO need an RSVP for but honestly, it doesn't hurt to try to get in without one. What’s the worse that can happen? They tell you you can't get in which you already knew was a possibility? Shmooze people over. Finesse, finesse, FINESSE! It’s also an amazing feeling when you finesse a situation and you’re successful.
Create an Itinerary
You want to optimize your time. There is a lot to do and the best way to achieve accomplishing it all is by having a plan and being organized.
Be Flexible
Sometimes things don’t go as planned and you have to be ok with that. Be flexible and go with the flow. Don’t focus on what should have been but what is and work around it. You never know, something better might be in its place.
Wardrobe Fun
Being that it is the art world, self expression through wardrobe is very popular. Attire is based on your comfort level and preference. Just be aware of 2 things 1) know the dress code for the events you are attending. There's nothing more awkward than arriving to an event that everyone is dressed chic or in ball gowns and you're in a crop top and booty shorts or vice versa; and 2) everyone wants to look cute undoubtedly but ladies unless you live in heels on a regular basis, you might want to throw some flats/sneaker moments in. I wore sneakers and flats during the day and heels at night just to give my feet a break and have a nice balance.
Go with People You Can Have Fun With
It truly felt like the Real World house with the group of friends I decided to go with. We all have different personalities but everything worked out. What helps is when everyone has the same common goal; getting lit and having fun! Art Basel is a fun filled 4 days and you want to be sure that you’re there with people that like to have fun. No Debbie downers or negative Nancys.
The Art!
Last but not least! Of course, it's why we're all so interested in Art Basel to begin with! As mentioned before, there are various shows and events. Many of the big art showings require you to purchase tickets. Below are a few events I attended.
Scope
Scope is a ticketed art show but it was AMAZING! It’s a must see, showcasing all styles of art from all around the world!
No Commission
The Dean Collection and Bacardi present No Commission: Miami was a three-day, art and music experience put together by Swizz Beatz. There were musical performances as well as discussion panels. This event had a Bacardi open bar.
Art of Daring
The Art of Daring was an event put together by Revot TV and Cadillac. It featured a Ciroc open bar and the amazing DJ Ted Smooth. Probably the most fun party I attended out there.
Wynwood Walls
This art district has nearly 10 blocks of street art. From the likes of Shepard Fairey to Swoon. I’m a street art junkie and if you are too then this is a definite spot to hit during Art Basel. There are also events that happen daily during Art Basel so it’s good to take a stroll through Wynwood to see what you can finesse your way into.
The Audio Art Element
This is a party my best friend and I happened to stumble upon. It was a silent party with an open bar.
One Hotel Rooftop
This was just a chill rooftop party that we ended the night with.
You Should Have Been There
This party was hosted by Adidas. The party was intriguing because there were no cell phones allowed once you got inside. Unfortunately, the line was INSANE! I wasn’t able to attend but I had a friend that did and I heard it was super lit because not having a phone gave everyone no choice but to have fun and turn up.
I hope you found these tips helpful in planning for your Art Basel trip in the future!
