Starting Friday, September 19th, arts and culture lovers will converge in Downtown Miami to attend a weekend’s worth of events as part of the Miami DDA’s 3rd Annual Art Days. Joining this celebration, the recently formed Miami Downtown Arts District (MDAD) will host a Kick-Off and Press Conference at 6:00 pm sharp on Friday, September 19, 2014 at McCormick Place Miami, 111 SW 3rd St., Miami, FL. 33130. The event is free, but an RSVP is required to mdadpress@gmail.com.

The evening will begin with a Proclamation delivered by a representative of the Office of the Miami Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez to founding board members, and conclude with an exhilarating performance and Art Days send-off by the Florida Grand Opera.

“As they are approaching their 74th season, Florida Grand Opera is honored to be part of DWNTWN Art Days, showing that true art can be both visual and aural,” stated Max Kellogg, Senior Individual Giving Officer for the Florida Grand Opera.

In addition, guests will have an opportunity to discover more about the venues hosting events during Art Days 2014 and Freebee will provide complimentary transportation from McCormick Place to destinations within the District that are hosting events. Free Art Days guides are also available at all participating organizations and the “hub” located at the Miami Center for Architecture and Design (MCAD.)

“I am overwhelmed by the response that MDAD has received,” commented Sean McCormick, Founding MDAD President. “Downtown uniquely offers the arts in expected and unexpected places. Whether it be artist studios and galleries, museums, schools, theaters, and public spaces, or in hotels and condos, restaurants and bars, and retail spaces. It is MDAD’s mission to showcase a wealth of opportunities for residents and visitors beginning today, into art fair season -- Art Basel /Miami Art Week, and throughout the year at First Friday Downtown Art Nights.”

Participating organizations that will host art exhibits, film screenings, musical and dramatic performance, walking tours, workshops and more, are: Artisan Lounge, Life is Art, Miami Center for Architecture and Design (MCAD), Downtown Miami Partnership, MDC Museum of Art + Design at the Freedom Tower, Dimensions Variable, Stephen Gamson Studios, SeaFair, McCormick Place Miami, CU-1 Gallery, Florida Grand Opera, and The Art Experiences.

About MDAD:

MDAD is a non-profit organization that serves cultural institutions and museums; galleries, local artists and studios; as well as businesses, event venues, and restaurants that showcase both local and international artists. MDAD aims to unify the Downtown and Brickell Arts District by providing a variety of programs that allow the community to explore the arts district, such as First Friday Downtown Art Night, or provide exposure to smaller independent events through a variety of membership support services.

MDAD is currently offering an introductory annual membership fee of $300 for organizations and $75 for artists. Membership provides a variety of marketing and promotion opportunities, access to participate in First Friday Downtown Art Nights plus educational and professional development meetings and workshops.

For more information about Miami Downtown Arts District, visit: https://www.facebook.com/MiamiDowntownArtsDistrict, or contact Sean McCormick at 305.206.4734 or sjm@mccormickplace-miami.com.