Move expands university’s artistic footprint
South Beach soon will be home to studio and gallery space for music, art and architecture students, as FIU’s College of Architecture + The Arts expands its artistic footprint this fall.
“This expansion to Lincoln Road puts our students at the center of one of the most vibrant artistic hubs anywhere,” said FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg. “Our goal is to enhance the educational experience in a way that also benefits our community and the arts.”
This fall the College of Architecture + The Arts (CARTA) will take up residence in 16,000 square feet of space at 420 Lincoln Road, a 1940 Art Deco icon, just blocks from the New World Symphony, Wolfsonian-FIU and the Bass Art Museum. FIU’s newest site is owned by one of FIU’s strongest supporters, former U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Paul L. Cejas, whose name graces the College’s School of Architecture building at the Modesto A. Maidique Campus in West Miami-Dade.
“Art and architecture are two passions of mine,” said Cejas. “I’m also passionate about FIU and nothing brings me greater satisfaction than playing a part in having arts and the university come closer to our community in a way that enhances both.”
CARTA Dean Brian Schriner explained that the 15-year lease agreement with 420 Lincoln Road points to a commitment to expand collaboration with other cultural institutions and partake in the creative energy that makes South Beach unique.
“In this international and creative environment, our faculty will collaborate with prominent artists, scholars, and designers to offer our students an exceptional educational experience that is truly Worlds Ahead,” Schriner said.
The Lincoln Road facility will house:
- A design studio for 70 graduate students in architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture.
- A gallery with exhibition and performance space as well as studio space for graduate visual arts students.
- Music practice rooms and an ensemble room that will enhance the College’s collaboration with the nearby New World Symphony.
In addition, this site will be the home of the College of Architecture + The Arts’ new Office of Engaged Scholarship and Creative Activities, whose mission will be to use design, visual, performing, and communication arts to engage with the community in collaborative problem-solving. The office will work closely with the University’s Office of Engagement and the Office of Sponsored Research Administration to generate new opportunities in the form of contracts, grants and other community-based projects.
“FIU’s expansion on Miami Beach is a win-win for both the university and the city,” said Miami Beach Mayor Matti Herrera Bower. “As home to so many cultural landmarks and incredible architecture, Miami Beach is already a living classroom for art, music and design. We welcome FIU to Lincoln Road, as it adds to our city’s unique offerings.”
“We look forward to serving as the canvas for FIU’s creative programs,” added Miami Beach City Manager Jorge M. Gonzalez. “This is truly a fantastic partnership.”
Earlier this year, FIU announced plans to expand its presence in downtown Miami by leasing two floors at 1101 Brickell Avenue. FIU Downtown on Brickell will open its doors later this summer with graduate degree offerings in business, public administration and global governance.
Media Contact: Maydel Santana-Bravo at 305-348-1555.
I can’t wait to stop by once it’s open and check out all the cool stuff that’s going on 🙂
This is such an amazing idea and I feel it will bring a whole new level of experience and curriculum to the FIU students.
Kudos to CARTA , Mr. Cejas, dean Shriner and all the people who made this happen. It is extremely cool for them to be on Lincoln Road.
FIU is so dumb… With the cost of that you can build 2 more houseing parking lots which our school actually needs.
You could take the bus, ride a bike or just move your body. Concrete installations are killing the environment. Good for FIU and the students.
Have you ever lived at FIU? I’m guessing not because you would know you have to park 2 miles away from your dorm because there’s no parking. Why don’t you park a few blocks from your home and carry your heavy crap see how that works for you after 3 months. I could care less about the environment at FIU because 80% is just grass or dead. Paying RENT on Lincoln Road is more money a month then you probably make in 6 months. So don’t try to insult me and tell me to “move” when i pay 6k a semester to live on campus and prices are getting up to pay for this.
I did not want to insult anybody. Living on campus could be easier but it could be a really expensive choice. You are paying a price to “live on campus”. Please, do not take me wrong but I just noticed that in this city people try to go every where driving, and public transportation system doesn’t work at all. (Maybe I should reconsider to be so honest about the topic). Unfortunately, that’s the way I think and believe me if I tell you that I know how hard is to carry your heavy “crap” because for a couple of years I had to ride my bike 24/7 in order to get things done. Have a good day and take good care of yourself. E
Or practice rooms and a new ensemble room at FIU itself, which is where WE need it… not for New World Symphony to use… -_-
WONDERFUL NEWS
It is great to see FIU expanding!!! Great news!
Hola Maydel,
Soy Jesus de What’s Up Miami? and Examiner.com, FIU alumnus MS’05
I love the new look!
http://whatsupmiami.blogspot.com/2011/05/fiu-carta-to-inaugurate-design-studios.html