artformz / office for curatorial projects
Alette Simmons-Jimenez
Founder/Director
www.alettesimmonsjimenez.com
Today
The Artformz Office, located in the Wynwood Arts District
is the studio/workplace of artist Alette Simmons-Jimenez. The space often serves as a creative gathering spot that encourages
intellectual dialogue and collaboration among artists. In addition to her own artistic practice Alette Simmons-Jimenez
has devoted her time and ideas since 2004 to cultural production by organizing, facilitating, promoting, and curating public events,
performances, and exhibitions in Miami and abroad, focused on drawing attention to work from local and international independant
artists. Simmons-Jimenez is intent on bringing creative people together to produce situations where emerging and established artists
perform, install, or screen their work, joining forces in collaborative efforts or through individual practice. The office supports
the exploration of unusual strategies to bring artwork of exceptional quality closer to the public and to create a larger dialogue
by connecting art and community in new ways.
History
Artformz was founded in 2004, and inaugurated its first art exhibition in what had been a rundown storefront
space in the Miami Design District. As a new addition to the area, the gallery quickly also became an alternative to the existing
gallery venues in the Miami area. The space established itself as an experimental venue whose mission was to encourage and assist
artists and curators to exhibit, develop, and advance innovative art of diverse media and content.
Wynwood Arts District - Miami, Florida - Phone:305.439.9755
In the 4 years Artformz resided in the Design District, 500+ artist portfolios were reviewed and 90 artist's works were exhibited.
Commencing its 5th year, Artformz relocated to the Wynwood Arts District. Artist and curator submissions continued to be reviewed
and proposals were selected based on the quality and strength of the portfolio. Located in the heart of the Arts District
the space again became a center of focus and a community favorite. The space became renowned for its excellent curatorial design and
the consistent presentation of quality artists.
For over 7 years a strong sense of artistic vision combined with an interest in developing original ideas was maintained.
In 2008 Artformz was awarded several grants from the Miami-Dade Department of Cultural Affairs as well as a prestigious Knight Arts
Challenge Grant for the presentation and development of the premier exhibit of "Giants In The City" at Bayfront Park in downtown Miami.
In 2009 Artformz partnered with Red Nomade in Valencia, Spain to co-curate the Artist Invites Artist project. Artists from Miami
traveled to Spain in 2010 to exhibit and interact with the community supported by the Cultural Affairs Ministry in Valencia. In 2012
the Valencian artists reciprocated and exhibited in the Miami Design District with the support of the District Commissiner, the City Mayor,
and the Office of Economic Development and International Trade.
In 2011 Artformz once again undergoes an evolution. To more efficiently develope the most compelling projects the gallery was
dissolved and the Artformz Office for Curatorial Projects was created.
Hours: By Appointment Only
