Other Fun Stuff

Join us for the sixth “New Directions in Cuban Studies” conference in the Roberto C. Goizueta Pavilion at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida. “New Directions” brings together advanced graduate students and emerging and early-career scholars from across disciplines to explore new approaches to the study of Cuba’s history, culture, politics, economy, and global connections. The conference offers an opportunity to engage with fresh research, diverse methodologies, and varying perspectives that deepen our understanding of Cuba and Cuban communities worldwide. The conference keynote address, “Getting Beyond the Balancing Act: Cuban Studies Then and Now,” will be delivered by Lillian Guerra, Ph.D., professor of Cuban and Caribbean history at the University of Florida and co-editor of the journal Cuban Studies. The author of five books, Guerra will draw on her recent scholarship and oral history interviews to reflect on the evolution of Cuban studies, the intellectual and political debates that have shaped the field, and the challenges and possibilities facing Cuba and Cuban communities worldwide at a time of profound uncertainty. “New Directions” is co-presented by the University of Miami’s Cuban Heritage Collection at the Libraries and the Program in Cuban Studies at the College of Arts and Sciences. The Goizueta Foundation generously funds this program. Additional support for the conference is provided by the University of Miami’s Wilbur L. and Jean L. Morrison Endowment for Cuban Studies and Emilio Bacardí Moreau Chair in Cuban and Cuban-American Studies. Please note that the conference will be bilingual, with presentations and discussions held in English and Spanish.

Join Miami Dade College as it brings together the South Florida community for a special family celebration of Hispanic culture, heritage and the enduring ties between Miami and Madrid, Spain and the United States. At the center of the day will be a live international connection with Madrid for the Cabalgata de la Hispanidad 2026, bringing the celebration taking place in Spain directly to audiences at the Freedom Tower while programming and festivities from Miami are also shared live with Madrid. Throughout the day, families will enjoy live music, dance, theater, fashion and interactive cultural experiences celebrating Hispanic traditions. The celebration will also recognize the historic relationship between Spain and the United States as the nation commemorates America 250. Attendees may park for free in MDC's Parking Lot 1 located on the south side of the Freedom Tower, between NE Fifth and NE Sixth Streets. The Museum of Art and Design (MOAD) at MDC may document the event, including its attendees. By entering the area, and/or participating in the event, you consent to the recording and its use in any form.

Join the Cuban Heritage Collection for a special evening featuring Cuban dissidents and artists Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara and Anamely Ramos in conversation with renowned journalist Jorge Ramos. Together, they will reflect on artistic freedom, dissent, exile, and the ongoing struggle for freedom of expression in Cuba. The conversation will offer a unique opportunity to hear firsthand perspectives from two prominent voices in Cuba’s independent artistic and civic movements. This conversation will be conducted in Spanish.

Join the Museum of Art and Design (MOAD) for a special yoga class in the Knight Skylight Gallery at the Freedom Tower. Romina (Romi) began practicing yoga back in 2017, the physical aspect of yoga served as a launch pad and she quickly fell in love with the practice and aimed to explore many different types of yoga. A practice that was a hobby quickly turned into a passion. Her love of yoga pushed Romina to pursue her 200-hr yoga teacher training in Orlando, FL and she now teaches in many different areas in Miami. Romina enjoys teaching vinyasa flow and gentle flows with creative transitions, focusing on strengths, stability and alignment. Whether you are a beginner or advance practitioner, using movement and breathwork, rest assured you'll leave feeling transformed in all aspects of the mind, body, and spirit. Admission to the Freedom Tower exhibitions and galleries following the class is included with your RSVP. Attendees may park for free in the MDC garage at 500 NE Second Avenue, between NE Fifth and NE Sixth Streets. Please bring your own yoga mat. Yoga mats will not be available onsite. The Museum of Art and Design (MOAD) at MDC may document the event, including its attendees. By entering the area, and/or participating in the event, you consent to the recording and its use in any form.

Meet and connect with Authors

After completing our teen survey phase, The Hive is taking the next step by bringing young people directly into the planning process. On October 17 from 12–4 PM, The Hive will host a Teen Forum at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex for teens ages 12–19. During the forum, teens will come together to learn about what we discovered through the surveys, share their perspectives, and help shape the next phase of The Hive’s programming. Rather than planning for teens, we want to plan with them giving young people a meaningful voice in deciding what future programs, workshops, events, and experiences should look like. The Teen Forum will be an engaging and welcoming space where teens can connect, exchange ideas, enjoy food and music, and contribute to building programming that truly reflects their interests, needs, and creativity.

The University of Miami Libraries offers introductory mindfulness sessions designed to cultivate inner resilience — the capacity to meet the joys and sorrows of life with awareness, care, and equanimity. These 45-minute online sessions introduce the fundamentals of mindfulness meditation and movement with periods of guided practice and opportunities for reflection and questions. Example topics include mindfulness of breath, mindfulness of body, mindfulness of feelings and emotions, mindfulness of thought, and loving-kindness meditation.

 

Join us for an evening with acclaimed Cuban American artist Arturo Rodríguez as he discusses his forthcoming monograph, “Arturo Rodríguez,” in conversation with art historians Alejandro Anreus and Bruce Weber. The first publication devoted exclusively to Rodríguez’s career, “Arturo Rodríguez” surveys nearly 47 years of artistic practice, examining his psychologically charged figurative paintings through the lenses of memory, family, exile, identity, and the cultural landscape of Miami. A self-taught artist based in Miami, Rodríguez’s work is held in the permanent collections of major institutions, including the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Pérez Art Museum Miami, and the Lowe Art Museum. The conversation will explore the making of this landmark publication and reflect on the artist’s enduring engagement with memory, exile, belonging, and the narratives that shape the Cuban American experience.

The Student Ambassadors program is a yearlong leadership and arts-engagement initiative for high school students across Miami-Dade County. Designed for students who are passionate about the performing arts, community involvement and cultural leadership, the program empowers young people to deepen their connection to the Arsht while serving as advocates for the arts in their schools and communities. Student Ambassadors gain behind-the-scenes insight into how a major performing arts center operates, develop leadership and communication skills and build meaningful relationships with peers from diverse backgrounds. Through curated arts experiences, professional development workshops and mentorship opportunities, students grow as cultural leaders and active members of the South Florida arts community. Throughout the year, Student Ambassadors: - Earn community service hours - Attend quarterly meetings and skills-building workshops - Experience FREE live performances across genres, including Broadway, classical, jazz and theater - Connect with like-minded students - Represent the Arsht as ambassadors for the arts

The Miami Book Fair is an annual event that includes presentations by renowned authors, book sales and exhibits, book appraisals and displays, educational programs for children and young adults, art exhibits, a street fair and entertainment.