2nd Annual REVOLT Art Fair puts Black artistry, economic empowerment and liberation on full display – revolt.tv

Report on the 2025 REVOLT Art Fair: “Dual Currency: Defiance by Design”

Introduction

The second installment of the REVOLT Art Fair is scheduled to take place during Miami Art Week in December. The event is designed to advance the visibility and influence of Black artists and their work. The fair’s curatorial theme, “Dual Currency: Defiance by Design,” focuses on the innovation, influence, and economic power of Black art, positioning it as a central component of contemporary cultural discourse. This initiative directly supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by creating an inclusive platform for artists who challenge historical and ongoing societal turbulence.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The primary objective of the REVOLT Art Fair is to address and reduce systemic inequalities within the art world. By providing a dedicated platform for Black artists, the fair actively works to counteract the marginalization and underrepresentation prevalent in the industry.

• The exhibition serves as an inclusive platform for expanding conversations surrounding Black artists.
• It collectively functions as a rebukement of societal norms and external influences that have historically suppressed Black voices.
• The fair champions unfiltered Black artistic expression, promoting cultural equity and representation.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The theme “Dual Currency” explicitly highlights the role of art as a vehicle for economic empowerment and liberation for the diaspora. The fair contributes to sustainable economic growth by creating opportunities for artists to achieve financial independence and recognition.

• The event interrogates the power of the Black artist as a vessel for economic empowerment.
• It centers the economic power of Black art, fostering sustainable careers for creators.
• By showcasing over 50 artists, the fair facilitates direct economic support for their work and contributes to the creative economy.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The successful execution of the art fair is a result of strategic collaborations between key cultural institutions and creative leaders, demonstrating a commitment to achieving common goals through partnership.

• The exhibition is co-curated by Amy Andrieux, Executive Director of the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Art (MoCADA), and Zindzi Harley, founder of Zindzine.
• This partnership brings together established institutional expertise and contemporary creative direction to expand the canon of art through the lens of Black artists.

Exhibition Structure and Featured Artists

Curatorial Leadership

The fair is curated by Amy Andrieux and Zindzi Harley. Together, they have selected over 50 Black artists whose works represent declarations of independence, survival, and freedom. The curation aims to present a visual narrative that is incisive and champions the power of Black creativity.

Exhibition Formats

To maximize engagement and accessibility, the exhibition will be presented in two distinct formats:

1. Physical Exhibition: A curated display featuring 30 Black artists will be held at Ice Palace Studios (71 NW 14th St, Miami) from December 4-6. This segment is curated by Amy Andrieux.
2. Digital Presentation: A digital backdrop featuring a rotation of artwork from 25 global artists will be presented at the REVOLT HOUSE closing party. Curated by Zindzi Harley, this format enhances accessibility to a broader range of Black artistry.

Featured Artists

The fair will showcase a diverse array of artwork across multiple disciplines. Notable artists participating in this year’s installment include:

• Shani Crowe
• Daveed Baptiste
• Estéban Whiteside
• Uzumaki Cepeda
• Johnny Nelson

Societal Impact and Contribution to Cultural Sustainability

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

By hosting a major cultural event that celebrates diversity and inclusivity, the REVOLT Art Fair contributes to the cultural fabric of Miami. It helps foster a more inclusive and culturally rich urban environment, aligning with the goal of making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The exhibition is framed as a manifesto that challenges suppression and champions creative freedom. The artwork serves as a form of social commentary and a call for justice, contributing to the development of a more peaceful and inclusive society by amplifying voices that have been historically marginalized.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The article emphasizes the economic aspect of the art fair. The theme “Dual Currency: Defiance by Design” is explicitly stated to focus on the “economic power of Black art” and to frame artistic contributions as a “vessel for economic empowerment and liberation for the diaspora.” This directly connects to promoting creative industries and entrepreneurship for artists.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  The core purpose of the REVOLT Art Fair is to reduce inequalities faced by a specific racial group in the art world. The article states it is “designed with the aim of elevating Black artists” and serves as an “inclusive platform” for creators whose voices external powers have aimed to “quell.” This directly addresses the goal of empowering and promoting the social and economic inclusion of a marginalized community.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The article discusses a significant cultural event, the REVOLT Art Fair, as part of Miami Art Week. By creating a platform that celebrates and promotes the work of Black artists, the fair contributes to safeguarding and promoting the cultural heritage of the African diaspora. This aligns with the goal of making cities inclusive and highlights the role of culture in sustainable urban life.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

  The fair is described as an “inclusive platform” that allows for “unfiltered Black artistic expression” and issues “declarations and proclamations of independence, survival and freedom.” By providing a space for artists to express themselves freely and challenge societal norms, the event supports the fundamental freedom of expression, which is a cornerstone of peaceful and inclusive societies.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  Target 8.3: “Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation…” The art fair directly fosters “creativity and innovation” by showcasing “disruptive, challenging artwork.” It also supports the entrepreneurship of over 50 artists by providing them with a platform for economic empowerment and exposure.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  Target 10.2: “By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of… race, ethnicity…” The article clearly states the fair’s mission is to “put the innovation, influence and economic power of Black art at the center of today’s cultural conversation,” thereby actively promoting the social and economic inclusion of Black artists.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  Target 11.4: “Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.” The exhibition, curated by experts from institutions like the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Art (MoCADA), is a direct effort to safeguard and promote the cultural heritage expressed through the lens of Black artists for a wider audience.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

  Target 16.10: “Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms…” The fair protects the fundamental freedom of artistic expression for a group whose voices, the article notes, external powers aim to “quell.” It provides public access to this expression through both a physical display and a digital presentation, which increases “accessibility to a broader range of Black artistry.”

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  Implied Indicator: The number of artists and creative entrepreneurs supported. The article explicitly mentions that the curators “have carefully identified over 50 Black artists whose works issue declarations.” This number serves as a direct measure of the scale of support for entrepreneurship and creativity within this specific event.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  Implied Indicator: The number of platforms or initiatives promoting the inclusion of specific marginalized groups. The article describes the “second installment” of the REVOLT Art Fair, an event specifically “designed with the aim of elevating Black artists.” The existence and continuation of such a targeted, inclusive platform is an indicator of progress in reducing inequality in the cultural sector.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  Implied Indicator: The number of cultural events dedicated to promoting and preserving the heritage of specific communities. The article details the REVOLT Art Fair as a “three-day melange of artistic achievement and expression” that champions Black creativity. This event itself is an indicator of efforts to safeguard and promote cultural heritage.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

  Implied Indicator: The availability of platforms for free and unfiltered expression for marginalized groups. The article highlights that the exhibition provides “unfiltered Black artistic expression” and serves as a “rebukement of societal norms.” The digital component further enhances this by providing “more accessibility to a broader range of Black artistry,” indicating an expansion of access to and protection of free expression.

Summary of Findings

Source: revolt.tv