President of ArtesMiami named Latina Pioneer of the Year
Aida Levitan, Ph.D., President of ArtesMiami, Inc. was named Latina Pioneer of the Year at the August 12th Hispanic Women of Distinction luncheon. More than 800 leaders attended the event. The award recognizes her contribution to preserving Hispanic culture and values while maintaining the American entrepreneurial spirit.
ArtesMiami supports the creation of the National Museum of the American Latino
ArtesMiami supports the recommendations of the National Museum of the American Latino Commission, as presented in their final report on May 5th, 2011. Dr. Aida Levitan, President of ArtesMiami, provided counsel to engage the media and the public in the process of preparing the report and in the coordination of the final national press conference at the Capitol. ArtesMiami supports the creation of a Smithsonian American Latino Museum on the National Mall, in Washington, D.C., that will illuminate the story of U.S. Latinos for the benefit of all. In this photo she appears with Commissioner Eva Longoria, actress and activist. To see the final report of the Commission, visit www.americanlatinomuseum.gov. To support the creation of the museum, please visit www.myamericanlatinomuseum.org.
ArtesMiami President to be honored in Broward County
Aida Levitan, Ph.D., APR, President of ArtesMiami, a non-profit group dedicated to cultural development of South Florida, and The Levitan Group, Inc., a firm that provides consulting services, has been named Latina Pioneer of the Year for 2011. This prestigious award names a Hispanic-American woman who has successfully intertwined her cultural traditions and values in combination with her American entrepreneurship, paving the way for other Latinas to achieve their personal goals.
The charity luncheon will take place on Friday, August 12, 2011 at the Signature Grand in Davie, Florida and along with Dr. Levitan the event will honor 12 Latinas from Broward, Dade and Palm Beach counties.
More than 1000 leaders are expected to attend the 10th anniversary of the Hispanic Women of Distinction Charity Luncheon, presented by Bank of America in partnership with Latina Style Magazine. Tickets are $75 per person and can be obtained by calling Elaine Vásquez, 954.527.0627 or by visiting www.wedoevents,net The Light of the World Clinic, a free health care facility since 1989, funded by the late Dr. Erwin Vazquez, will benefit from the event.
Lydia Cabrera Award Presented to Luis de la Paz on April 9, 2011
ArtesMiami President Aida Levitan presented the Lydia Cabrera Award to writer and journalist Luis de la Paz on April 9. The presentation was co-sponsored by the Rotary Club Miami-Granada. More than 50 leaders attended the reception in honor of de la Paz, at which Dr. Aida Levitan presented the award with Ambassador Cristina Barrios of Spain and Octavio Ramos, President of the Rotary Club Miami-Granada. The award consisted of a painting by Rodrigo de la Luz and a $500 grant. Numerous articles have appeared in local media about the award and Mr. de la Paz, including coverage by Diario Las Americas and El Nuevo Herald.
Third Printing of Hialeah Haikus
What does a Japanese short-form poem, and a 92% Spanish speaking, American city have in common? Exactly. "Hialeah Haikus" is a hilarious collection of five-syllable, seven-syllable, five-syllable poems inspired by the most unique and idiosyncratic section of South Florida: Hialeah. Editorial Ultramar has now completed the third printing of "Hialeah Haikus", with Foryoucansee, and it is now for sale on this website or at Books & Books for only $10.
Foryoucansee is a collective of writers, actors, performance artists, and veterinarian assistants who create work in and about South Florida. Past projects include “The Toners Live!: Toners in Time.” (think Pitbull meets “Bill & Ted’s”)—a bass-filled, time-travel fantasia. This group of 20-something Miamians will stop at nothing to preserve, recognize, and glorify the unique cultural identity of, as they like to call it, “the 305”.
Full of references to Santeria, gelled-up hair, pastelitos de guayaba (guava pastries), and bass, and with a foreword by one of Miami’s most iconic DJs, “Slamming” Felix Sama, Hialeah Haikus is sure to make any local spit out her batido de mamey (mamey milkshake) in laughter.
Foryoucansee is the creation of Alex Fumero, Lucas Leyva, and Marco Ramirez—three young artists with a passion for creating native work. This time they stand on the shoulders of giants, fellow authors: Eric Anderson, Ceci Fernandez, Danny Monsalve, Alex Nodarse, Elena Santayana, and local celebrity, Jose El Rey. Original photography in the book by Matthew Berkowitz and Gabriel Iglesias.
Hialeah Haikus is published by Editorial Ultramar, a division of the non-profit Artes Miami, Inc., and can be found at Books & Books in Coral Gables, or online at http://www.artesmiami.org/books. Books are $10.
Editorial Ultramar to publish "The City of Possible Unity: A Miami Poetry Collection"
The publishing division of ArtesMiami, Editorial Ultramar, will publish "The City of Possible Unity: A Miami Poetry Collection" in 2011. The book is a translation of "La Ciudad de la Unidad Posible: Selección Poética de Miami," a collection of 107 poems in Spanish by 32 Miami Hispanic writers. The book will be launched at the Miami Book Fair International. It will be the first time that a collection of Spanish-language poems by Miami Hispanic poets, is translated and published.
Since 1997 ArtesMiami (formerly known as Hispanic Events, Inc.) has supported and promoted Hispanic cultural programs by funding them and/or providing in-kind marketing and PR services to cultural organizations and artists. Dr. Aida Levitan, a nationally recognized advertising and public relations expert founded the non-profit organization in 1995. As an actor, writer and producer, Alex Fumero, Vice President of ArtesMiami, is a contributor to Hispanic art and culture in Miami.
ArtesMiami works in collaboration with local Hispanic artists, cultural leaders and organizations, journalists and educational institutions to publicize and/or sponsor cultural and theater events, art exhibitions, concerts, publish the poetry of local Hispanic writers and coordinate/publicize poetry readings, such as: Miami Art Museum exhibitions of works by Hispanic artists; Spanish Cultural Center (CCE) conferences and exhibitions; plays by Foryoucansee Theater; Latin Jazz USA and Orchestra Miami concerts; conferences by the España-Florida Foundation; and many other activities.
ArtesMiami sponsors literary events and plans Poesia Gourmet presentations
ArtesMiami sponsors literary events such as the presentations of Gloria Leal's book and Luis de la Paz's short story collection at the Spanish Cultural Center, poetry readings by Rodrigo de la Luz, and presentations by 32 poets from the book "La Ciudad de la Unidad Posible."
ArtesMiami also plans to organize readings by South Florida poets at gourmet restaurants. Limited to 30 participants, each event would include a three-course lunch or dinner and poetry reading by the selected poet/s. For more information (and sponsorship opportunities) please write to alevitan@artesmiami.org.
Lunch: $45 per person
Dinner: $60 per person
Reception: $30 per person
The first Poesía Gourmet events, took place in the Fall of 2009 at Books & Books in Coral Gables, Florida, and on November 8th at the Miami Book Fair International. They featured POESIA VIVA by Rodrigo de la Luz and LA CIUDAD DE LA UNIDAD POSIBLE, a collection of South Florida poetry (in Spanish), published by Editorial Ultramar. The events included tapas and wine receptions.
Third Printing of Hialeah Haikus
What does a Japanese short-form poem, and a 92% Spanish speaking, American city have in common? Exactly. "Hialeah Haikus" is a hilarious collection of five-syllable, seven-syllable, five-syllable poems inspired by the most unique and idiosyncratic section of South Florida: Hialeah. Editorial Ultramar has now completed the third printing of "Hialeah Haikus", with Foryoucansee, and it is now for sale on this website or at Books & Books for only $10.
Foryoucansee is a collective of writers, actors, performance artists, and veterinarian assistants who create work in and about South Florida. Past projects include “The Toners Live!: Toners in Time.” (think Pitbull meets “Bill & Ted’s”)—a bass-filled, time-travel fantasia. This group of 20-something Miamians will stop at nothing to preserve, recognize, and glorify the unique cultural identity of, as they like to call it, “the 305”.
Full of references to Santeria, gelled-up hair, pastelitos de guayaba (guava pastries), and bass, and with a foreword by one of Miami’s most iconic DJs, “Slamming” Felix Sama, Hialeah Haikus is sure to make any local spit out her batido de mamey (mamey milkshake) in laughter.
Foryoucansee is the creation of Alex Fumero, Lucas Leyva, and Marco Ramirez—three young artists with a passion for creating native work. This time they stand on the shoulders of giants, fellow authors: Eric Anderson, Ceci Fernandez, Danny Monsalve, Alex Nodarse, Elena Santayana, and local celebrity, Jose El Rey. Original photography in the book by Matthew Berkowitz and Gabriel Iglesias.
Hialeah Haikus is published by Editorial Ultramar, a division of the non-profit Artes Miami, Inc., and can be found at Books & Books in Coral Gables, or online at http://www.artesmiami.org/books. Books are $10.
Publication of 'The city of possible unity'
NOVEMBER 20, 2011 - The City of Possible Unity will be launched at the Miami Book Fair, at the Pavilion at 6 p.m., 300 NE Second Avenue. Poetry is alive and well thanks to the Miami- based non-profit publishing organization Editorial Ultramar. La Ciudad de la Unidad Posible (Miami, 2009), will be translated to English and will be launched as a new book at the Miami Book Fair International in November 2011. "The City of Possible Unity: A Miami Poetry Collection" is a diverse collection of South Florida Spanish- language poetry, translated to English for the first time. The title of the book is inspired by a phrase from "Espacio", a poem in prose by Juan Ramón Jiménez, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature. With this phrase, Jiménez described the Miami of the 1940s.
The original collection was the result of a contest among South Florida poets from various Hispanic origins. Nearly 100 poets submitted five poems each, and a jury of literary critics and experts selected 32 poets and 107 poems for inclusion in the book. Award-winning Spanish novelist Carlos Rojas wrote the preface, in which he analyzes the poems and the poets in the book, pointing out that they, like Dante Allighieri, are influenced by their separation from their country of origin but, unlike other writers, do not say one word of hate against those responsible for their exile. As critic Willliam Navarrete has pointed out, there is a sense of loss, absence, of questions without answer, when the poets face the city in which destiny has placed them. But the pain also results in the humor or irony reflected in some of the poems.
Editorial Ultramar published the book in Spanish, with funding from ArtesMiami President Aida Levitan, Ph.D. and the benefactor of the publication Victoria London, Honorary Consul of Romania. The English-language version is funded by ArtesMiami, thanks to the donations of Dr. Levitan, the Knight Foundation and the Aetna Foundation. The poets will each read one poem from the book at the Book Fair presentation.
The Florida Center for the Literary Arts of Miami Dade College designed the cover of both books and contributed to the artwork of the first book. Books & Books has also contributed to the publication of "La Ciudad de la Unidad Posible" and is expected to continue their support for "The City of Possible Unity".
To buy the book when it is printed and to attend the presentation of the "THE CITY OF POSSIBLE UNITY" at the Miami Book Fair International and other presentations by the poets, please write us at info@artesmiami.org.
ArtesMiami sponsored the screening of a film by Camilo Vila, The City of Gardens on June 11, 2011
Film director Camilo Vila with El Nuevo Herald Deputy Editor Gloria Leal and artist Demi Rodriguez in front of a work of art by Carlos Alfonzo.
ArtesMiami supports the Miami Art Museum.
ArtesMiami and its President continue to support the creation of the new Miami Art Museum (MAM). As a Trustee of MAM, Dr. Levitan attended the recent museum groundbreaking events. In the photo, from left to right: Pat Pepper (MAM Trustee); MAM Director Thom Collins; MAM Trustees Rose Ellen Green, Rafael Miyar and Dr. Aida Levitan.
ArtesMiami supports España-Florida Foundation
ArtesMiami supports the España-Florida Foundation, which is celebrating the heritage and presence of Spain in Florida, culminating in celebrations of the 500th anniversary of the exploration of Florida by Spaniards and the 450th anniversary of the founding of St. Augustine. The King and Queen of Spain visited Miami and endorsed the work of the Foundation. The Board and Advisors appear in this photo with King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain.
National Museum of the American Latino (NMAL) Final Report Presentation
The Commission of the NMAL appear in the photo with Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar on the Fifth of May, 2011. Aida Levitan, President of ArtesMiami and a Commissioner, supported the public communications campaign for the national press conference.
Lydia Cabrera Award presented to Luis de la Paz on April 9, 2011
The award recipient--writer and journalist Luis de la Paz, Dr. Aida Levitan, President of ArtesMiami; Ambassador Cristina Barrios, Consul General of Spain; and Octavio Ramos, President of the Rotary Club Miami-Granada - during the reception at which the Lydia Cabrera Award was presented to Mr. de la Paz.
ArtesMiami supports the Miami Art Museum Corporate Luncheon
ArtesMiami supported the Miami Art Museum by inviting hundreds of VIPs to contribute $150 per person and to participate in the Miami Art Museum (MAM) Corporate Luncheon. ArtesMiami also sponsored the luncheon and its president, Dr. Aida Levitan attended the event. In the photo, from left to right: MAM sponsor Mark North, President of Espirito Santo Bank; Gladys Giménez; Dr. Aida Levitan, MAM Trustee and Carlos Modia, COO, Espirito Santo Bank.
Traveling Poet Visits South Florida Schools and Universities
Traveling Poet Rodrigo de la Luz has visited several schools and universities in South Florida to read his poetry and to encourage students to use poetry as a positive way to express their feelings and thoughts. He appears in the photo while reading to students.
Schools and universities interested in a presentation by "The Traveling Poet" should contact: info@artesmiami.org
Alex Fumero, ArtesMiami VP on WLRN
A WLRN interview with Alex Fumero, ArtesMiami vice president, on his work in the are of acting, directing and producing.
Interview on the National Museum of the American Latino (NMAL)
Interview with Elliott Rodriguez, CBS Channel 4 in Miami, Florida, on the NMAL Commission study on the possible creation of a national museum in Washington, D.C. that will tell the story of U.S. Latinos to illuminate the American story for the benefit of all.
Univision - Aida Levitan and Latinos in the U.S.
Univision interview with Aida Levitan. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYaQJzu-hew&NR=1&feature=fvwp
