Illuminate Coral Gables, 2021

In February 2021, journalist Nadja Sayej reported in Forbes on public art lighting up South Florida during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her article, "The Latest Public Art To Light Up South Florida," centered on Illuminate Coral Gables, a citywide exhibition curated by Lance Fung of Fung Collaboratives.

According to the exhibition announcement and press coverage, Illuminate Coral Gables ran from February 12 through March 14, 2021. Sixteen artists presented light-based works at outdoor sites across downtown Coral Gables, Florida. Participating artists named in Fung Collaboratives press materials included Kiki Smith, Cai Guo-Qiang, and thirteen others working in projection, sculpture, and installation.

Sayej's report noted that the outdoor format allowed residents and visitors to experience contemporary art safely when indoor venues faced restrictions. Installations were designed for viewing on foot and by car along mapped routes through the city center.

Fung Collaboratives described the project as a response to the pandemic's impact on cultural life. By placing commissions in plazas, building facades, and public landmarks, the exhibition kept art accessible without requiring museum admission or enclosed gathering spaces.

Project context

Illuminate Coral Gables followed Fung Collaboratives' long record of site-specific public art in the United States and abroad. Related projects on this site include Constellations: Global Reflections in Bali and earlier programs such as Artlantic in Atlantic City.

Sources

• Sayej, Nadja. "The Latest Public Art To Light Up South Florida." Forbes. Released February 21, 2021. forbes.com
• Fung Collaboratives press release, "Illuminate Coral Gables." Released December 16, 2020 (exhibition dates announced for February 12 through March 14, 2021).
• Fung Collaboratives project page: Illuminate.