he first and only art and design co-op in Miami has opened up to the public. Considering the thriving art commerce that occurs in the cash-heavy southern city, the lack of artist-run spaces is uncanny. Founders Chris Allen and Branka Joldas found their inspiration to fill the void in Holland, where collective artist lofts pump out positive work on the regular. The work space is a 5000+ square foot loft with two floors, natural light and high ceilings. It is called Co-Op Miami.

The space can accommodate up to twenty-five artists at a time, all of whom are on the building’s board and can vote on further artist acceptances. They pay rent and a membership fee in return for use of the loft. It’s a pretty sweet deal all-in-all and will hopefully start up a thriving creative central that will attract grants, art buyers and artists alike.

There is already an in-house coffee shop called the Blue Dog Café where patrons can get giant cookies, cupcakes, pastry and coffee while they wait for their paint to dry or ponder that $600 oil on canvass investment piece. As of right now there is art, furniture, fashion and sculptures for sale throughout the space.

Artists, take the opportunity to submit your work and get in on the first artist co-op in Miami while space is still available. Art-lovers, keep your eyes on this loft because there will surely be some interesting and valuable pieces coming up for sale in the very near future. –J.T.

3404 North Miami Avenue, Miami, Fl
co-opmiami.com