Miami, August 5, 2024 – Miami Dade College’s (MDC) Cultural Affairs Department announces the launch of a comprehensive digital transformation initiative encompassing the College’s signature cultural programs, including the Miami Book Fair, Miami Film Festival, Koubek Center, Museum of Art and Design (MOAD) and Live Arts Miami. The new initiative aims to enhance their digital capabilities, fostering greater community engagement and broadening their reach.
Made possible by a $2 million investment from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the project will focus on creating a more efficient, capable, and productive organization by consolidating digital infrastructure, adopting contemporary and sustainable technology systems, and developing a more data-driven culture. This effort aims to enrich the cultural landscape of Miami by making arts and culture more accessible and engaging for diverse audiences.
“We are deeply grateful to the Knight Foundation for this transformative grant,” said MDC Cultural Affairs Executive Director María Carla Chicuén. “This funding will allow Miami Dade College’s acclaimed cultural organizations to embrace the power of emerging technologies to not only boost our digital presence but also better understand and serve our community. By leveraging advanced digital tools, we will be able to create more meaningful and impactful cultural experiences for all.”
The proposed digital transformation plan includes the implementation of Salesforce for greater audience data management, enhanced web platforms, and integrating a digital strategy across the department. These advancements will enable MDC’s Cultural Affairs Department to streamline operations, improve audience engagement, and foster a culture of innovation.
“The cultural programming offered through Miami Dade College has impacted a wide swath of Miami. The Miami Book Fair is recognized as one of the top in the country, while the Miami Film Festival has highlighted local filmmakers and introduced us to incredible, thought-provoking films from artists around-the-world,” said Victoria Rogers, Vice President of the Arts Program at Knight Foundation. “This grant will enable all of the College’s acclaimed cultural organizations to expand access even further through digital integration, a great benefit to South Florida.”
Knight Foundation has been a steadfast supporter of the programs offered by Miami Dade College’s Cultural Affairs Department. Beginning in 2005, Knight Foundation collaborated with the Miami Book Fair to establish the Center for Writing and Literature. Over the years, Knight Foundation has provided significant backing to the Miami Film Festival, particularly focusing on bolstering local filmmakers through its support of the festival awards. In 2020, The Museum of Art and Design received the prestigious Knight Foundation Immersive Technologies grant, to enhance the Museum’s capacity to explore the intersection of art and immersive technology through forthcoming exhibitions and public programming. Additionally, Knight Foundation has extended its support to Live Arts Miami with grants for organizational capacity and funding towards performances and summer intensives, and it has supported the artist in residence program at the Koubek Center.
“Miami Dade College has been a pillar of Miami’s arts and culture community,” said Dr. Maryam Laguna Borrego, Vice President for External Affairs and Chief of Staff to the president. “Thanks to the support of the Knight Foundation, Miami Dade College’s Cultural Affairs Department stands poised to lead digital innovation in arts and culture, ensuring Miami remains a dynamic hub of cultural expression and enrichment.”
About Miami Dade College
Miami Dade College is the most diverse institution in the nation, with 167 nations and 63 languages represented in its student body. The college’s eight campuses and outreach centers offer over 300 distinct degree pathways, including associate and baccalaureate degrees, certifications and apprenticeships. MDC is the recipient of many top national awards, including the prestigious Aspen Prize. The College changes lives through accessible, high-quality teaching and learning experiences. It is home to the Miami Culinary Institute, the Miami Animation & Gaming International Complex, the Miami Fashion Institute, The Idea Center, the Cybersecurity Center of the Americas, two AI Centers, the Center for Learning, Innovation and Simulation at the Medical Campus, the Business Innovation & Technology Center, the School for Advanced Studies and New World School of the Arts, among others. MDC has been recognized among the nation’s “Great Colleges to Work For” since the program’s inception. The College serves as an economic, cultural and civic leader for the advancement of our diverse global community. MDC alumni and employees contribute more than $3 billion annually to the local economy, and graduates occupy top leadership positions in every major industry. MDC’s renowned rich cultural programming includes the Miami Book Fair, Miami Film Festival, the National Historic Landmark Miami Freedom Tower, Koubek Center Mansion and Gardens, Live Arts Miami at MDC, the Lynn and Louis Wolfson II Florida Moving Image Archives, and the Museum of Art and Design. MDC has admitted more than 2.5 million students and counting, since it opened its doors in 1960. Approximately 120,000 students are currently enrolled. For more information, visit www.mdc.edu.
About Knight Foundation
We are social investors who support a more effective democracy by funding free expression and journalism, arts and culture in community, research in areas of media and democracy, and in American cities and towns where the Knight brothers once published newspapers. KF.org