Summer Storefronts Brings Local Artists Together to Reimagine Downtown Miami
Mana Common's latest Golden Hour Chat explored how public art, local artists, and creative placemaking are helping shape the future of Downtown Miami.
Jul 24, 2026 · 3 Minute Read 
This summer, one of the best things to do in Downtown Miami is simply to take a walk down Flagler Street. Through Summer Storefronts, curated by Mana Common, vacant storefronts have been transformed into public art galleries showcasing the work of local Miami artists and turning everyday retail spaces into moments of creativity and discovery.
Designed to activate the historic Flagler District during the FIFA Club World Cup, Summer Storefronts celebrates Miami’s creative community while encouraging residents and visitors to experience Downtown in a new way. Instead of empty storefront windows, pedestrians will discover original works by local artists woven throughout one of the city’s most historic commercial corridors.
To celebrate the exhibition, Mana Common recently hosted a special edition of Golden Hour Chats, bringing together participating artists for an evening of conversation about art, community, and the future of Downtown Miami. Featured artists included Are.Beans, Camilo Rojas, Celia Ledon, El Fresco Miami, Enrique Mastrapa Jr., Extra Virgin Press, Giano Currie, Daniel Fila (aka Krave), and Michael Gladwin Enns. The event was sponsored by Don Armando Tequila, with complimentary cocktails served throughout the evening.
Opening the event, Lead Marketing Manager Marie Nanney shared how Summer Storefronts reflects Mana Common’s long-term vision for neighborhood revitalization.
“Summer Storefronts transforms vacant storefronts into temporary public galleries. The goal is simple: activate the street, support local artists, and create moments of discovery for both residents and visitors,” she said.
During Golden Hour Chats, artists were asked to describe Miami in three words. The answers painted a picture of the city as “eccentric,” “warm,” and “multicultural,” highlighting the diversity, creativity, and cultural influences that continue to define Miami’s artistic identity.
When asked where visitors should explore Miami’s creative scene, panelists recommended destinations across the city that inspire their own work, including Kampong Garden, Superblue Miami, Bakehouse Art Complex, and SUR. Together, the recommendations showcased the range of Miami’s arts and cultural landscape, from immersive experiences and contemporary art to independent creative spaces that make the city unlike anywhere else.
The conversation also focused on what the future of Flagler Street could look like. Artists shared that initiatives like Summer Storefronts help bring people back to Downtown by creating reasons to slow down, explore, and engage with their surroundings. Rather than expecting people to seek out galleries, the exhibition places art directly into the public realm, allowing pedestrians to stumble upon creativity in unexpected places while supporting local artists and activating underutilized storefronts.
Summer Storefronts is now on display throughout Flagler Street and is free to experience. Visitors are encouraged to explore the installations, support the surrounding local businesses, and discover how art is helping write the next chapter of Downtown Miami.
