Miami Dade College (MDC) was recently recognized for its longstanding contribution to the cultural landscape in South Florida with two distinct awards – the prestigious Alvah H. Chapman, Jr. Award of Excellence by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, which recognized the Miami Book Fair, and the 2024 Champion of the Arts Award by the Arts & Business Council of Miami.  

The Alvah H. Chapman, Jr. Award of Excellence honors organizations that have made significant, lasting contributions to the cultural vibrancy and economic development of the Miami-Dade community. The award was presented on Nov. 13 at the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Trustee luncheon.  

The award is named in honor of the late Alvah H. Chapman, Jr., the former chairman and CEO of Knight-Ridder, Inc., whose legacy of philanthropy and community service has helped shape Miami into the vibrant, diverse metropolis it is today. 

“The Miami Book Fair is a cornerstone of Miami’s cultural identity, and we are honored to receive this prestigious award,” said Lissette Mendez, Executive Director of the Miami Book Fair. “This recognition underscores the importance of literature and the arts in enriching our community and creating spaces for dialogue and creativity. We are grateful to the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce for this honor and to our incredible supporters who make this event possible each year.” 

This year’s Fair opens on Sunday, Nov. 17, with a stellar lineup of authors and a block party open to the community. The Fair runs through Nov. 24, with the highly anticipated Street Fair featuring hundreds of book vendors taking place Nov. 22 & 23 at MDC Wolfson Campus in downtown Miami. This year promises a rich and diverse program featuring more than 450 authors from around the world, as well as musicians, artists, and performers, bringing the community together in celebration of the written word and creative expression. For more information, visit www.miamibookfair.com. 

MDC was also recognized as an Arts Champion at the annual Breakfast for the Arts, an event hosted by the Arts and Business Council of Miami. The award celebrates MDC’s pivotal role in shaping Miami into a global cultural destination. The event brought together arts, business, and civic leaders to highlight the importance of the arts in building vibrant communities and economies. 

“Miami Dade College has been instrumental in cultivating Miami as a cultural capital, with arts and culture programming that reaches every corner of the city,” said María Carla Chicuén, Executive Director of Cultural Affairs for MDC. “Whether through its acclaimed festivals, stewardship of historic landmarks, exhibitions, performances, or community outreach programs, MDC has been a leader in shaping Miami´s rise as a cultural capital of the world. This recognition highlights the College´s unwavering commitment to arts education, innovation, and community building.” 

MDC has long been a cultural engine in the community and beyond. Through its many programs, partnerships, and venues, MDC brings arts and culture to all of Miami, offering unique opportunities for Miamians to experience the transformative power of the arts. 

Some of the College’s best-known programs include: 

• The Miami Book Fair: A globally recognized literary event that attracts authors, thinkers, and readers from around the world, fostering dialogue, creativity, and intellectual exchange. 
• The Miami Film Festival: Miami’s premier international film festival that showcases the best in world cinema and provides a platform for emerging filmmakers. 
• Museum of Art and Design (MOAD): A contemporary art museum that regularly hosts groundbreaking exhibitions, highlighting Miami’s role as a global center for art and design. 
• Live Arts Miami (LAM): A dynamic program that pushes boundaries in the performing arts, showcasing experimental works in theater, dance, and multidisciplinary performances. 
• Freedom Tower and Koubek Center: Iconic landmarks that embody Miami’s rich cultural history and offer spaces for exhibitions, performances, and community engagement. 

The College is also at the forefront of conversations about the intersection of the arts and technology. As part of its ongoing effort to spearhead innovation, MDC is leading an exciting renovation project with the reopening of the historic Dyer Building, the former federal courthouse in Downtown Miami. This landmark building is being transformed into a state-of-the-art hub for arts, innovation, and technology. 

“The transformation of the Dyer Building represents MDC’s commitment to shaping the future of arts and culture in Miami,” said Dr. Maryam Laguna Borrego, Vice President of External Affairs and Strategy and Chief of Staff at MDC. “This exciting new space will serve as a vibrant innovation hub that fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, supports emerging artists and technologies, and connects the cultural and tech sectors in meaningful ways. It’s an example of how MDC continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in arts education and cultural engagement.”

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