Oolite Arts

Founded by the late potter and visionary Ellie Schneiderman, Oolite Arts began as the South Florida Art Center, providing affordable studio and exhibition spaces for Miami's visual artists. Ellie's vision transformed vacant storefronts on Lincoln Road into artist studios, catalyzing the area's revitalization and fostering a thriving arts community. Her guiding principle was to "help artists help themselves," a mission that continues to drive Oolite Arts today. 

The mission of Oolite Arts is to support artists and advance the knowledge and practice of contemporary visual arts. Oolite Arts creates opportunities for experimentation and innovation, and encourages the exchange of ideas across diverse cultures through residencies, exhibitions, public programs, education and outreach. Established in 1984, Oolite Arts is both a community and a resource, providing visual artists with the studio space, exhibition opportunities and financial support they need to experiment, grow and enrich the city. Through its educational programming, Oolite Arts helps Miamians learn about contemporary art and develop their own artistic skills.

Exhibitions and programs at Oolite Arts are made possible with support from the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade Mayor and Board of County Commissioners; the City of Miami Beach Department of Tourism and Cultural Development, Office of Cultural Affairs, and the Miami Beach Mayor and City Commissioners; the State of Florida, Florida Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Arts Council; The Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation at The Miami Foundation; and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. Additional support provided by Walgreens Company.

Oolite Arts Annual Impact & Programs

• Residencies

  • 13 year-long Studio Art Residencies, each with a $1,000/month housing stipend.

  • 4 Cinematic Arts Residencies with $50,000+ in project funding per resident.

  • 5 Home + Away Residencies, sending 32 artists to top programs across the U.S. and abroad (Atlantic Center, MASS MoCA, Artpace).

• Exhibitions & Public Art

  • 4 exhibitions annually at the 924 Lincoln Rd gallery (free admission, open daily), with printed materials, public openings, performances, and lectures.

  • 8 Windows @ Walgreens exhibitions each year, on view 24/7 at two Miami Beach locations, with opening events.

  • Open studios during each exhibition opening.

• The Ellies Oolite Arts Awards

  • $500,000 annual non-restricted awards for artists living and working in Miami-Dade, Broward, Monroe, and Palm Beach counties.

• Film & Conversations

  • Art Films series

  • In Conversation: Visiting artists and curator lectures from around the world, with professional development opportunities for residents like critics, and curatorial engagement.

• Education & Professional Development

  • Skills: Professional development workshops/year for artists and filmmakers.

• Community Reach and Art Classes

  • Approx. 11,000 people/year attend Oolite’s free and low-cost programming.

• Future Growth

  • Ongoing development of the new 27,000 sq. ft. Oolite Art Center, which will more than double studio and public program space.