Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Commissioner Keon Hardemon to host a groundbreaking on expansion and renovation of Joseph Caleb Auditorium

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Miami-Dade County District 3 Commissioner Keon Hardemon, and the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs are hosting a groundbreaking ceremony for the much-anticipated expansion and renovation of the Joseph Caleb Auditorium on Friday, February 16, 2024 at 10:30 a.m., on the grounds near the main entrance of the Joseph Caleb Auditorium, located at 5400 NW 22nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33142. The event will feature a musical presentation by Melton Mustafa Jr. Guests should RSVP at www.miamidadearts.org to attend the ceremony.

“Our County’s direct investment in arts and culture venues like the Joseph Caleb Auditorium provide us with the opportunity to come together, share our diverse heritages and traditions, and encourage visitors and residents to celebrate and invest in their own neighborhood,” stated Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “The arts are an important element of a connected and thriving community, and this comprehensive project will enable this cultural gem to continue offering equitable, affordable, and accessible arts programs for children and families in the heart of Liberty City.” 

Managed by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Joseph Caleb Auditorium’s expansion and renovation project will occur in three phases, including a back-of-house expansion to accommodate larger theatrical productions; a front-of-house enhancement for a better theater-going experience for patrons, as well as ADA accommodations; and a courtyard renovation that increases greenspace and capacity for outdoor performances.  The project is on track for completion with a grand re-opening during the 50th anniversary of the Joseph Caleb Auditorium. 

“It is with great enthusiasm that we host this groundbreaking ceremony to begin renovations of the Joseph Caleb Auditorium. This historically significant cultural gem has served our community for more than 46 years. Iconic guests such as Spike Lee, the Blue Notes, Betty Wright, Ruby Dee, and Ozzie Davis have graced its stage. The renovation will prepare the stage and venue for the next generation of thespians to share their talent and guests to embrace the evolution of entertainment venues in our community,” stated Miami-Dade County Commissioner Keon Hardemon, District 3. 

The improvements to the Joseph Caleb Auditorium are funded by the Building Better Communities General Obligation Bond program, the Countywide Infrastructure Investment Program, the State of Florida Cultural Facilities Grant Program, and the State of Florida African-American Cultural and Historical Grant Program.  The project’s Architect of Record is Diaz, Carreño, Scotti & Partners, Inc. and the General Contractor is Florida Construction & Engineering Inc. For more information about the Joseph Caleb Auditorium and the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs visit www.miamidadearts.org.

About Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs
The Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council develop cultural excellence, diversity, access and participation throughout Miami-Dade County by strategically creating and promoting equitable opportunities for artists and cultural organizations, and our residents and visitors who are their audiences. Through staff, board and programmatic resources, the Department, the Council and the Trust promote, coordinate and support Miami-Dade County’s more than 1,000 not-for-profit cultural organizations as well as thousands of resident artists through grants, technical assistance, public information and interactive community planning. The Department also manages, programs and operates the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center, Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center, Joseph Caleb Auditorium, and Miami-Dade County Auditorium, all dedicated to presenting and supporting excellence in the arts for the entire community. The Department receives funding through the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners, The Children’s Trust, the National Endowment for the Arts, the State of Florida through the Florida Department of State, Florida Division of Arts and Culture and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Peacock Foundation, Inc., The Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation at The Miami Foundation, and the Taft Foundation. Other support and services are provided by TicketWeb for the Culture Shock Miami program, the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, the South Florida Cultural Consortium and the Tourist Development Council.