Locust Projects launched INNOVATORS, a fresh patron network, on February 2, 2023. The debut offered a private glimpse into the studios of Antonia Wright and Ruben Millares—two multimedia creators based in Miami—set along the Miami River. Guests heard directly from the artists about their practice, viewed a range of artwork, and took in the scene: cocktails by E11EVEN Vodka, rosé by Out East, and DJ SOMBRA spinning as city lights flickered on the water. The idea behind the network is straightforward: bring serious supporters closer to the makers and let the collecting happen naturally.
How Locust Projects fits into the Miami scene
Locust Projects has built a reputation as a launch pad for experimental work that wouldn't fit a traditional museum. It commissions artists, gives them the run of non-traditional spaces, and lets the public stumble into work they wouldn't otherwise see. The new membership tier plugs into that mission by inviting collectors and patrons behind the curtain—into the actual studios where work is being made.
Our analysis
This launch carries a distinct Locust Projects fingerprint. The headline perk is intimate studio access, which is where collectors often connect most deeply with a body of work. Pairing the debut with artists working across multiple mediums was a deliberate move; members get a sample platter rather than a single-discipline deep dive.
Who walks away ahead? Locust Projects gains recurring support and a reliable audience for future commissions. Members get early looks at makers before they hit bigger commercial platforms, plus a built-in peer group to trade notes with. The riverfront setting is a quiet flex—few cities can offer studio visits with water and skyline as the backdrop.
The honest trade-off is time and effort. A studio visit only pays off if you show up prepared, ask questions that go past surface, and stay in touch afterward. Members who treat the program like a passive museum pass will leave with free drinks and very little else.
A worked example for night-out collectors
Say you're a Miami collector or just an art-curious regular who wants in. Step one: apply through locustprojects.org and secure your spot in the INNOVATORS circle. Step two: when the next studio walk-through is announced, block out a full evening—these events lean slow, not fast. Step three: come with real questions about process and materials, not just pricing. Step four: use the post-event window to swap contacts with other members and the Locust Projects staff; that's the part of the membership that compounds over time. If the next visit is back on the river, stay an extra hour for sunset; the view alone is worth the ticket.
What to watch next
Keep an eye out for the second INNOVATORS gathering, the first public recap, and any published member roster. The roster, if Locust Projects releases one, doubles as a networking cheat sheet for serious collectors. The bigger question to track: whether the program keeps its studio-first identity or drifts toward bigger, more commercial parties as the donor list grows.
Key takeaways
- INNOVATORS is Locust Projects' new patron-tier network.
- The debut was a private studio evening on the Miami River featuring multimedia artists Antonia Wright and Ruben Millares.
- Drink partners included E11EVEN Vodka and Out East rosé.
- DJ SOMBRA handled the soundtrack.
- Membership details live at locustprojects.org.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is INNOVATORS?
A new patron-driven circle from Locust Projects, built to fund and champion experimental contemporary art through private events and direct artist access.
Who was featured at the debut?
Antonia Wright and Ruben Millares—multimedia artists based in the city—welcomed members into their riverfront studios.
How do I sign up?
Visit locustprojects.org for the application process.
What do members actually get?
Private studio walk-throughs, conversations with working artists, a curated peer network of collectors, and the usual supporter perks tied to a nonprofit art space.
Is this just a fancy party?
The debut featured cocktails, rosé, and a DJ, but the core offering is ongoing studio access, not one-off events.
Source: worldredeye.com
