Our Mission

Fountainhead is building a global family of artists and appreciators, one personal connection at a time.

We believe that elevating the voices, value, and visibility of artists in our society and making their work accessible in a welcoming and inclusive environment helps us delve into the human experiences and stories that connect us all.

Our Vision

We want to build a better future, and we believe artists help us get there. Artists feed our every sense. Their work moves us to understand ourselves, each other and the world around us.

We envision a world where artists are valued for their contributions to our lives, so that their work can help us connect, repair, and imagine.

Our Values

Equity We believe that changing the narrative requires elevating and supporting diverse voices by sharing power, resources, and access.

Connection We believe that connecting people through the arts causes us to pause and experience the present, question our assumptions and biases, and aspire to a better future.

Inclusive We want people to be able to see themselves in the artists we support and equally create space to be inspired by with those who are different.

Accessible The arts should be accessible to everyone wanting to engage in them. We aim to provide an environment that is approachable and free of barriers and hierarchies.

Empowerment We know that in order for artists to continue their work and contribute to our society, they must have the resources and opportunities that lead to thriving careers.

Diversity We focus on working with artists of varying ages, genders, races, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, and marital status. The majority of artists in our programs are women, Black, Indigenous and People of Color; and many identifying as LGBTQIIA+. Artists have ranged from 23 to 70+ years of age working in every visual arts medium.

Our Programs

Founded in 2008 by Kathryn and Dan Mikesell, Fountainhead takes a holistic approach to empowering artists, while cultivating and nurturing a community who values them.  We do this by providing artists space to create and experiment, connections that lead to financial opportunities and the tools they need to flourish in their careers.  We provide arts professionals and enthusiasts intimate time with artists, to go beyond simply seeing art, to delve into their practice and understand their perspective. We cultivate new audiences for artists through meaningful engagements in an approachable, inclusive, and welcoming environment.

The Fountainhead Residency started in March 2008, invites 3-4 national/international artists each month. Operating year-round the Residency hosts 30-40 artists.  To date over 430 artists from 47 countries have taken part in the residency. 

The program includes time and space to explore and experiment in their practice; one-on-one feedback from arts professionals; assistance in developing materials and communication strategies, intimate introductions to individuals throughout the arts ecosystem, open access to museums and collections and monthly community engagements. 

The Residency is based in a 1950’s Miami Modern home in the oldest historic neighborhood in Miami creating a uniquely special environment to that of other arts institutions.

The Residency opens its doors once a month to welcome everyone to meet visiting artists.

The Fountainhead Studios, started in June 2008, located in Little Haiti provides Miami-based artists working in all mediums with affordable and flexible, raw studio space outside of the public eye. More than just studio space, we provide a community for a profession that is often solitary.  Currently, there are over 30 artists working at the Studios.

The Studios opens its doors twice a year to the public giving people a rare view into the artists' world.  

Artists Open, launched in 2018, is Miami-Dade County’s first and only county-wide Open Studios event. Generously funding by Knight Foundation, in the inaugural edition more than 300 artists opened their studios to the public. Communities taking part in Artists Open where as far north as North Miami, east to Miami Beach, west to Doral and Hialeah and south to the Deering Estate. This is a green initiative with all information provided online and through an interactive map.

To continue to raise awareness and provide access to artists local throughout the year, a full directory of participating artists can be found at www.artistopen.miami. Artists Open will take place the Saturday of Mother’s Day each year, with the next edition May 8, 2021.

Financial Workshops Unfortunately our education system often does not provide basic financial education, leaving artists without the tools they need to create financial stability as entrepreneurs. Launched in the fall of 2019 with funding by Knight Foundation, the financial workshops teach skills and offer an interactive environment covering topics like budgeting, business structuring, credit, investing, accounting and taxes.

Artists to Artists Thankfully opportunities exist for artists to expand their career in addition to gallery sales, teaching and commissions. Brand collaborations, social engagements, public art, are just a few examples. Through this program, artists share their experience and wisdom of “thinking outside the white box” and how and where to begin.

The Fountainhead Haus, was a temporary project from 2012-2014.  Artists Agustina Woodgate, Christina Lei Rodriguez, Clifton Childree, Manny Prieres, and Typoe transformed a home into collaborative studio, workshop and gathering space.  The work, experiences and stories mark this historic moment in time.

From the Founders Kathryn and Dan

At the end of 2016, it was with great pride and excitement that we took Fountainhead to the next stage by becoming a community nonprofit and securing it's future for generations to come.  Over the last few years we have expanded our collaborations with institutions, curators, cultural embassies and nonprofits around the world. This greatly broadened the outreach, audience and value to Fountainhead artists and supporters, and we're only just beginning.  

On a very personal note, the artists that are a part of the Fountainhead family have changed our lives.  They have been a constant source of inspiration and have helped mold our children into open-minded, compassionate,  and confident individuals.  We look forward to continuing to expand the Fountainhead family of artists and supporters.

More about The Fountainhead