Art Basel, pronounced Baa-zul (rhymes with “mazel” tov), is an international festival celebrating art and fashion. With fairs in Basel (Switzerland), Hong Kong and Miami, the week-long event draws celebrities, art enthusiasts, tourists and (very) rich collectors.
How does this relate to me? Other than wanting to experience unique Miami events before I graduate (and possibly see Leonardo DiCaprio), for the last few years KIND has hosted a pop-up tent event combining food and art. As a campus rep in the area, I had the opportunity to work the event this year.
This year’s pop-up tent was called the KIND Cafe, featuring performances by youth artists, a gallery of their artwork, and, of course, complimentary KIND bars paired with craft beer, cheese and other drinks. The tent was located in the heart of Midtown Miami and right in the midst of Basel chaos. Traffic coming and leaving was laughably bad.
Upon entering the tent, visitors were given a flower in the hopes that they would “pick one and pass it on” to spread kindness. Inside there were different stations to view/purchase art, sample the bars, listen to music, take part in a unique post-it note mural and design their own KIND tote bag.
I might be biased but this would have been my favorite part of Art Basel if I attended, excluding the odd chance that I ran into Kylie Jenner, Leo or someone famous. Seriously, SO many big names were in Miami. The open-mic performers (all children) were fantastic. They would have soared past the “blind auditions” in The Voice.
Here are a few photos from inside the tent…bad lighting but you’ll get the gist.
The post-it note mural. Participants wrote how they can help make the world a little kinder. Search the hashtag #ichooseart to see the final piece!
KIND bar paired with cold brew coffee. Other stations had different bars paired with coconut water, craft beer and cheese.
My role for the event: spreading KINDness on the streets and inviting people to come visit our tent.
You could say the weather was great, if great meant pouring rain and awful humidity. It made for an interesting event set-up and an awesome shower later that night. Good thing I had my KIND rain jacket and umbrella to (attempt to) stay dry. My non-pictured Hunter rain boots came in handy too.
A few random notes:
-13: the number of times someone said “that’s so kind of you” when I gave them a bar. I never get told that….
-3: the number of people we saw smoking pot on the streets. Not bad for Miami.
-A man came up to me and asked if I wanted a ticket “for tonight’s event.” Based on the way he approached me (he said I was pretty) I assumed it was a ticket to a club or something sketchy. Turns out it was a VIP pass to an art show. I gave it to a friend who really wanted to go because all I wanted was a shower and dinner after my shift.
Saturday night confirmed how grateful I am to have worked for KIND during college. I’m not just saying this, I promise. Working for a company with a social mission has given my job a meaningful purpose, other than making money. Simple acts of kindness add up and can really make a difference in someone’s day.
Spread some kindness today, people!!!!
*Linking up to MIMM*
This looks so awesome!! What a way to experience Art Basel. You look so cute all decked out wit KIND gear! :) Glad you had fun!
Christina recently posted…Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies
Hehe thanks :) Glad I got to go and see what all the hype was about while I still live here.
This looks like a really fun experience, minus the weather!
Kristin recently posted…Ugly Christmas Sweaters For Nonstop Holiday Fun
Go figure that it would rain all week during the event!
I am sharing but I had to stop and say you made me laugh when you said it rhymes with MAZEL
<3 <3
Carla recently posted…5 Ways to Combat Adult Peer Pressure.
Kind of fitting as it’s Hanukkah now, right? ;)
This is so funny because for work I am in the Basel technology department! Banks need to comply with regulations that were established in Basel, Switzerland (which for some reason they won’t let me visit for “work research”) so when I saw the title I got excited! Looks like a great event!
Ummm so rude of them to not let you visit ;) I didn’t even know what Basel was until recently!
Wow this looks so cool! I think I would just camp out at the station with KIND bars and cold brew coffee :)
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…Fitness Holiday Gift Guide
I like the way you think :)
That sounds like a really neat event! You look like a Kind bar athlete with that outfit! Not a bad idea ;-) I don’t know what I would do if I saw someone smoking pot out on the street…actually, that’s not really my scene so I probably wouldn’t notice. I can never tell when someone is high or drunk, I just think they’re being silly. X-)
Ellie recently posted…Week In Review [12/4-12/6]
So many people smoke pot on/around campus so I’ve become too familiar with it haha. I LOVE my KIND gear! I wear it when I’m not working.
What a wonderful opportunity for you! I am actually involved in the art world and go to a lot of shows and private events in NYC but would love to attend any Art Basel someday, and I had no idea that places like KIND had pop ups there!
Alyssa @ renaissancerunnergirl recently posted…Being A Girls on the Run 5K Sparkle Runner
You know, I didn’t know KIND did either haha. But it drew a great crowd and people loved it!
It’s funny, whenever you write about your events with KIND I’m like, “been there” because I used to go to so many of Tim’s events when he was working for them.This particular event sounds cool though!
Sarah @pickyrunner recently posted…Training? What Training?
Haha I think of you when I write them too because of Tim! This would have been a big event for him…my boss planned for months.
What a fun job! And it goes along with some cute gear. Haha I laughed at the pot/Miami streets comment. I’ve never been there, but I have a handful of friends who live there right now and it sounds like an interesting, but lively place!
Margaret @ Youngandrungry recently posted…St. Jude Marathon Recap + Craft Giveaway Results
That’s a very generous description ;) It certainly is lively!
Love that Kind is a part of Art Basel. A very interesting partnership! Thanks for the inside look!
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Making the Most of My Weekend Post MRI Results Shock
It’s one of the biggest events of the year for KIND! I just learned that.
That’s so fun!! I love the post-it wall, haha!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Gingerbread Quinoa Coffee Cake
It was such a creative idea! People loved it.
How much fun! That looks like such great event, and it seems like the perfect campus job for you! Plus, if I saw you on the street inviting me to an event, I would definitely join in!
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me recently posted…Recovery Roundup #3
I can’t say enough how great it’s been for me! Plus now I have no qualms randomly talking to people on the street haha. I’ve gotten oddly good at it.
Looks so fun! I’m pretty addicted to the dark chocolate sea salt nut bar by KIND.
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood recently posted…Best of the Weekend: Sick Baby and Mom Struggles
That is the best one! And the most popular.
I love hearing about the things you get to do as a KIND ambassador. And LOL that everyone comments “how kind” although I probably would do the same if I didn’t think about it first!
Liv @ Healthy Liv recently posted…A Food-Lover’s Guide to Gift Giving
Haha I know, I completely understand…it’s such a natural thing to say! Some people say it and then say “I’m sure you get that a lot.”
My dad was at Art Basel for work, I wonder if he saw the Kind tent… probably not lol that’s something that’s more on my radar ;) Looks like a fun time!
sarah recently posted…Recovery Luncheon
Oh maybe! It was right near the Shops at Midtown!
The ticket guy does sound sketchy – I probably would’ve walked away and not even taken it! That’s too bad the weather was so horrible.
Rebecca @ MyEagerFeet recently posted…Off-season Recap: Week Three
I said “no” a few times but he put it in my hand and walked away. That’s when I saw what the ticket really was!
That sounds like such a unique, awesome activation! KIND seems like such a great company to work for. I would have been all over that cold brew bar.
Georgie recently posted…Gingerdoodles – The Holiday Cookie Exchange
I actually thought of you when I saw the cold brew!
This is awesome. I wish I worked for something like this during college… it seems like a cool company with fun events. Also that’s silly about the guy inviting you to an art show!!! You ARE pretty :)
Hayley Blake recently posted…Weekend Highlights // Being Sick + Our First Christmas Tree
Lol why thanks ;) I feel really lucky that I had this experience during college.
Wowww that sounds like such an incredible day! You’re so lucky to have been a part of an event like this. Haha i also love how you thought he probably was some total sketch guy, and it turned out to be the best a VIP pass. People will surprise ya!
Beverley @ sweaty&fit recently posted…3 X 5 AMRAP Hamstring & Glute Workout
Lesson learned to not be too quick to judge!
What a brilliant event to be a part of! KIND bars are making their way into more and more London shops at the moment and I can safely say that I enjoyed the ones that I have sampled so far.
Will you still try to keep up your relationship with KIND even when you graduate?
xx
Charlotte recently posted…TOL…Take two minutes to remember
I’m glad they are becoming more popular in London! Good question, I hope so. I’m going to take some time off but I plan to stay in touch for future opportunities.