FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 13, 2025
Oscar Esteban Martinez’s ‘La Herencia Viva’, Selected From Over 75 Global Submissions, Will Debut as Part of the Promenade’s Expanding “Art on Lincoln” Public Art Program this November
MIAMI BEACH, FL (August 13, 2025) – In March 2025, the Lincoln Road Business Improvement District (LRBID) issued its first-ever Call to Artists, inviting proposals for a temporary large-scale installation as part of Art on Lincoln: Sculpture, Installations and More, one of Florida’s most robust public art initiatives. After reviewing over 75 submissions from a competitive pool that included local, national and international artists, the BID has officially selected Miami-based Colombian artist and Gato Gordo Gallery co-founder Oscar Esteban Martinez to present his powerful sculpture, La Herencia Viva (“The Living Heritage”). The sculpture will debut in November 2025 and remain on display through June 2026.
This inaugural Call to Artists is part of the Lincoln Road BID’s ongoing commitment to bringing innovative public art to the district, building on its history of featuring a diverse range of artists and installations. The BID has long recognized public art as essential to the pedestrian-only promenade’s identity and experience, hosting works that inspire conversation, encourage cultural exchange and invite visitors to see Lincoln Road in new ways. Through these efforts, the BID continues to invest in local and up-and-coming talent, fostering creative growth while reinforcing Lincoln Road as one of South Florida’s most culturally significant promenades.
“With the launch of the first Call to Artists and the expansion of our public art program, the BID is reinforcing its dedication to making art a cornerstone of the district’s identity and experience,” said Lyle Stern, president of the Lincoln Road Business Improvement District. “This initiative is about more than just showcasing extraordinary work—it’s about creating meaningful opportunities for artists from varied backgrounds to share their voices and engage directly with the community. Through this program, we aim to further our commitment to making Lincoln Road a year-round cultural destination that brings people together in new and unexpected ways.”
Martinez has been awarded up to $75,000 to bring La Herencia Viva to life on Lincoln Road, a cultural destination that welcomes over 10 million visitors each year. The sculpture is a profound meditation on identity and community, featuring a fragmented human face composed of interlocking puzzle-like segments. Each segment represents a different cultural background, symbolic pattern or skin tone, while several pieces appear raised or missing—a reflection of ongoing conversations around inclusion and belonging. At its core, mirrored acrylic panels invite viewers to see themselves as part of the artwork, transforming the piece into a shared visual metaphor for coexistence and connection.
“It’s a tremendous honor and a dream come true to have my work displayed on Lincoln Road,” said Martinez. “Since my first visit to the district, I have been struck by its cultural diversity and how people from all over the world joyfully share the same space. Human beings have always been at the center of my art, for our differences, our similarities and our stories. ‘La Herencia Viva’ was inspired by learning to adapt to a new culture without losing my own. Each segment of the face represents a piece of that experience: a memory, a belief, a background. The mirrors are there so people can see themselves within the sculpture—not just in their reflection but in the idea that we are all part of something larger. I hope it invites connection and people walk away feeling seen.”
The installation will serve as a major highlight of this year’s Miami Beach Art Week, joining an impressive lineup of world-renowned artists over the years. Past highlights from the Lincoln Road BID include Fernando Botero’s bronze sculptures in 2019, Richard Orlinski’s dynamic pieces in 2022, and notable installations by Daniel Anderson and Rubem Robierb in 2024. Marco Cochrane’s “R-Evolution,” a towering 45-foot-tall sculpture, also turned heads during its tenure on the promenade from 2023-24. Most recently, Gille and Marc brought three new bronze sculptures to Lincoln Road, including “Wild Couch Party,” a 40-foot-long piece featuring 12 endangered animals, “Watch Out for Paparazzi Dog” and “Watch Out for Paparazzi Rabbit,” joining the acclaimed artist duo’s two existing works on view.
The Art on Lincoln: Sculpture, Installations and More public art program is made possible by the Lincoln Road Business Improvement District. For more information on current installations, artist opportunities and upcoming events, visit lincolnroad.com.
About the Lincoln Road District
Lincoln Road is Miami Beach’s vibrant, open-air promenade where the city’s energy and creativity come to life. Stretching across eight dynamic blocks, it’s South Florida’s largest pedestrian-only district, offering an unbeatable blend of world-class shopping, diverse dining and rich cultural experiences. With over 200
shops and restaurants, from renowned global brands to beloved local favorites, Lincoln Road is the ultimate destination for entertainment, inspiration and connection. Visitors can explore galleries, savor culinary delights and immerse themselves in a calendar brimming with community events and live performances. At its core are cultural landmarks like the historic Colony Theatre, the innovative New World Symphony and the iconic Fillmore Miami Beach, complemented by ever-changing public art displays. Whether strolling through the district’s palm-lined streets or discovering its cultural treasures, the road offers an experience that captures the essence of Miami Beach’s coastal vibrancy. Come see why Lincoln Road draws over 10.8 million visitors annually and be part of the energy that keeps this district thriving. Discover more at lincolnroad.com or follow on Instagram @lincolnrd.
About the Lincoln Road Business Improvement District
The Lincoln Road Business Improvement District (LRBID), Inc. was formed with the purpose of stabilizing and improving the Lincoln Road retail business district (located within a nationally recognized historic district) through promotion, management, marketing and similar services by representing and advocating for the property and business owners within its boundaries. By promoting and encouraging the continued development of this diverse, vibrant and pedestrian-friendly mixed-use neighborhood, the LRBID provides a dynamic setting for businesses, the visiting public, arts and entertainment, as well as area residents. Lincoln Road is the cultural and civic hub for the community. The LRBID fosters a spirit of cooperation and maintenance of high standards of quality among its members, creating a favorable environment that will bring transformative projects into the district and increase commercial and cultural activity.
