Miami Dade College has long been overshadowed by the University of Miami and Florida International University when it comes to the arts. But in recent years, MDC has mounted a concerted effort to emerge as a cultural competitor.
Also, showing a scrappy, fighting spirit is Dimensions Variable, the exhibition space and artistic breeding ground founded by Frances Trombly and Leyden Rodriguez-Casanova in 2009. Using a space donation by Dacra/Design District, DV was a respected force on the local gallery scene until 2012, when its became nomadic. In 2015, the founders secured space in the Downtown ArtHouse through a WaveMaker Grant until development in the Magic City, yet again, forced them out.