Fountainhead was founded in 2008 by collectors and passionate art appreciators Kathryn and Dan Mikesell, who believe connecting people intimately with artists impacts how we move through this world, treat one another and confront today’s most critical issues. They created Fountainhead to positively impact the lives and careers of artists and nurture and grow their local arts ecosystem. Establishing a residency program for visiting national and international artists alongside an artists’ studios complex to serve the local artist community, Fountainhead has served over 450 artists from 47 countries and engages thousands of art lovers each year. In 2019, Fountainhead launched Artists Open, a countywide open studios event that welcomes the public into over 300 artists studios all over Miami.

Fountainhead’s approach empowers artists by making connections that lead to growth in their work and careers, providing time and space to experiment and challenge their practice, and mentorship and business skills to help them lead thriving careers. In its 13-year history, Fountainhead has become a pioneering force in the arts and culture landscape developing innovative artist and community engagement programs, and cultivating key relationships with leading art institutions in South Florida and beyond.

Made possible with the generous support of Knight Foundation, Jorge M. Perez Family Foundation, The Miami Foundation, Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners, Carlo and Micol Schejola Foundation, Francie Bishop Good & David Horvitz, Shepard Broad Foundation, The de Groot Foundation, The Hillsdale Fund, The Heinz Endowments, Lois Whitman-Hess & Eliot Hess, Hesty Leibtag and Terry Verk, Adriana & Ricardo Malfitano, Joan Quinlivan, Heather and Jay Schreibman, Leslie & Michael Weissman, Jane Wesman & Donald Savelson, and Alexa & Adam Wolman.