Over the past decade, Faena Rose, based in Miami Beach, has established itself in a category of one—a premier, patron-based cultural organization devoted to art, culture and community. Bringing together an influential network of artists, entrepreneurs, innovators, philanthropists, and cultural leaders, Faena Rose offers members access to exceptional programming that deepens engagement with the ideas, people, and creative forces defining contemporary life, all while fostering authentic relationships amongst its community.
Every year, Faena Rose hosts more than 80 cultural events where members gather for intimate conversations, film screenings, live performances, masterclasses, and immersive cultural experiences with bold-faced names operating at the forefront of their fields. Through Faena Rose's cultural excursions, members travel together on trips hosted by co-founder and president, Pablo de Ritis. Journeys to Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Venice, Seoul, and more immerse members in the local character and creative energy of each destination with one-of-a-kind itineraries that explore art, cuisine, architecture, and culture with the same insider access, sense of discovery, and connection that takes place in Miami.
Through its programming, Faena Rose also offers members access to celebrated thought leaders and meaningful exchanges across disciplines. Recent guests include visionaries whose work continues to influence the worlds of wellness, global affairs, contemporary art, entertainment, and sport.
Among them is Dan Buettner, a Faena Rose member and Emmy Award-winning producer of the Netflix series Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones, five-time New York Times bestselling author, and longtime champion of longevity. Best known for identifying the world's Blue Zones, regions where people consistently live the longest and healthiest lives, Buettner has spent decades studying the habits, environments and social structures that contribute to wellbeing.
During a candid conversation with members, Buettner reflected on the personal experience that first inspired his research. When an uncle was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease he became determined to understand whether prevention was possible. At the time, discussing Alzheimer's and prevention in the same sentence was considered controversial. Decades later, Buettner remains driven by the belief that many of the factors influencing cognitive decline can be addressed long before symptoms emerge. The good news, he said, is if we start early, we can get people to live not just longer, but better.
With the FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Faena Rose also welcomed FIFA President Gianni Infantino for an intimate discussion on the global evolution of football. Since assuming leadership of FIFA in 2016, Infantino has overseen a period of remarkable growth for the sport, championing expanded international participation, increased investment in development programs, and greater support for women's football.
Speaking to members, he shared a story from a meeting with American mayors in Washington, D.C. One mayor, a devoted baseball fan, cautioned him against suggesting that soccer could rival America's pastime. Following the conversation he delivered a speech, where he shared the anecdote and noted that "baseball may be America's pastime, but the future of America is soccer." The story reflected his conviction that football is one of the world's most powerful vehicles for cultural exchange and global connection.
Daniel Franklin, executive editor at The Economist and founder of the publication's influential annual forecast The World Ahead, offered members a sweeping look at the geopolitical and technological forces shaping 2026. Long recognized for his analysis of globalization, demographics, innovation, and international affairs, Franklin examined a world increasingly defined by competition for technological dominance and strategic influence.
From disruptions to undersea communications infrastructure to the rise of drone incursions and other forms of gray-zone activity, Franklin explored how governments and non-state actors are testing the limits of modern conflict without crossing into open confrontation. His insights illuminated many of the unseen forces shaping international affairs, providing members with a nuanced understanding of the challenges likely to define the years ahead.
The arts remain equally central to the Faena Rose experience. In a recent conversation, multidisciplinary artist Zoe Buckman discussed her practice that draws from feminism, motherhood, and systems of power through textiles, photography, and large-scale installations. Born in London and based in New York, Buckman's work sits at the intersection of personal experience and social commentary.
Reflecting on the period spent caring for her newborn, then for her mother during illness, Buckman described how she began incorporating embroidery into her work, sewing together vintage doilies, tablecloths, linens, and tea towels, and realized she was participating in a lineage of female expression stretching across generations. "My studio is like an old ladies' thrift store," she said. "My work is saying, 'I am here and we are here, and she, from before and before, was here too.'"
Members were also treated to an evening with filmmaker Michael Bay, whose blockbuster career has helped redefine the visual language of contemporary action cinema. Looking back on the making of Bad Boys, Bay recounted how the project was originally conceived as a buddy comedy starring Dan Carvey and Jon Lovitz before evolving into the cultural phenomenon audiences know today. He reflected on the skepticism he faced for both his rapid editing style and his decision to cast two Black leads at a time when few Hollywood studios believed the film would resonate internationally.
"The movie got a lot of grief because no one likes change in Hollywood," he said. "The film ultimately grossed more than $150 million worldwide, helping reshape industry perceptions about the global appeal of Black-led action films and establishing a visual style that would influence a generation of filmmakers."
Together, these conversations underscore Faena Rose's commitment to engaging innovators whose ideas challenge convention and leave a lasting impact on culture.
