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for immediate release
July 28, 2026
— A national recognition of Miami Beach’s creative leadership and Sister Cities engagement —
Miami Beach, FL – The City of Miami Beach is proud to announce that the Miami Beach Sister Cities Committee has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious 2026 Sister Cities International Innovation in Arts and Culture Award for cities with populations between 25,001 and 100,000. The honor was presented during the Sister Cities International 70th Anniversary Homecoming Gala Dinner and Annual Awards Ceremony on Friday, July 24 in Washington, D.C.
The national recognition highlights Miami Beach’s commitment to leveraging arts and culture as essential drivers of community vitality, international collaboration and economic opportunity. Sister Cities International commended Miami Beach for its innovative programming, creative partnerships and sustained dedication to cultural diplomacy.
“Our city has always believed in the power of arts and culture to bring people together, spark new ideas and strengthen our community. Being honored by Sister Cities International is a meaningful recognition of that commitment,” shared Mayor Steven Meiner. “Miami Beach is proud to lead by example in showing how creativity, cultural exchange and international partnership can elevate quality of life for everyone — our residents, our businesses and the visitors who make our city so vibrant. This award reflects the hard work of many dedicated partners, and we are deeply grateful for this global acknowledgment of Miami Beach’s spirit of innovation.”
Sister Cities committees and programs play a meaningful role in strengthening global understanding, fostering long-term relationships and supporting economic and cultural exchanges among cities around the world. Through these efforts, cities develop pathways for shared learning, business engagement, educational growth and diplomatic cooperation. Miami Beach’s Sister Cities initiatives exemplify this mission by advancing projects that reflect the city’s core values of creativity, inclusion and international connectivity.
Being recognized specifically for arts and culture carries special significance for Miami Beach. As a global destination renowned for its artistic identity, design excellence and creative industries, this award affirms the city’s leadership in showing how communities can harness culture, education, technology and international collaboration to elevate quality of life. From residents and business owners to visitors and employees, Miami Beach’s cultural investments strengthen community wellbeing, support local economies and enhance the city’s worldwide reputation.
“This award is a testament to Miami Beach’s deep commitment to cultural excellence and global collaboration. Our Sister Cities initiatives continue to open doors for meaningful exchange, creative partnerships and shared growth,” said Miami Beach Vice Mayor Laura Dominguez. “Being recognized for innovation in arts and culture reflects the strength of our community and the vision we strive to advance every day. Miami Beach has long understood that creativity is not just an asset, it’s a strategy and this honor affirms our leadership in using arts, culture, education and technology to improve quality of life for everyone who calls our city home.”
Miami Beach Sister Cities Committee Chairwoman Moni Cohen said the award reflects the dedication of the volunteers and city staff who have shepherded the program over the years. “This award underscores Miami Beach’s continued dedication to innovation, cultural diplomacy, and forward-looking partnerships that enrich the community and contribute to a vibrant, resilient and globally engaged future” she explained.
For additional information or to request an application, please contact the Miami Beach Economic Development Department at mbbiz@miamibeachfl.gov or visit Sister Cities - City of Miami Beach.
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About Miami Beach Sister Cities
Miami Beach Sister Cities is a diplomatic platform that seeks to promote cooperation and direct engagement with global partners on mutual issues concerning economic development, commerce, tourism, education, and art and culture. The Miami Beach Sister Cities Committee is appointed by the Miami Beach City Commission, and its mission is to promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, cooperation and citizen diplomacy for the benefit of Miami Beach and its Sister Cities. For more information on the Miami Beach Sister Cities Program, please click here.
To request this material in alternate format, sign language interpreter (five-day notice required), information on access for persons with disabilities, and/or any accommodation to review any document or participate in any city-sponsored proceedings, call 305.604.2ADA (2232) and select 1 for English or 2 for Spanish, then option 6; TTY users may call via 711 (Florida Relay Service).
