MIAMI, FL — December 9, 2024 — The CLEO Institute, in collaboration with The VoLo Foundation and ZUBI, made a bold debut at Miami Art Week with Our Present, Icarus’ Future, an evocative one-day exhibit that blended art and advocacy to spotlight the climate crisis. Hosted on Miami Beach’s Lincoln Road, the six-part performance drew over 250 attendees from around the globe, offering a powerful reminder of the generational impact of today’s environmental decisions.

The immersive, thought-provoking performance began in silence, broken only by the sound of a baby’s heartbeat. As the stage lights rose, a mother entered, placing her newborn, Icarus, in a glowing bassinet. The exhibit projected how Icarus might look at key milestones in his life—at ages 10, 25, and 60—juxtaposed with the escalating climate challenges he could face, from extreme weather and displacement to food and water insecurity.

“The response from attendees was overwhelming and emotional,” said Yoca Arditi-Rocha, Executive Director of The CLEO Institute. “The exhibit is a reminder that the choices we make today will echo tomorrow. Like Icarus, we are flying too close to the sun, not heeding the warnings that threatens our planet and future generations. This is more than just performance art—it’s a call for bold, immediate action to the world. Later is too late!”.

The shows concluded with a powerful message of hope and a call to action. Guests were invited to scan QR codes to sign a petition urging world leaders to commit to bold, meaningful climate action at the United Nations Conference of Parties (COP30) in Brazil next year and keep fossil fuel lobbyists out of the process.

“This is just the beginning,” said Thais Lopez Vogel, founder & trustee of VoLo Foundation. “By integrating data, art and storytelling, we can inspire communities worldwide. Our Present, Icarus’ Future is a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity in addressing the climate crisis.”

During Miami Art Week, The CLEO Institute, in partnership with the VoLo Foundation and ZUBI, demonstrated the critical role of art in raising awareness and mobilizing collective action for climate solutions.

Additional photo images available here.

About The CLEO Institute
The CLEO Institute is a women-led nonprofit organization driving bold climate action with people-centered, science-guided solutions for a safe and sustainable future for all. With a bottom-up and top-down approach, its mission is to empower individuals, communities, and governments to become leaders in climate solutions through education, advocacy and engagement. Visit staging4.cleoinstitute.org/.

About VoLo Foundation
VoLo Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2014 by David S. Vogel and Thais Lopez Vogel that seeks to educate audiences on how to create a sustainable and secure planet for generations to come. With the mission to accelerate change and global impact, VoLo supports science-based climate solutions, enhancing education, and improving health. Learn more at volofoundation.org.

About ZUBI
Zubi is a full-service advertising and marketing services unit of VML, the largest advertising agency in the world. Specializing in communications that target growth segments with expertise in the U.S. multicultural market, it was founded by American Advertising Federation Hall-of-Famer Tere Zubizarreta (1937-2007). For more info, visit Zubiad.com.