Donor Highlight: Akerman LLP, represented by Neisen O. Kasdin
Donor Highlight: Akerman LLP, represented by Neisen O. Kasdin
This month, Bakehouse extends its appreciation to and acknowledges the generosity of Akerman, LLP Miami. Akerman, along with Related Urban Development Group and Bank of America, is one of the lead sponsors of our November 4, 2022 fundraiser: Futures | Visions | Visionaries. We thank the firm and Akerman Associate Wesley J. Hevia for providing critical pro-bono land-use counsel to our organization from 2018-2020 and for continuing to support Bakehouse by serving as a volunteer member of the Board of Directors.
Akerman was recognized by the Financial Times as among the most forward-thinking law firms in the industry. The firm combines a culture of innovation and creativity with a century of enterprise stability and provides a full scope of legal services.
Bakehouse spoke with Neisen O. Kasdin, Co-Managing Partner of Akerman's Miami office. Neisen practices in the areas of land use and zoning and public-private partnerships. He is known for his involvement in the revitalization of South Beach through his service as chair of the Community Development Corporation for South Beach, as City Commissioner, and then as Mayor of Miami Beach. He has worked on the revitalization of several communities throughout South Florida and is active on a number of distinguished corporate, professional, and civic boards.
The entire Bakehouse community thanks Neisen, Wes, and Akerman for the contributions they have made over the years.
Why is it important to support artists and the organizations that serve them?
Artists and the arts help build great communities. They enrich neighborhoods and make them more interesting, diverse, and lively, and in that manner, they promote revitalization and investment. An evolving community is a healthy community.
What inspires you about Bakehouse?
It reminds me of the South Florida Arts Center on Lincoln Road in the early ‘80s. Bold and pioneering, home and incubator for emerging artists, which will keep the Miami arts scene relevant and fresh — permanently.
Why should someone donate to Bakehouse?
If you want to support emerging artists and reinforce the long-term sustainability of the visual arts in Miami, you should support Bakehouse.
What is your wish for Bakehouse as it embarks on its next generation for 21st-century artmaking?
Keep doing what you’re doing!
Where would you like to see Bakehouse in three years?
I am excited about the addition of live and live-work spaces for artists, which will truly make the Bakehouse community sustainable.