Donor Highlight: Jose Felix Diaz
As an attorney, advisor, and four-term elected official, Jose Felix Diaz consistently has been recognized as one of the rising stars in government affairs over the past decade. In 2010, he was elected to the Florida House of Representatives, serving for seven years and eventually becoming Chair of the Energy & Utilities, Regulatory Affairs, and Commerce committees.
Jose is known for his fundraising prowess and sharp political instincts. During his legislative tenure, he was elected as chair of the Miami-Dade Legislative Delegation, where he led his colleagues during a period of sustained and successful bipartisanship. A Columbia Law School graduate, Jose has significant international, federal, state, and local government affairs experience and legal acumen.
Jose has been recognized as one of the “Top 100” Lobbyists in America by the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics and as one of the “South Florida Power 100” by City & State Magazine, among other awards.
Jose joined the Board of Bakehouse Art Complex six years ago and has been critical to our success and strategic thinking about our Next Generation Plan. He also generously serves on the Board of Directors of multiple organizations, including the National Recreation and Park Association, Bowl Committee, and he is currently the Chairman of the Zoo Miami Foundation.
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Why is it important to support artists and the organizations that serve them?
A community is only as strong as its cultural institutions. Strong institutions, like the Bakehouse, make cities more vibrant and interesting. And as cities grow, it often becomes more and more difficult for young artists to stay there. Sadly, we have seen a lot of artists have to leave Miami because of the exorbitant costs of rent and everyday living. That is why it is important to support artists and the organizations that serve them.
What inspires you about Bakehouse?
I firmly believe that the Bakehouse is one of the front-line organizations that are going to help Miami define itself in its second century of existence. We have such a wealth of talented young people that are looking for community and for opportunities. The Bakehouse helps facilitate both of these very important foundational elements for the artists of tomorrow.
I especially love where the Bakehouse is nurturing talent – in a historically significant building and in a culturally important neighborhood. There is a “cool” factor involved in this building and area that can’t be found anywhere else. It is critical for our community to embrace the places that make our City a community.
Why should someone donate to Bakehouse?
Bakehouse is constantly fundraising not only because it is doing its best to support world-class artists, but because our building is getting old and is in need of some love. More importantly, Bakehouse is working on some ground-breaking ideas, like creating an affordable housing project for artists in an adjacent portion of our property. This project will be a first-of-its-kind in Miami, and the only way that it will become a reality is if we have support from people from all walks of life.
What is your wish for Bakehouse as it embarks on its next generation for 21st-century art making?
As the Bakehouse embarks on its next chapter, I hope that our fearless leader, Cathy Leff, continues to leave her footprint on the amazing and talented artists that call Bakehouse home. Cathy is such an amazing human being and she is the gravitational force that keeps us all engaged. Her vision for an affordable housing project for artists is very close to becoming a reality. I think that it could be a transformational project for the Bakehouse.
Where would you like to see Bakehouse in three years?
In the next three years, I would love to see the Bakehouse become the center for Miami’s cultural community. We can and should be a magnet for all the tech and financial industry professionals that are moving to South Florida. So many people in the tech community are active supporters of the arts in the areas of the country from which they come. We would love to harness their energy and ensure that the Bakehouse becomes the preeminent magnet for artists in Miami-Dade and beyond to meet and create.