Today we’d like to introduce you to Milly Cardoso.
Hi Milly, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Miami and have always felt very connected to the city’s cultural community. I earned my BFA in Photography and Art History from Barry University in 2005, and through Barry, landed an internship with Micky Wolfson and his private collection, now The Study Center in downtown Miami. During that time, I worked closely with the collections manager, helping to archive and photograph the collection. That experience really opened my eyes to how much I enjoyed being around art in an institutional setting.
After graduating, I began working at the Miami Art Museum, now the Pérez Art Museum Miami. I was there for five years, and it was one of the best professional experiences I’ve had. Starting as an administrative assistant under Director Terry Riley, who was such a kind and inspiring mentor, I was eventually promoted to Research Assistant in the Curatorial Department. The position offered a chance to immerse myself in curatorial projects and understand how exhibitions come together.
In 2010, I joined the University of Miami’s Department of Art & Art History, where I still work today as the Director and Curator of the University of Miami Gallery. In this role, I curate and oversee exhibitions, manage public programming, and handle publicity for the department. It’s been incredibly rewarding to work with emerging and established artists and to help build a platform for creative voices here in Miami.
Alongside my work at UM, I also work as an independent curator and produce SeeArtMiami: In the Studio, a video series that profiles Miami-based artists. The series gives viewers an intimate look at their processes, works in progress, and personal journeys. It’s a natural extension of my passion for art and commitment to amplifying the voices of artists from my hometown.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road, but I think that’s part of the journey. Working in the arts can be challenging because there aren’t always clear paths forward; you really have to carve out your own space. Early on, I had to balance my passion for art with the practical realities of building a career, and at times that meant starting in roles that weren’t glamorous but gave me the foundation and experience I needed to grow.
Another challenge has been wearing many hats. At different points in my career, I’ve had to juggle administration, research, curating, programming, and now my independent project. With SeeArtMiami, I not only manage the creative vision but also handle production, editing, and outreach. It can feel overwhelming at times, but these experiences taught me how interconnected all these skills are and have made me more adaptable. I wish I could pan like Wes Anderson, but I’m still learning.
And, like in any field, there are times when you encounter difficult personalities or people who don’t have the best intentions. I’ve learned that the most important thing is to stay grounded, know who you are, don’t lose focus, and don’t sweat the small stuff. At the end of the day, I believe that leading with kindness, professionalism, and integrity speaks louder than anything else.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What I’m most proud of is creating a platform for artists through my curatorial work and my independent project, SeeArtMiami. The series offers an intimate glimpse into the creative worlds of Miami-based artists, allowing them to share their process, inspirations, and challenges in an open and honest way. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to witness and share their journeys and for the trust they place in me. I also love visiting artist studios. You get to see photos, personal items, books, tools, and other objects that hold meaning for them. I’ve always been curious about how creators create, and this series gives me a genuine inside look into that world.
This work is distinguished by a uniquely personal, one-on-one approach to engaging with artists, something not commonly seen within Miami’s arts landscape. My goal is to create a space where artists feel comfortable opening up, and I believe that comes through in the episodes. One of the best compliments I’ve received from artists I’ve worked with is that I’m easy to talk to. That means a lot to me because it shows I’ve built a safe and trusting environment for their stories.
I want to support artists, especially at a time when it can feel like art is not always valued as much as it deserves to be. Through SeeArtMiami, I hope to amplify their voices and help the community connect with them, not just through their finished work but by sharing the people and creative journeys behind it. That is what motivates me and makes me proud of the work I do.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I’m very excited to share that the University of Miami’s Department of Art & Art History will be opening a new gallery, hopefully next year. The space is a converted chapel, and I can’t wait to share all the exciting exhibitions and programming we’ll be hosting there. To stay updated, you can sign up for our newsletter by emailing me at m.cardoso1@miami.edu. I also invite everyone to subscribe to the SeeArtMiami channel to discover the incredible work and creative journeys of Miami-based artists.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seeartmiami
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@seeartmiami
Image Credits
Image 1 – Milly with Marina Font at Collective 62
Image 2 – Milly with Roscoè B. Thické III at Laundromat Art Space
Image 3 – Milly with Amanda Linares at Oolite Arts
Image 4 – Karen Rifas’ Studio
Image 5 – Aurora Molina’s Studio
Image 6 – Pablo Matute’s Studio
