Design District Ambassador
P. Scott Cunningham takes us to school
In 2008 P. Scott Cunningham founded a University, The University of Wynwood. While not an actual University, UW’s website states: we believe in support, and contribute to the spirit of civic education through our commitment to the practice of contemporary poetry. Cunningham has invigorated Miami’s literary scene with his visiting poet series, Jai-Alai Magazine and the O, Miami poetry festival. As O, Miami events are taking place throughout the city in the month of April, what better time to learn a little bit more about the man behind the festival.
What’s the first piece of art you fell in love with?
Matthew Arnold’s poem “Dover Beach”
Who are your favorite designers?
Dead: Jean Prouve. Living: Aranda/Lasch.
What is the best piece of style advice you’ve ever heard?
Are you actually going to wear those Crocs outside of the house?
Who are your favorite writers?
Alejandra Pizarnik, Roberto Bolano, Donald Justice, Sam Riviere, Bertolt Brecht, Frank Baez.
What is inspiring you these days?
Lions. Lions are my totemic animal, I prefer them to giraffes.
What is your motto?
As much as possible, be in love with the world.
What is your favorite indulgence?
Real Sorbet
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Learning to be happy.
What career other than your own would you like to attempt?
Director of the Borscht Film Festival.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I wouldn’t say no to being a little taller.
This is your second round with O Miami, what differences can we expect?
More local participation. The last weekend is going to feel like a festival-within-a-festival, with an intense concentration of activity on April 27 & 28 at our host hotel, The Betsy-South Beach.
What event do you think will be the most popular with audiences?
The “Poetry is Dead” parade on April 28th at noon in Lummus Park on South Beach. It’s going to be fun and weird.
Can we expect different tote bags?
Yes, there’s a new tote, and it invites participation. Personalize your tote and then instagram yourself with it with the hashtag #thatssomiami and we’ll put it up on our tumblr thatssomiami.tumblr.com. The best pics will make it into a book we’re publishing after the festival.
