BY RUTHIE DITUCCI
Miami Beach Artists Celebrate “Alive on South Beach” with Community Recognition and City Support
Stewart Stewart and Dena Stewart, acclaimed Miami Beach-based artists and founders of Center for Folk and Community Art (CFCA) have passionately dedicated themselves to uplifting Miami Beach’s rich cultural landscape.
Through CFCA, the nonprofit art-outreach organization they established more than thirty years ago, they have spearheaded numerous projects that celebrate and empower the local community. In appreciation, they have been awarded numerous proclamations and the Key to the City of Miami Beach.
In 2011 Syndicated News Network invited the Stewarts to create and host a video show for its SNN.bz platform. The result was Alive on South Beach®™, an episodic, man-on-the-street style video series that brings viewers behind the scenes of Miami Beach’s vibrant culture. The show features in-depth coverage of local events, exclusive interviews with celebrities and residents, and a unique insider’s perspective on what makes Miami Beach.
As heads of the Syndicated News Network Miami Bureau, over the years, Dena and Stewart have become synonymous with the city’s creative spirit—true ambassadors for Miami Beach.
When their content had grown extensively, it moved from the Syndicated News Network platform (SNN.bz) to Alive on South Beach.com®™ directly linked to SNN.bz — capable of toggling back and forth from site to site to generate more traffic.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Stewarts adapted their programming to ensure continued engagement and inspiration. They transitioned to a Zoom virtual format and introduced “It’s Just a Conversation” videos, featuring candid discussions with actors, artists, authors, and other creative professionals who share insights into their careers and offer inspiration for others pursuing their artistic paths.
As longstanding champions of the arts, the Stewarts’ initiatives have been made possible by grant funding. This year, when the State of Florida eliminated cultural funding from its budget, the City of Miami Beach recognized the Stewarts’ invaluable contribution to the community. In a gesture of support, the City awarded them a one-time grant and authorized the use of the City’s logo, accompanied by the statement: “With the support of the City of Miami Beach Tourism and Culture Department, Cultural Arts Council, and the Miami Beach Mayor and City Commissioners.”
This recognition underscores the Stewarts’ enduring commitment to promoting Miami Beach’s culture, arts, and creative community. With continued passion, creativity, and community spirit, Dena Stewart and Stewart Stewart look forward to many more years of bringing the heart of Miami Beach to audiences around the world.
For more information about Alive on South Beach®™, Center for Folk and Community Art, and Syndicated News Network (SNN.bz) please contact:
Dena Stewart | write.2.dena@gmail.com | 786 269-3606
Stewart Stewart | aliveonsouthbeach@gmail.com | 786 269-6392
Ruth DiTucci | news@snn.bz | 321 506-4054
Center for Folk and Community Art (CFCA)
About the City of Miami Beach Tourism and Culture Department: The City of Miami Beach Tourism and Culture Department is dedicated to enhancing the cultural vitality of Miami Beach through grants, programs, and partnerships that support local artists and events. For details, visit miamibeachfl.gov.