Q&A: Unplugged with Marcel Katz – The Power Behind Art Plug Power House 2019

Marcel Katz & Ronnie Renner

Miami, FL – December 2, 2019 – He’s the plug that connects Miami’s social art scene: meet Marcel Katz a.k.a The Art Plug. Marcel Katz is known as the famed art dealer and collector; Katz founded The Art Plug Agency, a Miami-based creative art agency which is a conglomerate between Marcel Katz Art, an art dealership and pop-up gallery and The Art Plug Power House, which features interactive art installations and experiences. We met up with Marcel Katz and the decorated Freestyle Motocross athlete, Ronnie Renner, to discuss just what they have in store for The Art Plug Power House 2019.

To kick off Miami Art Week, The Art Plug and Red Bull collaborated for a performance art showcase featuring Red Bull’s freestyle motocross demo at the Museum Garage in Miami Design District on December 5th. Red Bull will bring X-Game Gold medalist riders including Ronnie Renner, to perform stunts in an art-infused course on the roof of the award winning Museum Garage. Although the December 5th event is not open to the public, guests can experience The Art Plug Power House taking place from December 6th-8th. Katz is taking Art Basel to another level… the 3-day experiential fair features over 60 artists and creatives at The Citadel. Catch it all this week or click here to purchase tickets.

Read the full Q&A below on Marcel Katz and Ronnie Renner.

By Marissa Scarpulla

Ronnie Renner & Marcel Katz

WRE: Marcel, you’re always known to do anything but the ordinary. What was the inspiration behind this year’s Art Plug Power House? 

Marcel Katz: The Art Plug Power House is the event platform I created for myself and the creatives I work with to push the boundaries and build something we could shape and mold exactly how we want to. The Power House is my creative expression in an event format – its a nontraditional art fair, making things more interactive and engaging, bridging the gap with other forms of art and entertainment. Art is limitless and this platform allows me to make my own rules and push the limits as far as I can go.

My goal is to bring art to the masses – many people feel intimidated by these high-end fairs, whether they can’t afford the art or don’t know enough about it. The Art Plug Power House is an event for all levels of taste, experience, economic background. I am continually inspired by this goal, continuing this year to build out that vision. We are bringing over 60 artists and brands under one roof, creating a variety of activations and installations and experiential programming.

Marcel Katz & Ronnie Renner

WRE: The Art Plug is partnering with Red Bull for a performance art showcase featuring Red Bull’s freestyle motocross demo with an art-infused course on the roof of Museum Garage. Tell us about what we can expect?

MK: Expect the unexpected. We are taking things to the next level with Red Bull this year. Our weekend’s kickoff event will be on Thursday, Dec. 5 in the Miami Design District for a special performance art showcase. Four acclaimed motocross riders, including Red Bull athletes Ronnie Renner and Tyler Bereman, as well as Greg Duffy and TJ Tiffany, will perform extreme stunts while riding on bikes custom designed by a select group of artists that I curated. These riders are some of the most talented in the world and they will bring a high-impact routine for that night. Following the kickoff event, the Red Bull performance showcase will continue each night of The Art Plug Power House December 6th-8th at The Citadel.

WRE: Why did you choose these locations for this year’s Art Plug Power House?

MK: It was a sudden realization I had a few months ago when doing a photoshoot on the top floor. I was weighing a few options and this stood out for me. I wasn’t quite sure what it would look like, and frankly neither was the Design District, but once I began working with Red Bull on it, the stars aligned and it all came together. I’m almost still in shock that we made it happen, but we always find a way. A big shout out to Hayes Wheelless for helping make this happen!

This building itself is a work of art. It’s won architectural design awards and has had it’s own feature in Vogue. It’ll be a spectacle for the attendees, and I anticipate some incredible content that will be seen around the world. Once I realized the potential there, it was something I was determined to turn into reality.

And just to clarify, the Museum Garage will be the site for this special kick-off event, while the main event, our 3-day experiential fair, will take place at The Citadel. This event will be accessible to everyone and feature Red Bull performances, in addition to art exhibits and experiences, music, and much more.

Ronnie Renner

WRE: Today you’re one of the world’s most talented motocross riders. How did you get into motocross? 

Ronnie Renner: Thanks for the compliment. I was lucky enough to basically be born into it, as my Dad was super into Motocross when I popped out the oven. He put me on a bike and had me riding at 4 years old! I’m so grateful for what that has created in my life.

WRE: What are you most excited about partnering with The Art Plug Power House?  

RR: It’s pretty overwhelming, to be honest. It just seems like some serious great vibes and an epic event to be a part of. I suppose we are artists in our own way, so I have a good feeling that we’ll fit right in.

Marcel Katz

Art is limitless. The Art Plug Power House provides a platform allowing me to make my own rules and push the limits as far as I can go.

Marcel Katz

Ronnie Renner & Marcel Katz

WRE: Who are some of your notable partners?

MK: I’m very excited for the group of partners I have this year at The Art Plug Power House. Obviously, this partnership with Red Bull is very exciting – being able to work with a brand on this level and work with these athletes is an honor.

I’m also excited to continue my partnership with Lyft, once again curating a fleet of Lyft “art cars” that are wrapped with unique artwork from 3 local artists. This campaign highlight’s Miami’s culture and communities that are at Miami’s core.

Paddle 8 is an esteemed online platform, connecting buyers and sellers of rare and in-demand art and collectibles. They will be our gallery partner, assisting in curating exhibitions and facilitating auctions that will raise proceeds for another partner, Best Buddies.

Atlantic Records will once again partner with us for music programming, bringing in a group of artists, ranging in styles and genres, to curate the sounds of the event. Last year’s performer was A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and I’m excited for everyone to see who they bring this year. Others include Tag Heuer, Loop Colors, Cepods, Strata, The Caliber Foundation, Dope Vitamins, Tito’s, 1800 Tequila, and a few more we’re finalizing. I’m very happy to have all these brands involved – all have helped me execute this vision.

Ronnie Renner

Freestyle Motocross is just one of those things that people get hyped to watch… at The Art Plug Power House I’ll really be focusing on my smoothness and style with a wide variety of tricks.

Ronnie Renner

WRE: Which artists were involved in creating the custom designed bikes for the course? 

MK: There are 8 unique bike designs that the Red Bull athletes will be riding on over the course of the weekend. All the riders ride exclusively on KTM and Kawasaki bikes. These artists include: CB Hoy, Mijares, Jason Naylor, Lefty Out There, Tiago Magro, Kai, Carlos Derosiers, and Nico Suave. I’m happy with how this group of artists came together. All the artists have a signature style that I think will reflect very well on the bikes.

WRE: When it comes to riding, you always push the boundaries. What can guests expect to see at The Art Plug Power House? 

RR: Freestyle Motocross is just one of those things that people get hyped to watch. It’s a very foreign concept to the average person, but I’m guessing the artistic folks will be very appreciative of the style and motion of this, more so than the loud noises and danger. So I’ll really be focusing on my smoothness and style with a wide variety of tricks.

Ronnie Renner & Marcel Katz

WRE: What was it like working with Ronnie Renner? 

MK: It’s incredible. He’s an absolute legend in motocross, really across all extreme sports and I’m fortunate to have him involved. Ronnie has seen it all — he’s traveled around the world competing and has participated in the X Games for over 20 years. It was actually really cool when he told me how excited he was for our event. Knowing the things he’s been able to do, it’s cool to know this pushes the boundary a bit. It’s cool to see eye to eye with someone like Ronnie. I really want to highlight what he can do and show the true art form behind it.

WRE: How can people purchase tickets?

MK: While tickets are not available for purchase for our event in Miami Design District (you can join a waiting list on our website for a chance to be invited), tickets for the main Power House event are available on our website theartplugpowerhouse.com. There are 1-day and 3-day ticket options from December 6th to December 8th. This event will feature over 60 globally-recognized artists and brands, unique and engaging performances and programming, and many surprises you won’t want to miss!

Ronnie Renner