The Miami Design District is bringing art and activism together for this year's Dolphins Cancer Challenge through a collaboration with Los Angeles artist Lauren Halsey. The celebrated artist has designed a limited-edition Pro Team Training Jersey in partnership with Rapha, which will debut in January 2026 and be worn by the Miami Design District's official cycling team during the February 28th event at Hard Rock Stadium.

Proceeds from jersey sales will support cancer research at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Health System. The jerseys will be available for purchase both in-store at Rapha Miami and online at DesignDistrict.com.

Who Is Lauren Halsey

Lauren Halsey, born in 1987 in Los Angeles, creates work that sits at the intersection of art, architecture, and community engagement. Her practice is deeply rooted in South Central Los Angeles, where her family has lived for several generations. She combines found objects, fabricated materials, and handmade pieces to reflect the lives and aesthetics of the people and places around her.

Halsey's work often addresses gentrification and disenfranchisement while celebrating the visual culture of her neighborhood. Her designs incorporate elements like funk, geometry, and signage, translating these visual codes into various mediums. She's currently working on "sister dreamer, lauren halsey's architectural ode to tha surge n splurge of south central los angeles," a major public sculpture park in South Central LA set to open in 2026.

For this cycling jersey project, Halsey brings her sculptural and socially conscious approach to performance wear, creating a design that references the aesthetic language of her South Central LA community while serving a practical purpose for riders.

The Dolphins Cancer Challenge Connection

Since 2010, the Dolphins Cancer Challenge has brought together tens of thousands of participants in Florida and beyond, raising nearly $100 million for cancer research at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. The annual event combines athletic participation with fundraising, creating a community-driven approach to supporting medical research.

The Miami Design District's involvement adds a creative dimension to the challenge. By commissioning artists to design cycling jerseys, the organization bridges contemporary art with community impact. Halsey joins previous collaborators including Mario Ayala, Bisa Butler, Daniel Arsham, Urs Fischer, and Harmony Korine, all of whom have brought distinctive creative perspectives to the ride.

Craig Robins, President and CEO of Dacra (which owns and operates the Miami Design District), is a collector of Halsey's work. "Lauren's work challenges boundaries between art, architecture, and activism," he says. "To have her voice represented in the Dolphins Cancer Challenge through this jersey is both meaningful and momentous."

Where Art Meets Performance

The collaboration between the Miami Design District, Rapha, and Lauren Halsey represents a specific approach to charitable fundraising: making functional items that people actually want to own while supporting a cause. The jersey isn't just a commemorative piece but actual performance wear designed for cycling.

Rapha, a cycling lifestyle brand headquartered in London with a U.S. office in Bentonville, Arkansas, specializes in road bicycle racing and mountain biking clothing and accessories. Their involvement ensures the jersey meets technical standards for serious cyclists while carrying Halsey's artistic vision.

The project will have visibility at multiple events leading up to the main challenge, including the DCC's "Ride With The Champs" event and the February 28th race at Hard Rock Stadium. For participants and supporters, it's a way to wear art that directly funds cancer research.

The Miami Design District's Role

The Miami Design District has positioned itself as more than just a luxury shopping destination. The neighborhood combines high-end retail with galleries, museums, design stores, restaurants, and major art installations. Its partnership with the Dolphins Cancer Challenge reflects this broader cultural mission.

Miami Design District Associates, a partnership between Dacra and L Catterton Real Estate, has built the area into what it describes as a one-of-a-kind neighborhood. By commissioning artists like Halsey for functional items tied to charitable causes, the district extends its reach beyond its physical boundaries.

For anyone interested in supporting cancer research while owning a piece of wearable art from a significant contemporary artist, this limited-edition jersey offers both. The combination of Halsey's design, Rapha's technical execution, and the Dolphins Cancer Challenge's mission creates a product with purpose beyond just looking good.

More information about the Dolphins Cancer Challenge, including registration and donation options, is available at dolphinscancerchallenge.com/dcc.

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