Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer is proud to join with community leaders for the launch of SEE ART ORLANDO, a public sculpture community project designed to enhance the aesthetic experience and cultural image of Downtown Orlando through the installation of iconic works of art throughout the city core. This new initiative builds on Orlando’s already vibrant arts community that was recently reported to generate approximately $94 million worth of spending by tourists, residents and nonprofit organizations helping to support nearly 3,487 local jobs according to a study done by Americans for the Arts.
“This is the decade for the arts in Orlando – from the construction of the new Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts to this new collaborative project, SEE ART ORLANDO – the arts are thriving in our community,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “I believe this project will further propel Downtown Orlando as destination for not only residents from across the region, but also our visitors.”
SEE ART ORLANDO is a non-profit organization comprised of community leaders who represent a cross section of arts organizations, including United Arts, Downtown Arts District, Orange County Cultural Arts Advisory Board, City Arts Factory and Florida Theatrical Association. Phase I of the project will include up to nine permanent sculpture installations with high-visibility in Downtown Orlando. Each installation will be underwritten by corporate sponsors and maintained by the City of Orlando without utilizing taxpayer dollars. The first phase of sculptures is expected to be installed by the Summer of 2013. See Art Orlando board members include Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Jennifer Quigley(chair), Frank Billingsley, Linda Landman Gonzalez, Ron Legler, Jocelynn White, Donna Dowless and Wendy Connor.
See Art Orlando’s spokesperson Jennifer Quigley said "Public Art enriches our quality of life and will engage both visitors and residents alike. Our vision is to have artists from across the globe and here at home create contemporary sculpted art that reflects our young, dynamic community’s spirit."
A local, national and international call for artists is underway, as SEE ART ORLANDO seeks experienced, professional sculptors to create the works of art to be displayed throughout Downtown. Artists interested in being considered for the 2012-13 SEE ART ORLANDO
Sculpture project must apply by October 15, 2012.
More information is available at seeartorlando.com