Downtown Orlando's vacant storefronts are set to become vibrant canvases for local artists through a new initiative launched by DTO Live! and the United Arts Creative Placemaking team. The innovative program aims to revitalize the downtown area by converting empty windows and commercial spaces into temporary pop-up art installations, creating a citywide effort to increase foot traffic and bring new energy to the urban landscape.
Artists residing in Lake, Orange, Osceola, or Seminole counties are now eligible to submit their proposals for the program, with applications being accepted through March 31. The program welcomes a diverse range of creative expressions, including sculpture installations, fashion displays, theatrical set designs, and large-scale window artwork. While the artwork doesn't need to be newly created, all submissions must be appropriate for public viewing and capable of adding creative vibrancy to downtown Orlando's streetscape.
Selected participants will receive financial support in the form of stipends up to $2,000 to cover materials, installation costs, and design time. The installations will remain on display for a period ranging from 30 to 90 days, giving both artists and the public extended opportunities to engage with the work. Additionally, all featured installations will receive promotional support through both on-site visibility and exposure across United Arts and DTO Live's social media platforms.
The application review process involves a collaborative panel consisting of representatives from United Arts and the City of Orlando's Downtown Development Board. Once artists receive acceptance notification, they will have 40 days to complete their installations and prepare them for public display. This timeline ensures efficient implementation while allowing artists adequate time for proper preparation and setup.
Interested artists can find detailed application information and submission guidelines by visiting unitedartscfl.org. This storefront transformation initiative represents part of a broader movement to strengthen Orlando's downtown arts scene and create more accessible public art experiences for residents and visitors alike.
