Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and community leaders announced Thursday, 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.
The new initiative builds on Orlando’s already vibrant arts community which generates millions from spending by tourists, residents and non-profit organizations and employs over 3,000 persons in the arts and culture sector.
“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 Dyer in a statement. “I believe this project will further propel Downtown Orlando as a destination for not only residents from across the region, but also our visitors.”
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. The first phase of sculptures is expected to be installed by the summer of 2013.
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.
