Leonardo Da Vinci once said, “Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen.”
The Downtown Arts District celebrates all genres of art in the City of Orlando. Whether you want to go to a museum in the morning, paint in the afternoon or go to the movies at night, there is something for everyone. The energy is electric within the active and vibrant artistic community.
This nonprofit organization has a mission to lead, stimulate and guide the development of a vibrant, innovative arts and culture district that enhances the economic development in downtown Orlando. Established in 2000, the organization represents and serves the arts community through signature programming and public art projects that encompass the visual arts, literature and the performing arts including music, drama, film and dance. It also supports retail businesses that are related to arts and culture.
Key initiatives for the Downtown Arts District include promoting art and cultural venues and events in downtown Orlando, enhancing the city’s uniqueness as a destination for local residents, enhancing arts education, and promoting cultural tourism.
The Downtown Arts District provides funding support as well as manages and operates CityArts Factory, a 20,000-square-foot, multi-use arts and cultural center in downtown Orlando. The center showcases an infusion of local and international works of art and is home to six independently operated galleries, the Kiene/Quigley community gallery and the Orlando Magic Classroom. The latter provides studio space for working artists. In addition, CityArts Factory, which is visited by more than 50,000 people annually, is home to SAK Comedy Lab.
Funded in part by the Downtown Arts District and the City of Orlando’s Downtown Development Board and Community Redevelopment Agency, CityArts Factory is open free of change from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
How You Can Help:
1. Make a financial contribution or donate your time to the Downtown Arts District.
2. Attend a play, art show, band performance or other event to support the arts.
3. Give local artists a place to show off their talents by offering to exhibit their artwork around your business or office.