Creating Extraordinary Experiences in DTO

United Arts Program Launching June 20

What is the United Arts Program?
Discover a new downtown Orlando (DTO) where every day is filled with extraordinary experiences. Through community-driven efforts, Project DTO envisions a vibrant cultural scene, enriched by arts and culture at every turn, big and small. To bring this vision to life, the Downtown Development Board (DDB) has partnered with United Arts of Central Florida, Inc. (UA), the region's premier Local Arts Agency. Together, we’re launching a new initiative to offer exceptional arts experiences daily, free for all, day and night, on weekdays and weekends.
 
By championing a world-class cultural scene, this project ignites the engine of progress, fueling crucial momentum toward a downtown that not only thrives economically, but also with vitality. It harnesses the diverse cultural riches and creative genius of the community, transforming downtown into a magnet for innovation and prosperity.
 
What We’re Aiming to Accomplish
Developing a robust cultural scene in DTO is crucial for several reasons:
 
Economic vitality: Cultural events, performances, and artistic endeavors can drive tourism, stimulate spending in local businesses, and create job opportunities within the creative sector.
 
Community Engagement: Cultural activities bring people together, fostering a sense of community pride and cohesion.
 
Quality of Life: Cultural events and venues offer opportunities for entertainment, relaxation, and personal enrichment.
 
Cultural Exchange: By showcasing regional and international talent, downtown cultural scenes promote cultural exchange and understanding.
 
Accessibility and Inclusivity: Increasing access to the arts for all people ensures that cultural experiences are available to everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic background or demographic characteristics.

 

Soft Launch Program Details

Week of June 4, 2024

11:30 am - 1:30 pm (Tuesday - Thursday) 

City Hall Plaza

  • Simba X - Spoken Word & Poetry (June 4)
  • Steaming Jazz - 1950s-1980s Jazz (June 5)

Heritage Square

  • Electric Delaney - Pop Classics on Electric Violin (June 4)
  • Joe Fritz - Classic Jazz (June 5)
  • Red Mint - Top 40's from 60's to now (June 6)

Duncan Park 

  • Tre Jones - Singer & Guitar (June 6)

 

Week of June 11, 2024

11:30 am - 1:30 pm (Tuesday - Thursday)

54 West Plaza

  • Derek Stroker - Soulful Pop (June 11)
  • Benjamin Macon - Silent Comedy (June 12)
  • Harry Rios - Latin Beats (June 13)

Duncan Park

  • Scott Davidson - Acoustic Guitar (June 11)
  • Chandler Haughton - Acoustic Rock (June 12) 
  • Hannah Stokes - Folk Soul (June 13)

 

Activation Sites

Weekly live performances will take place at the below locations:
·      54 West Plaza
·      City Hall Plaza
·      Duncan Park
·      Heritage Square & Wall Street
·      North Quarter
·      Parramore
 
Monthly live performances and immersive experiences:
·      30 South Orange Avenue
·      Lake Eola Amphitheater
·      Luminary Green Park
·      Third Thursday Downtown Art District at Heritage Square and Magnolia Avenue
·      Vacant Storefronts and Artists Studio Pop Ups

 

To view map, click here(PDF, 1MB)

Interested in Performing?

Artists will be compensated a minimum of $250 for the two hours based on experience, time, and performance. The performance must fill a 2-hour block. 
 
To learn more and apply, click here.

Questions?

If you are media, please contact Ashley Papagni at ashley.papagni@orlando.gov or 407.246.4275.
 
Non-media related questions about the program can be directed to Audra Fern with United Arts of Central Florida at audra@unitedartscfl.org or 407.636.5157.

Tell us what you think!

We want to hear your thoughts on our new arts program! Please take a moment to complete a quick survey and share your feedback with us. Your input is invaluable in helping us improve and tailor the program to better serve our community.

 

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