Broward County, Florida – The streets of Broward County have just become a little more reflective of the profound challenges posed by climate change, as the “Underwater: Broward” art project was officially unveiled. Under the direction of environmental artist Xavier Cortada, the visually striking piece addresses the very real problem of rising sea levels.
The most recent addition to this public art program is a striking aluminum sculpture bearing the number 4. This number isn’t arbitrary—it represents the exact elevation, in feet, of the Broward County Governmental Center East above sea level. Mayor Beam Furr emphasized the value of this artwork during the unveiling ceremony with Cortada and other prominent members of the Broward Cultural Division and the Broward Resilient Environment Department.
“This sculpture serves as a reminder that every decision that is made, every budget that is approved, every resolution that is passed impacts a community that is vulnerable to rising seas. That number packs a big punch,” said artist Xavier Cortada.
“Climate change presents diverse challenges that will influence our communities for decades. The ‘Underwater: Broward’ project integrates climate and art in the delivery of a high-impact public engagement program designed to educate, convene, and motivate Broward residents around key environmental issues relating to our changing climate,” said Mayor Furr.
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The reveal is a component of a sequence of visually appealing and educational projects. These include multiple murals at nearby public schools, a bus wrapped with sea level rise-themed artwork, and a mural near the Broward County Government Center in downtown Fort Lauderdale. These projects inspire public conversation on the topic and act as everyday reminders of the evolving surroundings.
“Art brings people together, it challenges us to look at the world in a different way, to look at problems through a different lens,” said Broward County Cultural Director Phil Dunlap.
“We have been thrilled to partner with Xavier and his foundation in this effort. The impact of his art and the authenticity of his messaging have transformed the climate conversation in our community, with a heightened level of community engagement, sharing of experiences, and now the spurring of student-led community-based conversations,” said Dr. Jennifer Jurado, the County’s Chief Resilience Manager.
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Supported by the Community Foundation of Broward as well as the Cultural Division of the county and Resilient Environment Department, the “Underwater: Broward” initiative reaches into the educational field. Already involving ten nearby public schools in climate art seminars, it will reach about 1,000 students early 2024. This project is growing and will provide middle and high school students throughout the county free seminars teaching them about climate change and how it directly affects their neighborhood.
Through the “Underwater: Broward,” Cortada and his associates hope to incorporate climate awareness into the fabric of daily life in Broward County, therefore fostering environmental education and action from art. The initiative is a vivid monument to the ability of society and imagination to meet world problems directly.