ART FORT LAUDERDALE
Leah Brown, Ben Morey, Renda Writer, Sri Prabha, Jenn Clay, Ivania Guererro, Laurence Gartel. While this might sound like a round up of exhibiting artists for an Art Basel event, these are just a few of the artists who will take part in what may become a new Broward tradition. ART FTL will take place mid-January and brings together South Florida artists, galleries, and businesses with aims to anchor and enrich Broward’s growing artist community.
In just under six months, co-founders Andrew Martineau and Evan Snow have organized a multimedia art event with local artists who will exhibit at three separate residential locations accessible only by boat. They’ve nearly finished design of an accompanying app, and they’ve scored a several major sponsors.
Andrew Martineau and Evan Snow
It’s not everyday that a first time event gains the support of the likes of Venice Magazine, Oak & Cane – American Craft Rum, Oceanland Investments, Barkin-Gilman, Greater Fort Lauderdale Conventions & Visitors Bureau and Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority. Yet, this is exactly what the organizers of Art Fort Lauderdale have done.
Martineau notes, “Fort Lauderdale is best known for its Intracoastal Waterways, and this fair highlights the uniqueness of the city in a deeply immersive and engaging way while allowing people to visit and view art in luxury properties only viewed from a distance by most.”
Miami gets a lot of attention for more than one reason, but Martineau and Snow saw an opportunity to showcase all that makes Broward a desired community, from a vibrant arts community to a thriving real estate market. But it’s not just about seeing an opening in the art fair market. Both organizers are long-time Broward residents and have an interest in revitalizing and furthering the cultural scene here.
Martineau has been involved at the cross-section of creative arts and marketing for nearly 20 years and is launching the UniteUS Group with the promising debut of Art Fort Lauderdale. Snow has been promoting Broward arts, music, and tech through his #Choose954 social media campaign.
Snow says, “I’m from Broward, lived in Broward my whole life, and we want to let people know Broward is a great place to live.”
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The ambitious fair will have attendees arriving at their destinations via boat with VIPs having the option of being transported by private yacht. Each location is organized around a theme, presenting three distinct exhibition experiences: artGALLERY, artINTERACTIVE, and artINDIE.
The first will feature masterpieces by well-known artists alongside artists represented by local galleries. Interpretative dance and high-tech installations will be the focus of artINTERACTIVE. Meanwhile, artINDIE promises to showcase the work of independent artists.
To help attendees navigate through the fair, Art Fort Lauderdale has partnered with Vivid Arts, a West Palm Beach-based app that promotes local arts by providing a platform for discovering local art galleries and public art installations along with learning about artists. Downloading the app will allow guests to access up-to-date schedule information as well as see artist interviews and more.
If you want to attend the fair in VIP style, purchase the VIP pass which includes access to the opening reception on January 11 along with exclusive updates and previews. The unlimited VIP pass is valid on all days which will allow you entry to rooftop experiences with beverages and hors d’oeuvres.
Martineau explains what makes this fair different from the others, “By combining the ultimate Open House at waterfront properties usually viewed from afar, this experience will showcase art in a more intimate setting with the city’s famous intracoastal waterways as its backdrop – thereby providing a fun, and engaging option for people looking for an alternative to the hectic spectacle that is Art Basel Miami Beach.”
As if planning a major art event weren’t enough, the duo have been hosting a Live Art Pop Up series at YOLO in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The series will continue with a different artist each Wednesday leading up to Art Fort Lauderdale. You may still be able to catch a few.
Art Fort Lauderdale begins with a VIP opening reception on January 11. The exhibits are open to the public beginning January 12 from 4pm – 8pm and runs January 13 – 15 from 1pm – 8pm. Tickets range from $25 for a single day pass to $225 for a VIP pass with access to all events for the duration of the fair. Tickets can be bought online in advance or at the door. Learn more about the latest edition to the Broward art scene by visiting www.artftlauderdale.com.
~ Jessica Chesler
