The City of Fort Lauderdale established the Public Art and Placemaking program in 2020, recognizing that a superior and diverse aesthetic character of a city's built environment is vital to health, safety, welfare, tourism, and quality of life. This program allocates 2% of the Community Investment Program budget to public art initiatives throughout the city. The Public Art and Placemaking Program contributes to the aesthetic enhancement of the city while creating an exciting cultural environment that reflects and enhances the city's vision, diversity, and character.

 

Calls to Artists

Fort Lauderdale Beach Lifeguard Tower Mural Project

Deadline: May 31, 2026
Budget: $20,000 (all-inclusive)

Project Overview

The City of Fort Lauderdale invites professional artists to submit proposals for a unique public art project that will adorn two lifeguard towers along the city's bustling beachfront, enhancing the cultural tapestry of the community and contributing to its vibrant atmosphere. Additionally, this project serves to aid the City’s Ocean Rescue team as a means of establishing clear, recognizable landmarks on a busy beach. This initiative is a testament to the city's commitment to showcasing diverse artistic expressions and fostering a sense of place.

Fort Lauderdale Beach Lifeguard Tower Mural Project

Proposals can be submitted through CodaWorx or emailed directly to Joshua Carden at JCarden@fortlauderdale.gov. 

 

Sistrunk Overpass Gateway Mural

Deadline: May 31, 2026
Budget: $45,000 (all-inclusive)

Project Overview

The City of Fort Lauderdale invites qualifications from professional artists and artist teams for the design and installation of a historic gateway mural at the I-95 overpass on Sistrunk Boulevard. This highly visible entryway location presents an opportunity to celebrate and elevate the cultural and historical legacy of the Sistrunk corridor while enhancing the streetscape and strengthening a sense of place for neighbors and visitors.

As a prominent marker, the artwork will reinforce the corridor’s identity and honor its contributions to Fort Lauderdale’s history. A compelling gateway feature at this location will support corridor
revitalization, improve pedestrian and vehicular experiences, and encourage engagement with local businesses by promoting foot traffic and community pride.

We invite artists to submit proposals that reflect their artistic vision and interpretation of the park and its surroundings. The selected artist or creative group will play a pivotal role in adding aesthetic value to the historical corridor, making a lasting impact on the community's cultural experience.

 Sistrunk Overpass Gateway Mural Project

Proposals can be submitted through CodaWorx or emailed directly to Joshua Carden at JCarden@fortlauderdale.gov. 

Public Art within the City of Fort Lauderdale

Public Art and Placement Advisory Board 

 The Public Art and Placement Advisory Board was established in July of 2020 to serve in an advisory capacity to the City Commission. The board consists of 7 members who must be City residents, own property in the City, or be employed within the City of Fort Lauderdale and have a deep concern for public art.

 If you are interested in applying for the Public Art and Placement Advisory Board, please apply here.