CityArts' 'Art Pollination' aims to tackle food insecurity through art

Credit: CityArts

An exhibition highlighting local arts and addressing food insecurity through creative projects is now open at CityArts in downtown Orlando.

Art Pollination: Building Food Justice Through Creativity is a citywide program created with the intention of uplifting local artists and promoting change through their work via temporary installations. The program was funded by a $1 million Public Art Challenge grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies awarded to Orlando last year.

The program encourages mayors of cities with more than 30,000 residents to partner with artists on temporary public projects — aiming to support both the economy and the creative sector.

Art Pollination: Building Food Justice Through Creativity is open now and runs through Dec. 14 at CityArts.

The installation spotlights more than 20 Central Florida artists and marks a new phase in the project, which has been in the works since 2023. Participating artists include Shawn Welcome, Mado Smith and Sinuhe Vega Negrin, with nationally renowned artist Juan William Chávez serving as lead artist.

Although the CityArts show will end on Dec. 14, a companion exhibition is on display at the Terrace Gallery in City Hall through Jan. 26.

Credit: CityArts