Xavier Cortada was selected as one of three national artist finalists for the Chattanooga Art + Climate Project, a public art effort presented by Arts Build, Lyndhurst Foundation, Trust for Public Land, green | spaces, Tennessee River Gorge Trust, Stove Works, Hunter Museum, Crabtree Farms, The BLVD Project, and Ella Library.

During his presentation to Chattanooga’s cultural, environmental, and foundation leaders, Cortada discussed creative approaches to tackling the climate crisis. He encouraged them to engage the community at every step of the art-making process and passionately urged for the public art project to be centered around the fast-growing Guatemalan community. Recognizing that many of these Central American migrants sought refuge in the United States, partly due to climate-related concerns in their homeland, Cortada advocated for using art to create a sense of community and foster collaboration among the population.

With his expertise in immigration, climate, and community building, Cortada sought to inspire the audience to view public art as a catalyst for positive change and collective action. By uniting the community through art, he laid out a vision for addressing the climate crisis together and working towards a more sustainable and inclusive future for all.