Cortada hosts U.S. State Department International Visitor Leadership Program

Pinecrest Gardens
11000 SW 57th Ave. Pinecrest, FL 33145

On May 3rd, 2024, the Xavier Cortada Foundation had the honor of hosting a delegation of 22 international visitors participating in the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program. Organized by Global Ties Miami, this visit was part of the “Promoting Social Change Through the Arts” program, which aims to explore how the arts can foster community sustainability, manage conflicts, address personal and community healing, and promote cross-cultural understanding.

The event began with a warm welcome from both Xavier Cortada, the renowned artist and Miami-Dade County’s inaugural Artist-in-Residence, and Adam Roberti, the Executive Director of the Xavier Cortada Foundation. They provided an overview of the foundation’s mission to use socially engaged art to inspire collective action against climate and ecological crises.

Adam Roberti elaborated on the foundation’s various projects, highlighting how they engage and educate vulnerable communities about climate change, motivating them to demand action from policymakers. The delegates were particularly interested in learning about “The Underwater” initiative, which emphasizes community involvement and environmental stewardship.

Xavier Cortada then led the group in a ritualistic performance of his “Longitudinal Installation.” This interactive art piece involved having everyone stand around a replica of the South Pole at Pinecrest Gardens and recite quotes from 24 individuals, each representing one of the Earth’s time zones, who have been impacted by the climate crisis. The performance was a powerful and immersive experience, emphasizing the role of art in promoting social change and environmental awareness.

The event provided an enriching platform for cross-cultural dialogue and exchange of ideas, showcasing the significant impact of art in driving social and environmental initiatives. The delegates left inspired by the innovative ways in which the Xavier Cortada Foundation leverages art to address critical global issues, reinforcing the importance of creative approaches in fostering a sustainable and resilient future.