'Underwater Broward' Makes a Splash in the City of Sunrise
Saturday, April 6, 2024
Eisenhower Executive Office Building
1650 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20006
At the City of Sunrise Earth Day Festival, the Xavier Cortada Foundation had the unique opportunity to engage with the community through our project, “The Underwater,” within the lush backdrop of the Sawgrass Sanctuary nature preserve. As part of this year’s theme, “Pass Up Plastics,” aimed at protecting our beloved Florida Everglades, the event was bustling with activities that echoed our commitment to environmental conservation.
Throughout the festival, our team facilitated a vibrant, interactive booth where Sunrise residents were introduced to “The Underwater” project. This initiative uses art to deepen the understanding of sea level rise by inviting participants to create personalized elevation markers. These markers serve not only as artistic expressions but also as practical, visual tools that communicate the impact of climate change directly within their neighborhoods. Residents were drawn to our booth by the prospect of learning their specific home elevations and then transforming this data into personalized yard signs. These signs, which depict the elevation above sea level, are designed to spark curiosity and initiate conversations among neighbors, effectively turning individual lawns into mini exhibition spaces that promote climate awareness.
Moreover, our engagement extended beyond just creating elevation markers. In alignment with the festival’s educational thrust, we hosted discussions on local vulnerabilities to climate change and the broader environmental challenges facing our region. These dialogues were designed to empower citizens with knowledge and to inspire them to advocate for sustainable practices and policies within their communities.
The festival provided a comprehensive platform for “The Underwater” to resonate with a diverse audience, from young families enjoying hands-on seed planting in the Kids’ Corner to environmentally conscious adults participating in various Earth Day activities. Our presence at the festival, surrounded by like-minded organizations and enthusiastic community members, underscored the importance of collective action in fostering a resilient, informed community ready to face the challenges of climate change.
By the day’s end, it was clear that “The Underwater” had made a significant impact, leaving attendees not only with a deeper understanding of their personal connection to the climate crisis but also with a tangible reminder of their power as agents of change in their communities. The City of Sunrise Earth Day Festival thus served as an ideal venue for meaningful engagement and environmental advocacy, further amplified by our collaborative efforts and the enthusiastic participation of festival-goers.