Presents at Harvard (watch lecture) & TED 2024 Discovery Session on art-driven climate action!
FLORIDA ARTISTS HALL OF FAME TAPS CORTADA
Xavier CortadaĀ has been selected into theĀ Florida Artists Hall of Fame. This esteemed collection of individuals features over 50 cultural giants such as musicianĀ Ray Charles, novelistĀ Ernest Hemingway, playwrightĀ Tennessee Williams, visual artistsĀ Robert RauschenbergĀ andĀ James Rosenquist, writerĀ Zora Neale Hurston, and singer-songwriterĀ Tom Petty, who have all made significant contributions to Floridaās cultural landscape. The announcement was made by theĀ Florida Department of StateĀ on April 24th, 2024.
Cortada and this year’s other inductees,Ā Lynyrd Skynyrd,Ā George Clinton, andĀ Roger Bansemer, have not only left an indelible mark on the state’s artistic landscape but also woven themselves into the fabric of its collective identity. Through their creativity, passion, and dedication, they have inspired countless others and helped shape the Sunshine State.
Cortada will be honored at an upcoming induction ceremony and will receive a bronze sculpture (crafted byĀ Enzo Torcoletti), recognizing his significant contributions to the arts in Florida. Additionally, a commemorative plaque will be installed at theĀ Florida Capitol rotunda, celebrating Cortada’s enduring impact on the stateās cultural landscape.
CORTADA DELIVERS HARVARD RADCLIFFE DEANāS LECTURE IN THE ARTS
On April 8th, Cortada was the featured speaker at theĀ Kim and Judy Davis Dean’s Lecture in the ArtsĀ at theĀ Harvard Radcliffe Institute, where he delivered his talk, ‘Creative Climate Action: Can Art Protect Us from Rising Seas?‘
In this lecture, Cortada explored the intersection of art, science, and community engagement, demonstrating how his work transforms public spaces into active forums for climate change dialogue and action. He highlighted his unique approach to using art as a tool to inspire conversation and drive collective action toward environmental justice and systemic change.
TED 2024 DISCOVERY SESSION: "THE UNDERWATER ā CLIMATE ACTION THROUGH ART"
Last week at theĀ TED2024Ā Conference inĀ Vancouver, B.C., Cortada led a compellingĀ Discovery SessionĀ titled āThe Underwater: Climate action through art.ā Building on themes from hisĀ 2022 TED Talk, the session offered an interactive platform for participants to delve into the intersection of climate change and public art. It was designed to inspire attendees to use creativity as a powerful tool for both environmental advocacy and personal reflection.
Additionally, Cortada was invited to serve as aĀ Speaker Ambassador. In this role, he supported new speakers and facilitated their integration into the TED community.