Frost Science Planetarium Talk, NBC 6 Coverage, Cortada Science Art Academy, and more!
‘Cortada Eco-Art Courtyard’ opens as climate learning hub
On Earth Day, the Cortada Foundation and United Teachers of Dade (UTD) unveiled the Cortada Eco-Art Courtyard at José Martí MAST Academy in Hialeah, FL. This new outdoor learning space expands the school’s existing STEAM Environmental Center, which includes an arboretum and an immersive, museum-grade trailer.
During the event, students, teachers, and guests explored the nine participatory eco-art installations on permanent display, dedicated a 400-mangrove vertical nursery, and planted a native tree and flag on-site—bringing a decade-long journey full circle.
At its core, the Cortada Eco-Art Courtyard features a series of participatory eco-art installations designed to engage students in experiential learning and creative problem-solving. With the launch of the courtyard, the school will be fully equipped to welcome field trips and inspire students for years to come.
Cortada Foundation headlines talk at Frost Science Planetarium
On April 9, 2025, Xavier Cortada and Adam Roberti, Cortada Foundation executive director, spoke at the Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science as part of the LIVE@Frost Science series, exploring how truth, science, and community engagement intersect.
During “Creative Solutions for a Planet in Crisis,” the duo warned of the dangers of politicizing science and its impact on future generations, urging community-driven solutions that rebuild trust. They highlighted how the Cortada Foundation combines interactive public art with education to make climate science more accessible—empowering people to understand the crisis and take action in their own communities.
Generously gifted to the City of Coral Gables, the piece was unanimously approved by the City Commission following a rigorous public review process. A QR code on-site will invite visitors to learn about the pollinators depicted and join the Flower Force, a participatory eco-art initiative encouraging residents to plant wildflowers and support local biodiversity.
Cortada keynotes Tropical Audubon Society’s Annual Meeting
As presenting sponsor of the Tropical Audubon Society’s annual Members Migration event, the Cortada Foundation helped spotlight the role of community-based action in conservation. Keynote speaker Xavier Cortada shared how participatory art can engage the public in addressing sea level rise, biodiversity loss, and other pressing environmental issues.
The Foundation also hosted an Elevation Station, where attendees created custom elevation yard signs and “HELLO my elevation is” stickers. The Underwater offered a hands-on way to connect with local climate data and spark conversations about sea level rise in South Florida.
Cortada Science Art Academy inspires young minds at Sunset Elementary
The Cortada Foundation wrapped up its latest session of the Cortada Academy at Sunset Elementary, where students engaged in hands-on art and environmental education rooted in local climate issues. With the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Children’s Trust, and the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners, this initiative nurtures creative problem-solving and civic responsibility in our youngest community members.
Cortada leads national climate webinar
On April 1, 2025, as part of the CLEAN–ISKME national climate literacy series, Xavier Cortada and Adam Roberti led a session on climate adaptation and mitigation.
They shared how participatory art, public data, and civic partnerships can help educators empower students as agents of resilience.
The Underwater goes to New River Middle School
At just 5 feet above sea level, New River Middle School in Ft. Lauderdale became home to a new #5 elevation mural painted by Xavier Cortada.
On April 23, 2025, the Foundation also led a dynamic assembly, engaging students in interactive art and inviting them to join a growing movement for climate justice.
NBC 6 South Florida features Cortada Foundation’s climate work
In this NBC 6 segment, meteorologist Steve MacLaughlin spotlights how the Cortada Foundation is transforming environmental education by integrating the arts into STEM—creating STEAM. The piece features the Foundation’s recent unveiling of the Cortada Eco-Art Courtyard at José Martí MAST Academy in Hialeah, a hands-on learning space filled with participatory eco-art installations designed to engage students in critical and creative thinking.
The segment also explores the Foundation’s flagship initiative, The Underwater, which began after Xavier Cortada’s climate-focused expedition to Antarctica. Through elevation markers, murals, and sculptures installed across South Florida, the project visualizes the threat of sea level rise—and empowers communities to take action.
DONOR SPOTLIGHT
UTD Foundation invests $45K in eco-art education
The Cortada Foundation recognizes the United Teachers of Dade Teaching Excellence Foundation for their generous $45,000 commitment over three years to support the growth of the Cortada Eco-Art Courtyard.
The Foundation is dedicated to advancing student success by providing high-quality professional development that empowers teachers and educational support professionals to grow their skills and impact. Their investment in this initiative ensures that students across Miami-Dade County Public Schools will have the opportunity to engage in art, science, and civic service through hands-on environmental learning.
PUBLIC ART SPOTLIGHT
WADING BIRDS
In Wading Birds, Cortada brings Florida’s wetlands to life through vibrant, hand-painted ceramic tile. Installed in 2014 at Stirrup Plaza, a senior living facility, the artwork features ibises weaving through red mangrove roots, while flamingos and herons painted on architectural columns appear to greet one another in a graceful, welcoming gesture. The immersive installation honors the beauty of native ecosystems and the communities who call them home.
CREDIT LINE: Xavier Cortada, “Wading Birds,” hand-painted ceramic tile, 2014. A public art project at Stirrup Plaza (Miami-Dade Housing Authority), Miami, FL.
THROWBACK
10 Years Ago
Florida is… Nature (2015)
For a decade now, Florida’s Turnpike has been driving audiences to art exhibitions by Xavier Cortada depicting Florida’s sun, animals and flowers. In 2015, Cortada created permanent public art installations in three turnpike plazas, making them cultural destinations in and of themselves.
Each focused on a different aspect of the sunshine state’s natural beauty: Endangered Animals (Ft. Drum Plaza) | Sunshine (Turkey Lake Plaza) | Wildflowers (West Palm Beach Plaza).
“Florida is… Endangered Animals”
“Florida is… Sunshine”
