Unveils Public Art at Broward Commission Chambers; Expands Collaborations 🎨
cortada addresses CHILE’S CONGRESO FUTURO: ART, SCIENCE, AND CLIMATE CHANGE
On January 17, 2025, Xavier Cortada took the stage before 900 guests and a live national TV audience at Congreso Futuro, Latin America’s leading forum for science, arts, and public dialogue. Hosted by the Chilean government and organized by the Senate, the event brings together global experts to tackle the most pressing challenges of our time. Invited as one of 75+ international scientists and thought leaders during the six-day gathering, Cortada underscored the urgency of the climate crisis and the essential role of artists in mobilizing communities.
Cortada also presented The Underwater, his interactive public art project that helps individuals visualize—and respond to—rising sea levels. His message was clear: science informs, but art transforms.
Cortada Speaks at Chilean National Congress
At Congreso Futuro in Valparaíso, Cortada was one of four distinguished international guests invited to present at Chile’s National Congress on January 15, 2025. His speech explored how art shapes our understanding of the world and our collective responsibility to the future. Following his presentation, Cortada lunched with senators in the Senate Dining Room, where discussions continued on the intersection of art, policy, and societal change.
Welcome by Gabriel Boric, President of Chile
On January 13, 2025, Cortada had the distinguished honor of meeting Chilean President Gabriel Boric during an exclusive dinner welcoming the international scientists and thought leaders serving as Congreso Futuro panelists. During the event held at La Moneda, the presidential palace in Santiago, they spoke about the vital role of culture in shaping society and the power of art to engage communities, influence policy, and reframe critical global challenges.
BROWARD COUNTY MAYOR UNVEILS ELEVATION SCULPTURE AT COMMISSION CHAMBERS
On Friday, January 31, 2025, Broward County Mayor Beam Furr and artist Xavier Cortada unveiled “The Underwater: Broward” elevation sculpture at the Governmental Center in Fort Lauderdale. Mounted just outside the commission chambers, the striking blue, powder-coated aluminum installation displays the building’s elevation—four feet above sea level—as a powerful visual reminder of the region’s vulnerability to rising seas.
Importantly, the sculpture features an interactive QR code, encouraging policymakers and community members to engage with climate education and local resilience efforts. This unveiling marks a significant step in integrating public art into civic spaces to drive environmental awareness and action.
2025 u.s. national adaptation and resilience planning strategy features “the underwater”
Xavier Cortada’s artwork has been featured on the cover of the National Climate Resilience Framework, a key component of the 2025 U.S. National Adaptation and Resilience Planning Strategy. This recognition highlights the power of “The Underwater” elevation murals to generate awareness and action on critical climate issues.
florida wildflower foundation partnership grows “flower force” across the state
The Cortada Foundation is proud to partner with the Florida Wildflower Foundation (FWF) to bring Xavier Cortada’s Flower Force project to schools across Florida. For over a decade, this eco-art initiative has inspired communities to restore native habitats for pollinators and reconnect with nature.
Beginning in 2025, schools participating in the FWF Seedlings for Schools grant program that dedicate their garden to one of 500 people who helped shape Florida’s history will be eligible to receive one of Cortada’s iconic ceramic wildflowers. Through this collaboration, students will engage with art, history, and conservation to make a lasting impact in their community.
Learn how to bring “Flower Force” to your school today!
Join us!
steven & dorothea green critics’ lecture series presents xavier cortada
Artist Xavier Cortada will be the featured speaker at the Steven & Dorothea Green Critics’ Lecture Series. Everyone is welcome to attend on Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum, located at Florida International University’s Modesto A. Maidique Campus.
Cortada will share insights from his 30-year career, discussing how he integrates art and activism to address pressing social and environmental challenges. This event is free and open to the public.
MEDIA
the frank: kentucky’s creative voice
“Eco-artist Xavier Cortada’s “Floral River” is a 1,200 square-foot mosaic mural located at the new Frankfort Transit Center and parking garage on Clinton Street. Using hand-glazed ceramics and acrylic paint, the artwork re-imagines the Kentucky River as a cascade of wildflowers, connecting the community to the beauty and ecology of the local landscape. “Floral River” has a huge environmental healing and teaching potential in Kentucky’s capital city.”
BROWARD ADMINISTRATOR CEPERO PRAISES “THE UNDERWATER”
In a recent address, Broward County Administrator Monica Cepero highlighted The Underwater: Broward, emphasizing its role in raising awareness about sea level rise. She praised the initiative for educating the community, sparking climate conversations, and inspiring civic engagement in Broward County.
writings
Congreso Futuro Invites cortada on scientific expedition
As part of Congreso Futuro’s commitment to interdisciplinary exploration, Cortada joined a scientific expedition across Chile’s High Desert and then traveled to the South Pacific. Click on the images below to read Cortada’s reflections on Substack.
ALMA Observatory
Easter Island | Rapa Nui
Throwback
30 years ago: leadville colorado “hand in hand” mural
Thirty years ago, in 1995, Xavier Cortada collaborated with students, undocumented individuals, parents, and civic leaders in Leadville, Colorado, to create the Hand in Hand mural. This project, in partnership with the Central Rockies Prevention Project youth, celebrated diversity and conveyed a message of hope for the future. The mural aimed to bridge divides within the community, fostering unity and understanding among its members.