16 elevation murals completed in Broward County Public Schools
Cortada Featured at D.C.’s Leading Ocean Justice Gathering
Xavier Cortada was a featured speaker and Artist-in-Residence at Upwell: A Wave of Ocean Justice, a major national symposium spotlighting the fight for equity in ocean policy. Held in Washington, D.C. on June 3rd, 2025, ahead of World Ocean Day, the event brought together leading environmental voices, including representatives from Earthjustice, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Center for American Progress.
Cortada’s remarks reflected on the ocean as a source of life, migration, and peril—connecting histories of survival and displacement to present-day struggles for environmental justice. Drawing from his participatory art initiatives, HELLO and Letters to the Future, he demonstrated how art can build community, elevate marginalized voices, and catalyze collective action. His call to see the ocean not just as habitat, but as heritage, offered a powerful reminder of what’s at stake as seas rise and political tides shift.
“The Underwater: Broward” Murals Completed Across 16 Schools
In May 2025, Xavier Cortada completed the latest 3 elevation-themed murals in Broward County Public Schools—bringing the total to 16 sites so far and marking a major milestone in “The Underwater: Broward” initiative. Commissioned by the Broward Cultural Division in collaboration with the Resilient Environment Department, the project continues to bring participatory climate education into schools across the county.
Nearly 2,000 middle and high school students have learned their home’s elevation, explored the local impacts of sea level rise, and installed custom elevation markers in their front yards—sparking climate conversations throughout Broward. Each participating school now displays a permanent mural featuring its elevation above sea level, serving as a daily reminder of the region’s vulnerability and the students’ power to lead.
Dr. Jennifer Jurado, Broward County’s Chief Resilience Officer, emphasized the impact of Cortada’s work on civic awareness:
Cortada Foundation Presents Inaugural Art & Service Scholarship
On May 28, 2025, at the Miami Senior High School 2025 Community Awards Assembly, Adam Roberti, Executive Director of the Cortada Foundation, presented the inaugural Xavier Cortada Art & Service Scholarship to graduating senior Megan Diaz, an AP art student and instructor at the Institute of Contemporary Art.
This scholarship will be awarded annually to a Miami Senior High graduate who exemplifies the power of using art to help their community.
Cortada Featured on Climate Shifted Podcast
In a new episode of Climate Shifted, social practice artist Xavier Cortada shares how anyone—regardless of background—can become a community artist and climate leader. Drawing from decades of public art practice, Cortada outlines his step-by-step approach to using creativity as a tool for civic engagement, from sparking neighborhood conversations to shaping environmental policy.
Recently inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame, Cortada reflects on how his work—spanning from Antarctica to Miami’s streets—merges art and science to make invisible climate threats visible. His participatory approach empowers residents to confront sea-level rise, biodiversity loss, and disconnection through collective, community-driven action.
Upcoming: Community Climate Conversation in Ft. Lauderdale
Join neighbors, local government officials, and community leaders for an afternoon focused on building resilience to the impacts of climate change, particularly flooding and extreme heat. Featuring renowned eco-artist Xavier Cortada, this interactive event will explore how art, collaboration, and community action can strengthen our collective response to a changing climate. Come share your voice, connect with others, and help shape a more resilient Broward County.
PUBLIC ART SPOTLIGHT
Sunburst Woodstorks
These wading birds are at the lobby entrance of Stirrup Plaza II: When Ebenezer Stirrup, a Bahamian-born entrepreneur, began building homes in early 20th century Coconut Grove, the Everglades were much closer than they are today. More than 300 species of birds make this area their home. Immigrants from the Caribbean basin, “snowbirds,” and other residents alike, find comfort and beauty here.
CREDIT LINE: Xavier Cortada, “Sunburst Woodstorks,” hand-carved/hand-painted ceramic tile, 10′ x 8.75′, 2016 (Stirrup Plaza II, Coconut Grove | Miami Dade Housing Authority)
THROWBACK
10 Years Ago The Robert Rauschenberg Residency 5 Actions to Stop Rising Seas (2015)
“5 Actions to Stop Rising Seas” was created by Xavier Cortada during April-May 2015 during an artist residency at the Rising Seas Confab 2015, Rauschenberg Studio, Captiva, Florida.
In this performance, Cortada comments with irony on the weak to non-existent actions being taken to address both the causes and the imminent realities of climate disruption in a state clearly at the epicenter of potential disaster—one which has been caused by inadequate action globally on soaring levels of greenhouse gases related to human activity.
HIT IT!
BURN IT!
EAT IT!
FREEZE IT!
