We exist to help awaken you to a life of creativity and adventure!
A NOTE FROM FOUNDER & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, COLE NESMITH:
I started the Creative City Project in 2012 after looking around at so many of my creative friends in music, dance, design, and visual art and thinking, "our city would be better off if more people knew about the amazing work my friends are creating." So that first year, without much organization, almost no money, and no permission, I (along with help from Lindsay Janssen and Theresa Dobritch) facilitated a performance in a Downtown public space every day during the month of October.
On a whim, we called Orlando Ballet and Cirque du Soleil. They were interested in what we were doing, and they both agreed to participate. Years later, they remain some of our staple collaborating organizations.
In July of 2013, I began asking myself, "was that a one-time thing, or should we do it again?" and, again, a small team started contacting artists and businesses, and with a little more organization, we started moving forward – this time with the plan to condense all that energy and creativity into one night of the performance.
Really, for me, so much of this was tied up in my desire to see my friend thrive creatively here in Orlando. There seems to be so much transience, and I believed that by creating meaningful moments for artists and audiences, we could begin creating a deeper sense of care for our city. It was happening, and people were noticing.
Soon after our 2013 event, I got a message from Thomas Chatmon at the Downtown Development Board. They were interested in helping us amplify the Creative City Project, seeing it as a unique offering that could diversify the Downtown Orlando experience. And since that time, the DDB has remained instrumental in helping us bring the Creative City Project to life.
As we've continued on, thousands of artists have joined us and tens of thousands of patrons have encountered the meaningful experiences those artists are creating in the streets and public spaces of the city.
Momentum has continued to make the Creative City Project one of the south's most exciting and collaborative art and performance events gaining national and international attention.
I believe the Creative City Project, and Orlando, are well on our way to becoming the premier destination for performance and installation artists from all over the world. Together, we can make it happen, and we'd love to have you join us on the journey.
Cole NeSmith
Founder & Artistic Director, Creative City Project
