Dtolive! Call For POP-UP Creative Storefronts

United Arts of Central Florida, in partnership with the City of Orlando and the Downtown Development Board, is offering a unique creative opportunity through its DTOLive! initiative. This program is centered on activating temporary POP-UP Creative Storefronts in Downtown Orlando with artistic installations and exhibitions. The aim is to foster public engagement, cultural vibrancy, and economic vitality in the downtown corridor by providing space for artists to showcase their work in publicly visible and accessible locations. The grant is open to artists, designers, collectives, and creative organizations based in Central Florida, specifically within Lake, Orange, Osceola, or Seminole counties. Applicants must be 18 years or older and eligible to work in the United States. All creative disciplines are welcome, including but not limited to sculptural installations, visual art exhibitions, fashion displays, and set design. The initiative does not require the creation of new work; however, all submitted work must be appropriate for public audiences with a PG rating. Each selected artist or group will receive a stipend of up to $2,000 per site to cover materials, design, installation, transportation, parking, and artist fees. Once selected, artists must complete installation within 40 days of award notification. Installations will remain on display for a minimum of 30 days and up to 90 days, subject to location availability and leasing terms. Extensions may be considered and will be communicated to artists if applicable. The DTOLive! team and United Arts will promote and recognize the artists through on-site signage, the DTOLive! website, and social media platforms managed by United Arts. Applications opened on August 5, 2025, and will remain open until March 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM. There are no noted pre-application requirements such as letters of intent or concept papers. Interested applicants are advised to submit complete applications, as incomplete submissions will not be considered for review. Applications will be evaluated by a review panel that includes representatives from United Arts and the City of Orlando’s Downtown Development Board. The selection process emphasizes artistic quality, feasibility of execution, aesthetic merit, durability, and the qualifications of the applicants. The DTOLive! initiative aligns with United Arts’ commitment to inclusive, accessible, and publicly engaging arts programming. The grant is a strategic element of creative placemaking efforts, meant to enhance the visibility of local talent while animating underutilized urban spaces. Artists with inquiries about the grant or application process are encouraged to reach out to Audra Fern, Director of Creative Placemaking, at CreativePlacemaking@UnitedArtsCFL.org.