🎨 Art Equals Health Launches in Downtown Fort Lauderdale

This initial phase begins a health-conscious immersive art trail experience that focuses on getting people physically active outdoors and promoting positive mental health. This work launches alongside the Made To Move efforts that the City of Fort Lauderdale and MASS District are implementing.

“Launching Art Equals Health in the midst of such a tumultuous year aims to provide much needed comfort and joy to our community. We are excited that this initial phase unites the Artrise wall mural and this stretch of sidewalk together as an innovative trail leading into the Made To Move work underway. Our hope is that local businesses and individuals continue to embrace the opportunity to support the arts, creativity, and healthy lifestyles for Fort Lauderdale’s community” commented Dylan Lagi, Executive Director of MASS District.

To launch Art Equals Health, MASS District has partnered with Artrise, led by Yana Bannikova, aka Orla Ananda, to curate and apply the trail’s artistic programming. Across 5000 linear square feet, this initial art trail will connect into a 1500 square foot wall mural that acts as a landing point, including a bicycle rack and scooter corral installation.

“The Art Equals Health Trail is completely aligned with our mission. The work MASS District has already done for the local community is amazing and we are proud to collaborate with them on this project", said Yana Bannikova, Founder & Executive Director of Artrise.

At 6pm on November 28th, 2020 during the return of the Fort Lauderdale Artwalk, there will be a ribbon cutting unveiling ceremony with partners, elected officials, and city staff. A section for people and press members is provided to congregate for interviews, meet-n-greet, photos, and music. All are welcomed, encouraged, and invited to attend. This takes place along this trail’s wall mural at 844 NE 4th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304.

“We in Transportation and Mobility Planning for the City of Fort Lauderdale look forward to our continued partnership with the MASS District in our creative placemaking and infrastructure improvement objectives. We look forward to building on this great work linking art, health and transportation in the MASS District”, said Karen Warfel, Transportation Planning Program Manager of City of Fort Lauderdale Transportation and Mobility.

Along this art trail, local businesses and creatives are encouraged to show their support through MASS District’s #ShareASquare program. Throughout the trail, on each individual sidewalk square, an exclusive logo placement with scannable QR code leading to each supporter’s website / social media is available. All interested are welcome to share a square with the MASS District in such a way. To reserve a square for logo placement and for media inquiries, visit www.shareasquare.today

About MASS District: An inclusive district of creatives & businesses with a vested interest in the growth & development of Fort Lauderdale through the arts. MASS District takes a vested interest in uplifting the Fort Lauderdale community through economic development and support of the arts.

About Artrise: A collective organization supporting the rise of public art, culture, and community in Fort Lauderdale by activating neighborhoods and connecting communities through public art, meaningful events, and local solutions. Artrise connects artists, landlords, and funding sources to convert outdoor walls and spaces into public art galleries, unlocking the economic and social benefits of art for both businesses and communities.

About Made to Move Fort Lauderdale: In September of 2019, Fort Lauderdale was one of five U.S. cities granted funds from the Blue Zones Made To Move grant program. These funds are used to implement innovative and transformative community projects to help people get moving naturally for generations to come. The Flagler Greenway in Fort Lauderdale will receive infrastructure and creative placemaking improvements to help connect the Greenway with the business district aimed to promote healthy lifestyles.