Steven Garrity on arts funding
From SPARK THE ARTS Podcast: Inaugural Episode with Jennifer Evins and Steve Garrity! · · Global Peace 360°
“The selection process to be an artist in the Spark the Arts Studios was very intentional and equitable. We had over 40 legitimate applications, and United Arts ensures the process for accessing resources is fair. We don't just handpick who we know; we make people aware of opportunities for funding, studios, and public art projects.”
On , Steven Garrity, Senior Vice President & Orlando Market Leader at HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES INC, spoke about arts funding during SPARK THE ARTS Podcast: Inaugural Episode with Jennifer Evins and Steve Garrity! on Global Peace 360°.
About Steven Garrity
In October 2024, Garrity appeared on the inaugural episode of the SPARK THE ARTS Podcast, where he discussed Highwoods Properties' role in supporting the arts in downtown Orlando. He stated that the company, which owns office buildings in the area, has made available a ground-floor space at no cost to artists and United Arts of Central Florida through a program called Spark the Arts Studios. Garrity described the space as previously "dark" and unleased, and said the company's goal was to "activate" it and "add value to our customers' life experience through art." He noted that if the space is leased, artists would have 60 days to vacate, but added that the company is a "long-term holder of real estate" and is "delighted" to host the program. Garrity also addressed broader downtown revitalization efforts following the pandemic, saying that the city of Orlando had begun conversations with United Arts about improving downtown vibrancy. He said Highwoods is "working with the city to place musicians in the city every day" and to have "storefront visual artists" visible to the public, framing the initiative as a matter of "economic development along with quality of life." He added that artists in the residency program are responsible for teaching "lunch and learns" to building tenants, which he said helps artists build a following and inspires office workers who may have a "creative fire inside."