By Roger Jimenez
Art² ("Art Squared"), Orlando's latest interactive Art Park, is set to become a fresh and exciting public hub for creativity and community in the heart of downtown. Set to open later this year, this innovative park will showcase a variety of artistic expressions, support local talent, and offer a dynamic space for both residents and visitors to enjoy. With amenities ranging from food trucks and a café to a massive LED video wall, Art² promises to be a destination where the spirit of Orlando's creative and tech-driven culture comes alive. 
credits: Ascend Studios
The Story
In 2017, the City of Orlando issued a request for proposals for the first "privatized public park" in downtown Orlando. Receiving submissions from around the world, Orlando organizers took time to deliberate upon the designs. The interactive park design by Ascend Studios was ultimately selected as the winning submission, marking a significant achievement for the design team on their first park project. 
credits: downtown orlando
The Mission
“We wanted to create a space that would bring visitors from the theme parks into Downtown to experience the real Orlando.” —Ascend Studios 
credits: WFTV
According to Ascend Studios blog, the goal with Art² is to create a space that would attract visitors from the theme parks to Downtown Orlando, providing an authentic experience of the city. While Orlando is known for its various entertainment theme parks, the true essence of the city comes from the creative individuals who design those attractions. Art² aims to showcase this creativity and provide a place where the city’s artistic and tech-driven leaders can inspire visitors. The park is intended to be a source of pride for residents, and will represent Orlando's colorful culture and bright future. 
credits: WFTV
Development Plans
Art² is designed with the intent to celebrate creativity and play, and will feature diverse forms of art. There are plans for a venue for independent artists without the burden of high fees and hosts a variety of events, including spoken word, theater, and music performances. On a typical day, visitors can expect to enjoy an upbeat atmosphere with background music and digital art displayed on large LED screens, making it an ideal spot for both networking and relaxation. 
credits: WFTV
The park's amenities will include two food trucks that serve lunch and dinner, and a café offering breakfast bites and drinks such as kombucha, sodas, coffee, tea, and cold brew, with beer and wine available during events. A designated area with hammocks will be available for those who want to relax under the stars with a good book. The park will also feature a massive 19 ft x 10 ft LED video wall that is perfect for the digital art, streaming events, gaming tournaments, and movie nights they want to showcase. 
credits: ARTPARK2
Visitors will also be able to support local talent at Art² through the upcoming Ascend’s ArtShop, which will showcase art and products made in Orlando, including food, clothing, and artwork.
credits: WFTV
The innovative outdoor park will be constructed out of a two-story container structure and will be located on the southwest corner of Orange Avenue and Robinson Street. Although development has been delayed since 2023, the park is finally set to open soon this year, ready to inject flair and fun into the already exhilarating culture of downtown Orlando. 
credits: WFTV
Overall
Art² is an urban pocket park that will be open to the public and will be developed on the southwest corner of Orange Ave. and Robinson St. Park amenities include a two-story container structure with a café, art gallery, stage, seating, and more. The Park will include audiovisual equipment throughout the footprint, space for two food trucks, green space for scheduled activities, and a downtown gateway feature.
Central Business District
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credits: ADOBE STOCK
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