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Characterizing Orlando’s Art Scene: People like Experiences
Published August 1, 2025
“Orlando is a very contemporary place to practice art,” Jennifer Evins said. “When you look at who we are today and what stands out about our future, it’s about the art of today.”
As the president and CEO of the non-profit organization United Arts of Central Florida, Jennifer is a champion of the arts in Orlando’s community. Citing Orlando’s 89 cultural festivals, Jennifer feels that the city’s art scene is rooted in global culture. The city is also strongly influenced by the performing arts and entertainment industry brought on by the theme parks.
“It isn’t just music, it isn’t just visual arts, it isn’t just a mural city. It’s all these things, and it’s rooted in these international cultures,” Jennifer said.
Many opportunities for artists in Orlando revolve around community experiences.
For example, on Friday and Saturday nights, creativity is alive in Lake Nona Town Center as the Art After Dark event brings local artists and community together.
Recurring artist at this event, Amir Helmy, is overall pleased with the vibrancy and diversity of Orlando’s art community.
“I think the more we increase the diversity within the artist community, the better, because everybody comes from different backgrounds and everybody has a different story and they bring their own spin on art,” Amir said.
Helmy operates Zayn’s Creations, which focuses on 3D printing.
Another vendor in Lake Nona, author Jon Tilton, also has a positive impression of Orlando’s art community.
“There’s a lot of different events and art shows and things like that, and a lot of great event coordinators who put on good events,” Tilton said.
Muralist Naomi Haverland’s experience in Orlando has been a bit different.
“Honestly, I’ve had a rough time getting plugged into the Orlando art scene as far as being hired for mural work.”
With lack of opportunities here, Naomi travels to Tampa for most of her work. She also had better luck when she lived in Denver and Seattle.
“Those cities just have an overall artsier culture to begin with, so it makes sense that the art scenes are much more vibrant,” Naomi said.
Although Naomi struggled with mural work in Central Florida, she does enjoy attending drawing sessions with other creatives in the city.
Naomi’s observations about Orlando may be connected to the city’s focus on experience-based art. Mural work is inherently difficult to present as a community experience.
Orange County and the city of Orlando are currently developing a cultural plan. One of the plan’s major goals is to find more effective ways to support local artists. The city is in the final stage of the project and is scheduled to finish up this month.
“What that has done is identified the needs of local artists, arts organizations, and the public’s will: what does the public want the arts to be for the future?” Jennifer said.
Jennifer and United Arts of Central Florida are also making strides for Orlando artists. The United Arts of Central Florida now has an Artist Hub featuring local creators from a wide range of mediums. Their goal is to connect Orlando talent to event planners and conventiongoers.
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Local Artist, Peterson Guerrier, seen here painting "Floral Odyssey" in downtown Orlando, March 2025 | Photo by Dave Vanz, the Orlando Life
