The City of Orlando is spotlighting the issue of food insecurity with Art Pollination: Building Food Justice through Creativity, a citywide initiative that uses temporary art installations to encourage conversation and inspire solutions. The project underscores a significant local challenge: roughly one in seven Central Floridians — more than 500,000 residents — face food insecurity and are uncertain where their next meal will come from.
Through murals, performances, and creative programming installed throughout Orlando, participating artists are using their platforms to elevate community voices, foster empathy, and highlight the essential work of nonprofit partners focused on hunger relief.
The exhibition unites the work of 20 local artists, whose installations have been featured in locations across the city, including Parramore Main Street, the Orlando Urban Trail, the Mennello Museum of American Art, neighborhood community centers, and several food distribution sites. Collectively, these creative pieces emphasize how art can motivate collective action and strengthen community resilience.
Community Partners Supporting Art Pollination
City officials emphasize that the initiative is made possible through the ongoing commitment of local partners dedicated to expanding access to nutritious food.
Key collaborators include:
City of Orlando Departments: Public Art, Office of Community Affairs, Office of the Mayor, Downtown Development Board, Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), and Families, Parks and Recreation
Art Partners: Mennello Museum of American Art, Downtown Arts District, FusionFest
Food Service Nonprofits: Black Bee Honey, 4Roots, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, IDEAS for Us–Fleet Farming, Hebni Nutrition Consultants, Inc., and the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), Orange County
These organizations provide the foundation for the project’s mission, and the artists’ contributions draw attention to the meaningful work being done each day to combat hunger in the region.
Exhibition on Display at Orlando City Hall
A companion exhibition featuring newly created pieces from all 20 participating artists is now open at the Terrace Gallery inside Orlando City Hall. The collection will be on view through January 26, 2026.
Participating Artists
The initiative features contributions from:
AKYRØS • Shree Chauhan • Alexis Collum • Roxy Cousino • Kellie Delaney • Tasanee Durrett • Nathania Guerra • Peterson Guerrier • Ha’ani Hogan • Carlos Jefferson • Christopher Jones • Marquis Lee • Delia Miller • Luca Molnar • Sinuhe Vega • SKIP • Mado Smith • PJ Svejda • Gina Tyquiengco • Shawn Welcome
Through Art Pollination, Orlando is using creative expression as a catalyst for community engagement, drawing attention to an issue that affects thousands of local families. By bringing artists, nonprofits, and city partners together, the initiative reflects a broader commitment to fostering dialogue and encouraging residents to take part in building a more food-secure future.
As the installations continue to appear across the city — and as the companion exhibition welcomes visitors at City Hall — the project invites the community to consider how art can serve as both a mirror and a motivator. Organizers hope that by elevating stories of hunger and resilience, Art Pollination will inspire long-term awareness, collaboration, and action.
The City of Orlando says the work of these artists and partners underscores a simple but significant message: creativity has the power not only to beautify public spaces, but to strengthen the connections needed to address some of the region’s most pressing challenges.