FLOR500, FAQ, Frequently Asked Questions, FLOR500 Gardens, Historic Figures, Viva 500, Schools,Libraries, Museums, Native Wildflowers, Seeds, Volunteer, Troubleshooting, Upload, Artists Application, Participation, Flower Force, Public Gardens, About
FLOR500, Florida, Wildflower, Art, Nature, History, Eco-art, FIU, VIVA Florida, Garden, Artists, Engaged Creativity, Environment, participatory art,artists, artist,
FLOR500 is a participatory art, nature, and history project that marks the importance of the moment when the history of Florida changed forever and gives a glimpse of what its landscape was like 500 years ago. Developed by Xavier Cortada, director and artist-in-residence of FIU’s College of Architecture + The Arts’ Office of Engaged Creativity, the project commemorates Florida’s quincentenary in 2013.
LIST OF REGIONS AND THEIR COUNTIES
Region 1 Northwest Florida (1 -60)
Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton, Washington
Region 2 : North Central Florida (61-120)
Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Levy, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor,Union, Wakulla
Region 3 Northeast Florida (121-180)
Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns
Region 4 Central West Florida (181-240)
Citrus, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk
Region 5 Central Florida (241-300)
Lake, Marion, Orange,Seminole, Sumter
Region 6 Central East Florida (301-360)
Brevard, Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, Osceola, St. Lucie, Volusia
Region 7 Southwest Florida (361-410)
Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee, Manatee, Sarasota
Region 8 Southeast Florida (411-500)
Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Palm Beach
FLOR500 is a participatory art, nature, and history project created by Miami artist Xavier Cortada to commemorate Florida’s quincentennial in 2013. The project marks the importance of the moment when the history of our state changed forever and gives us a glimpse of what its landscape was like 500 years ago.
500 flowers A team of scientists selected the 500 native flowers- the same ones that grew in our state when Juan Ponce de Leon landed in 1513 and named it "La Florida”–from "flor," the Spanish word for flower.
500 artists Five hundred Floridians were then invited to depict 500 native wildflowers. The artwork, along with information about each flower, will be posted on the project website (www.FLOR500.com).
500 gardens A team of historians selected individuals who helped shape Florida history. Florida schools and libraries (across the 67 counties and 8 regions) are encouraged to plant 500 wildflower gardens, dedicating them to one of 500 important Floridians selected by a team of historians. These 500 new native habitats will help support Florida’s biodiversity.
Based at the FIU | College of Architecture + The Arts where he serves as artist-in-residence, the effort furthers Cortada’s long-standing commitment to eco-art projects that engage community and expose human impact on the environment.
FLOR500 worked with scientists across the state to identify 500 native wildflowers that were around when Ponce de Leon landed and named the state Florida. The selection is divided into 8 regions (see map below) and represents the state's 67 counties.
FLOR500 asked 500 artists to participate in the project. Their work and descriptions from historians and scientists, along with photos and information about the flowers and their habitats will be featured online.
500 Historic Figures / 500 Gardens
500 Historic Figures FLOR500 is working with historians to feature 500 different persons who shaped Florida's history.
500 Gardens
FLOR500 is asking schools and communities to plant wildflower gardens, one for each of the project's 500 wildflowers and dedicate them to someone who was a part of Florida's history during the past 500 years. The gardens will be documented and mapped online.
Xavier Cortada Artist-in-Residence Florida International University College of Architecture + The Arts 420 Lincoln Road, Suite 430 Miami Beach, FL 33139
Xavier Cortada's participatory art practice is based at Florida International University.