BROWARD COUNTY, FL - What's the elevation where you live…and how will sea level rise affect you? Eco-artist Xavier Cortada's "The Underwater: Broward" art project is using elevation awareness to spark conversations and urge the public and lawmakers to take action to mitigate the impact of sea level rise.

Today, Mayor Beam Furr joined the artist, members of the Broward Cultural Division and the Broward Resilient Environment Department to unveil the latest aluminum sculpture featuring the number 4, representing how many feet the Broward County Governmental Center East sits above sea level. (Watch unveiling here).

"This sculpture serves as a reminder that every decision that is made, every budget that is approved, every resolution that is passed impacts a community that is vulnerable to rising seas.  That number packs a big punch," said artist Xavier Cortada. 

"Climate change presents diverse challenges that will influence our communities for decades. The 'Underwater: Broward' project integrates climate and art in the delivery of a high-impact public engagement program designed to educate, convene, and motivate Broward residents around key environmental issues relating to our changing climate," said Mayor Furr.

Underwater artworks are now at select locations across the County, including a wall mural near Broward County's Government Center in downtown Fort Lauderdale, a sea level rise-inspired wrap of a Broward County Transit bus, and the aluminum sculpture unveiled at the Governmental Center today. Additionally, murals have been installed at ten Broward County Public Schools in conjunction with workshops.

"Art brings people together, it challenges us to look at the world in a different way, to look at problems through a different lens," said Broward County Cultural Director Phil Dunlap.   

"We have been thrilled to partner with Xavier and his foundation in this effort. The impact of his art and the authenticity of his messaging have transformed the climate conversation in our community, with a heightened level of community engagement, sharing of experiences, and now the spurring of student-led community-based conversations," said Dr. Jennifer Jurado, the County's Chief Resilience Manager.

The "Underwater: Broward" project is jointly funded by the Community Foundation of Broward, Broward County's Cultural Division, and the Resilient Environment Department. Through this initiative, 10 Broward County Public schools engaged in climate art workshops in February and March of 2024, with an estimated 1,000 students participating. This year free climate art workshops will be presented to middle and high school students in Broward County, teaching them about climate change and its impact on their community. 

January 31, 2025

Media Contact: 
Kimberly Maroe
Public Information Officer/Media Liaison
Broward County Commission
Office of Public Communications
(954) 357-8053
kmaroe@broward.org