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The Creative Student's Guide to Fort Lauderdale Art Education and Careers

...for students of art, design, fashion design, photography, film/video, advertising, interior design and other creative fields.

Visit our Complete Directory of
Fort Lauderdale Art Schools and Art Colleges!

by C.J. Gustafson
ArtSchools.com Contributing Writer

Despite swampy ground, a fort was built along the U.S.'s Gold Coast during the Seminole War in 1857 and named after volunteer Major William Lauderdale. Canals were later dredged and used to build peninsulas, and Fort Lauderdale, as we know it today, was born. A popular Spring Break destination since the 1960s, Fort Lauderdale's population swells at certain times of the year but averages nearly 167,000 residents living in its 33 sq. miles, 12% of which is water. These inland natural waterways have resulted in the city being coined the "Venice of America." According to the Greater Florida Chamber of Commerce, Fort Lauderdale has "…3,000 hours of sunshine, 30,000 boats, 165 miles of waterways, 7 miles of beach and one beautiful ocean" -- and it is also home to a healthy, growing arts community.

In keeping with the Venice theme, public transportation includes the Water Bus, which makes 20 stops at various attractions along the waterways. By contrast, airboat tours of the Florida Everglades are available for those who prefer the view from on high. In addition, arts of all varieties are popular throughout the area. The Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival is one of the most respected venues of its kind in the country. The Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District is the pride of Fort Lauderdale, with beautiful walkways and numerous opportunities for culture, dining, shopping, and dancing. The area has unique architecture and the numerous boutiques displaying cutting edge clothing designs will appeal to those interested in fashion careers. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

Fort Lauderdale's Museum of Art offers a rotating exhibition of permanent holdings, including the most extensive collection of works by American impressionist William Glackens.

Fort Lauderdale art student The Fort Lauderdale area has numerous galleries, including the Harmony Isle Gallery, and the Shades of Light Gallery, an art glass gallery specializing in Ulla Darni originals. The city is home to a variety of different ethnic groups and hosts several different exhibits and centers celebrating diverse cultures such as African American, Latino, and Native American. The Artnoir Showcase -- a monthly art journal specializing in the art of the diaspora, including African-American, Afro-Caribbean, Afro-Latin, Brazilian, and Polynesia -- originates in Fort Lauderdale as well.

All of these arts and cultural opportunities are a testament to the city's success in remaking itself, moving away from the Spring Break mentality towards a more sophisticated atmosphere.

This focus on the arts is evidenced in the increasing number of Fort Lauderdale artists' organizations, such as A.N.E.W. (Artists Now Exhibiting Work) and the Broward Art Guild, the oldest and largest organization of working artists in Broward County. For those interested in photography careers, the Society of Photographic Art is dedicated to organizing, educating and inspiring amateur and professional photographers alike.

Art Schools and Programs

The Fort Lauderdale area is home to many schools and universities that offer visual arts degrees. The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, American InterContinental University - Ft. Lauderdale Campus, the Digital Media Arts College, and Broward Community College are some of the schools that offer general and studio art programs, Advertising degrees, Interior Design degrees, Graphic Design degrees and training for photography, fashion careers, and a host of other visual arts opportunities. In addition, art centers, galleries, and other groups offer non-degree arts classes and workshops.

art schools in Fort Lauderdale Once known strictly as a tourism-based economy, Fort Lauderdale now supports a diverse range of industries related to the visual arts, including a thriving film and television production industry, over 30 architectural businesses, an amazing 60-plus advertising agencies, and over 50 art dealers, galleries and consultants.

If you think Fort Lauderdale is all about beaches, bikinis, and Spring Breakers, think again. The city has evolved into an up-and-coming cultural area with a growing arts scene and educational and employment opportunities for those interested in a variety of visual arts careers. Of course there's still plenty of tropical fun to spice things up as well.