2026 marks fifty years of Broward County’s commitment to Public Art & Design. It is a milestone that underscores the transformative power of creativity within our communities, from innovative installations in neighborhood parks to sweeping civic artworks, our program has evolved into a vibrant cultural cornerstone, enriching lives and fostering connections across the county and across generations.
50 Years of Public Art & Design in Broward County
Over five decades, Broward County’s Public Art & Design program has blossomed into a catalyst for social cohesion, economic vitality, civic inspiration, and collective well-being. We are proud to celebrate this creative placemaking milestone with a premium, full-color art book that honors our legacy and inspires our future.
Book Launch and Panel Discussion (this event is by invitation only)
The Broward County Cultural Division cordially invites you to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Public Art & Design program and the official book launch of 50 Years of Public Art & Design in Broward County—a landmark publication documenting five decades of art, design, and civic investment. Join the conversation about what the next 50 years could bring, and connect with regional art and design thought leaders working at the intersection of planning, resilience, engagement, and technology as they envision possibilities for the future.
EVENT DETAILS
EVENT DETAILS
Thursday, October 29, 2026
6–9 PM
Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Mary N. Porter Riverview Ballroom
Complementary light bites and refreshments will be served.
ABOUT THE PANEL
Since 1976, Broward County’s Public Art & Design program has been a national pioneer in integrating art into public infrastructure. Today, with more than 350 artworks throughout the county, the collection continues to shape how residents and visitors experience Broward. Join leaders working in public art as they explore this legacy and discuss where the future of Public Art & Design in Broward may lead.
Speaker Bios
Marc Aptakin, President of MAD Arts and MAD Studios
Marc Aptakin started in Miami’s art scene and now leads MAD — a full-service digital, marketing, and advertising hub — and MAD Arts — a museum/lab blending art, technology, and innovation through ambitious, cross-disciplinary projects. His work unites artists and companies, bringing their bold visions to life.
Germane Barnes, Architect, Designer & Founding Principal, Studio Barnes
Germane Barnes is the Principal of Studio Barnes and Associate Professor and Director of the Master of Architecture Graduate Program at the University of Miami School of Architecture. Barnes’ practice investigates the connection between architecture and identity, examining social and political agency through historical research and design speculation.
Jason Bregman, Partner, Singer Foundation
Jason Bregman is an environmental designer, regenerative infrastructure specialist, and Director of the Michael Singer Foundation. A partner at Singer Studio, Bregman spent over two decades collaborating with the late eco-artist Michael Singer on innovative living shorelines, water-filtering gardens, public art, infrastructure, and artificial reefs that actively regenerate the built environment.
Nicole Moyo, Prinicipal Planner/Supervisor – Long Range Planning & Urban Design, City of Hollywood
Nicole Moyo is an interdisciplinary designer, planner, urbanist, and public art practitioner committed to creating inclusive, human-centered places. Based in South Florida, she brings a global perspective to shaping meaningful, resilient, and culturally responsive public spaces and communities for all.
Dr. Lea Rekow, Public Art & Design Administrator, Broward County
Dr. Lea Rekow oversees the Cultural Division’s Public Art & Design program. Rekow has a long career leading numerous cultural institutions and transdisciplinary projects both in the U.S. and abroad. Her work focuses on leveraging creative approaches to promote human security and integrate adaptive land-use restoration into public infrastructure projects globally.
Amanda Covach, Interim Director of the Broward Cultural Division.
Amanda Covach is an interdisciplinary Mexican American artist and educator who champions public access to arts and culture and has a passion for and background in arts education and community engagement.
Discussion Topics
Public Art and Design in Broward County: Looking Back, Moving Forward
Dr. Lea Rekow traces the history of Broward County’s Public Art and Design program, exploring how it has evolved, where it is going, and why our cultural ecosystem matters. Rekow analyzes the vital role of key strategic partners and examines shifting trends within Broward’s extensive public art collection. Attendees will gain insights into how five decades of investment have shaped Broward County’s creative infrastructure and continue to inform its future.
The City as Living Canvas: Public Art & Design as a Driver of Urban Resilience
Nicole Moyo explores how integrating public art and design into comprehensive planning strengthens civic resilience, enhances public health and safety, supports local economies, and reinforces community identity. Attendees will gain insights into how city planning that forefronts public art can transform cities into vibrant canvases that foster shared ownership, elevate cultural pride, and enhance investment.
Living Frameworks: Public Art and the Regenerative Landscape
Jason Bregman highlights regenerative design as a vital pillar of contemporary public art that can actively restore ecological health. Bregman maps out how responsible design can repair degraded urban ecosystems and dynamically activate local communities. Attendees will discover how public art can function as living infrastructure that restores ecological systems while enriching public space.
How Tech-Driven Collaborations Transform Public Spaces
Marc Aptakin explores how technology is expanding the possibilities of contemporary public art. Drawing on examples from IGNITE Broward, he examines how projection mapping, immersive media, and temporary interventions transform parks, plazas, airports, and other public spaces into shared cultural experiences. Attendees will discover how technology-driven public art can drive community participation and generate experiential pathways for artists and audiences to co-create in real-time.
Participatory Co-Design as Cultural Anchor
Germane Barnes explores how local perspectives directly shape and inform creative projects, making a compelling case for why co-designing with community stakeholders is essential. Barnes demonstrates how deeply localized collaboration fosters an authentic sense of belonging and preserves vital neighborhood narratives at the core of culturally relevant design. Attendees will discover how investing in community knowledge and creative collaboration can strengthen neighborhood identity while building long-term stewardship of public assets.