A beautiful new “Lead with Love” mural debuted in March at the Dania Beach Marina.
The Community Foundation of Broward and Business for the Arts Broward are partnering with renowned artist Cey Adams for the “Lead with Love” mural project – a transformative public art initiative, designed to spread a message of love and unity across Broward County.
This ambitious project, running through 2027, will create “Love”-themed murals in nine different cities. The goal is to use the power of the arts to enrich and unify the community we love, and promote cultural engagement.
“We are happy to bring the third LOVE mural to Broward County at Dania Beach, and once again merge business and art to uplift and strengthen our community,” said Jarett Levan, president and CEO of BBX Capital, CEO of IT’SUGAR and Business for the Arts Broward Board Chair.
In the newest mural, Cey Adams infused a swirl of colors into the Dania Beach “Love” message as well as the city’s motto, “Sea it. Live it. Love it.”
The first artwork in the mural project, the “LOVE Las Olas” mural, is located on the western exterior wall of Hoffman’s Chocolates at 601 E. Las Olas Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale facing Tunnel Top Park. The second mural, called “One Love Plantation” is a colorful mural covering a wall that stretches along Kingsley Park in Plantation. Another “Lead with Love” piece, installed in the Community Foundation entryway, commemorates the Foundation’s 40th anniversary with a vibrant collage of images and themes representing the Foundation’s 40 years of BOLD impact.
“Philanthropy means the love of humanity, and we felt this message was especially appropriate for our growing community,” said Community Foundation President/CEO Jennifer O'Flannery Anderson, Ph.D. “This transformational project aims to inspire a movement in Broward to do what is right: to support others, to be kind, to share, to be patient, to demonstrate compassion, to listen, to learn, and to LOVE our community. These murals help Broward grow and develop into a place where we all feel a greater sense of pride and belonging.”
The “Lead with Love” murals are meant to foster unity and pride by creating art that reflects local identity and spirit. Each mural will serve as a cultural landmark, enhancing local character and providing a space for communal gathering and reflection. The murals are intended to be lasting symbols of love and cultural diversity, contributing to the artistic landscape of Broward County and fostering a deeper appreciation for art and community collaboration.
“The inspiration behind my LOVE murals is to encourage viewers to think and see beyond the surface. The goal of my art is to make a direct connection with the public,” Cey Adams said. “Incorporating vibrant colors and positive messages, I hope to create better communication and understanding to bring people together. Thank you to the City of Dania Beach, the Community Foundation of Broward and my friends at Business for the Arts Broward for inviting me to create this mural.”
More “Lead with Love” murals are coming soon!
More about Cey Adams
Cey Adams, a New York City native and visionary artist, emerged from the downtown graffiti movement in the 80’s alongside fellow artists Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring. He served as the founding Creative Director at Def Jam Recordings, and along with his business partner Steve Carr, co-founded The Drawing Board, the label’s in-house design firm, where they “defined the visual culture of Hip-Hop.” The creative firm was responsible for some of the most iconic album covers, logos and advertising campaigns for Run-DMC, Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, Slick Rick, Public Enemy, The Notorious B.I.G., DMX, Jay-Z, Usher, Mary J. Blige and many more. Adams is celebrated for his LOVE murals that have appeared across the United States in cities like New York, Detroit and Boston.
More about Business for the Arts Broward
Business for the Arts of Broward is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) engaging businesses and business leaders to advocate and educate about the importance of the County’s art and cultural community as well as to recognize the connection between cultural vitality, creative success, and economic development. To learn more visit www.Facebook.com/BFABroward or www.bfabroward.org.
To learn how you can partner with the Community Foundation of Broward to support the arts, contact Vice President Kelly Marmol at kmarmol@cfbroward.org or 954-761-9503.
