The sound of violins may find you on the mall escalator, offering a taste of Bach and Beethoven on your way to the food court.

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Or maybe a walk through the park near your neighborhood leads to an impromptu art gallery, where local painters add fresh brush strokes to new creations.

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More and more, Broward’s vibrant arts scene comes to you, thanks to public performances and arts exhibitions made possible by Community Foundation of Broward Fundholders who support Art of Community.

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Art of Community is one of Broward’s Issues That Matter – 10 issues that affect us all and are vital to Broward’s future.

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The arts ignite creativity, invoke community pride and connect people to where they live and to each other. They are a vital catalyst for a vibrant community that should permeate every neighborhood.

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Through charitable Funds at the Community Foundation, our Fundholders ensure that the arts aren’t just found in theatres and museums that some people never visit. Fundholders’ commitment to Art of Community helps the arts reach into the everyday life of more Broward residents.

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Thanks to support from Fundholders such as Wil and Susan Greaton, the South Florida Symphony Orchestra provides pop-up performances by string quartets in malls, train stations and other public places across Broward.

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No one needs a ticket to enjoy one of these surprise performances, which enable the orchestra to engage a new audience at unexpected venues. Anyone who happens upon the music can take a few moments out of their daily routine to experience the power of the arts, right there where they live, work and play.

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“People are able to really enjoy the music and feel a part of what we are doing,” said Jacqueline Lorber, orchestra CEO/president. “Our mission is to delight, inspire and educate the community.”

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Support for Art of Community also brings musicians, poets, painters and much more to arts-inspired block parties held in communities across Broward.

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The block parties feature theatrical performances, dance troupes, bands, local vendors and other artistic attractions. Thanks to Fundholders such as David Horvitz and Francie Bishop Good, the block parties showcase emerging, local artists. And it’s all within walking distance or a short drive of people who otherwise might not have access to these kinds of events.

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Lauderdale Lakes and Pompano Beach were the first to get an Art of the City Block Party, organized by the Art Prevails Project. Fort Lauderdale is next in line for an arts block party.

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“We work with the cities to create a mini festival in their space,” said Darius Daughtry, Arts Prevails Project founder and artistic director. “The idea is to engage each city and really pull out what the art of that city is.”

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The block parties, like the symphony pop-up performances, are just a few of the ways our Fundholders give people who may never come to a concert hall or gallery a chance to connect to the arts – and connect to each other.

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“That’s really what Art of Community is all about. To bring people together to connect and feel and get engaged,” said Angelica Rosas, the Foundation’s strategic grants manager. “To make the arts come to life in every community throughout Broward.”

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The symphony's pop-up performaces are made possible with support from the following Funds at the Community Foundation of Broward:

Helen and Frank Stoykov Charitable Endowment Fund

Community Concerts Association of Fort Lauderdale Performing Arts Fund

The Wil and Susan Greaton Fund

Frederick W. Jaqua Fund

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The Art of the City block parties are made possible with support from the following Funds at the Community Foundation of Broward:

Helen and Frank Stoykov Charitable Endowment Fund

R.J. and Nancy Purdy Fund

David and Francie Horvitz Family Fund

To learn how you can support the Art of Community, contact Vice President of Philanthropic Services Nancy Thies at nthies@cfbroward.org or 954-761-9503.