Orlando to Celebrate Art and Community with Immerse Festival
Orlando, Florida, is gearing up for a vibrant display of creativity as the Immerse festival returns for its 10th year from February 21-23, 2025. This celebration, organized by the Creative City Project, promises to transform downtown Orlando into a festival of art, music, and community engagement across 10 city blocks.
What to Expect at Immerse 2025
Immerse 2025 will feature a diverse lineup of performances and installations, effectively turning the downtown area into a massive theater and art gallery. The event’s founder, Cole NeSmith, was inspired by the cultural richness he observed during a trip to the Fallas de Valencia festival in Spain – an event known for its grand displays and the burning of elaborate statues. NeSmith noted, “We do not do this stuff in America, but we absolutely should,” hoping to replicate that spirit in Orlando.
History and Growth of Immerse Festival
Since its inception in 2012, Immerse has aimed to define Orlando’s cultural identity. NeSmith reflects on this journey, saying, “Orlando in its own identity development is pretty adolescent, so there’s a lot of white space on the canvas.” The festival has become a platform for local artists and performers while attracting cultural tourism.
The festival has witnessed significant growth over the years, and NeSmith envisions it evolving into an event comparable to the well-known Vivid Sydney festival in Australia, which showcases art and attracts tourism on a grand scale.
Funding and Future Aspirations
Historically, Immerse has been funded through a mix of sponsorships, ticket sales, and partnerships with local businesses. In December 2023, the Orange County Arts and Cultural Affairs budget allocated a grant of $175,000 to support the festival. However, there is a push for increased government backing. NeSmith sought $10 million from the Orange County Tourist Development Tax to expand the festival, though it was ultimately determined that funds would be directed to 11 other projects.
Despite these setbacks, NeSmith has set ambitious goals, aiming for Immerse to attract 75,000 to 100,000 visitors over the three-day event, restoring attendance to pre-COVID levels. With potential funding, he hopes to expand the festival’s reach throughout February, showcasing large-scale art installations decorated throughout the city.
Production and Logistics
The production of Immerse relies heavily on Memoir Agency, a for-profit business founded by NeSmith that specializes in creating immersive experiences. With a dedicated team of roughly 30 full-time and 50 part-time staff, the agency is well-equipped to handle the detailed setup necessary for such a large-scale event. Their warehouse is stocked with lighting and other production equipment essential for festival success.
Conclusion
As Immerse festival approaches, Orlando’s artistic community and its residents are poised for an enriching experience that celebrates creativity and connection. The festival stands not only as a showcase of talent but also as a part of Orlando’s evolving cultural landscape.
