Islamorada’s municipal government has taken a new step to foreground local artists by unveiling the village’s inaugural Art in Public Buildings series. The program will place 10 to 15 works by resident artists on temporary exhibit in Village Hall, the Founders Park Community Center, and the lobby of the Ron Levy Aquatic Center from November 2025 through March 2026.

The village is seeking submissions from resident artists, with drop-off scheduled for the week of Nov. 10, 2025. Participation is free, and organizers have indicated that sizes for wall pieces and one small sculpture slot are specified in the call for art. Importantly for area creatives, artists who wish to sell exhibited works may do so directly; the Village will not take a commission on sales.

For Monroe County residents, the initiative expands public access to original work at civic hubs used by a broad cross-section of the community — from municipal business at Village Hall to recreation and family activities at the community center and aquatic center. Exhibiting in these venues offers artists concentrated local exposure to residents and visitors, and the no-commission policy reduces barriers to earning income from their art.

The program follows wider municipal trends that view public art as a tool for placemaking, community identity and cultural economic development. In a county reliant on a blend of year-round residents and seasonal visitors, rotating exhibitions in high-traffic civic spaces can animate everyday places, encourage visitors to linger, and provide artists with opportunities to connect directly with buyers without intermediary fees.

Beyond economic implications, the series is likely to have social and educational benefits. Exhibits in community centers and the aquatic facility bring artwork into places where families, seniors and young people gather, increasing the likelihood that residents who do not normally visit galleries will see and engage with local art. The temporary display schedule also allows for future rotations, giving more artists opportunities over time and keeping public spaces visually refreshed.

Details about submission requirements, size limits and the single sculpture slot were included in the announcement; prospective participants should consult the Village’s release for technical specifications and any insurance or installation guidelines. With submissions free and sales permitted without municipal commission, Islamorada’s program represents an accessible platform for resident artists and a deliberate step by local government to cultivate a more visible cultural life in Monroe County’s Upper Keys.