Previously published, I’ve held back on republishing this article for a while because I wanted to talk to a few more of the local artists and business owners to get a sense of where they felt things were moving. There is still a great deal of optimism, and energy, but it seems mostly a grassroots type of thing. That’s not a complaint, but it is a recognition that the area has a different agenda than say, the so-called “North Beach” area up near Commercial & A1A. North Beach is a business district, not a warehouse district as FAT Village is.
Watch out Fort Lauderdale: FAT is back
F.A.T. Village (Flagler Arts & Technology Village) provides downtown Fort Lauderdale with an urban arts scene
July 28, 2010
Why fat? F.A.T. Village (Flagler Arts & Technology Village) is home to some of the region’s most talented artists. Their studios, galleries and performance spaces are comprised of a series of unique buildings. Built in 1950, the incomparable construction of these industrial warehouses offers ideal space for artists, galleries and performers. The location and venues provide an array of options for film and television production, photography shoots, events and parties. F.A.T. Village is situated to the west of Andrews Avenue and the FEC railroad tracks, and bordered on the south by NW fourth Ave. and the north by NW sixth Ave.
Fort Lauderdale’s up-and-coming arts district has attracted artists and merchants from many different trades due to its ample studios with an urban feel. At present, there is one gallery, eight artist studios, four workshops, a gym, two theaters, a special event company, scenic and prop manufacturing, dance rehearsal studios, a costume warehouse and a music studio.
Businessman Doug McCraw, who owns many of the warehouses that have been turned into studios and theatres, has spearheaded the development of the area. Developer Alan Hooper, has constructed seven high-end loft condos featuring retail outlets on the ground level floors. Doug Jones, entrepreneur and president of Sixth Star Entertainment and Marketing is the anchor business in the Village, residing there the longest.
The grass roots effort to transform the area is being supported by a newly formed F.A.T. Village Arts Association, which was created by both artists and merchants in order to tackle challenging issues in the neighborhood.
Some of the creative neighbors in the village include: The Art of Alex Studio, Rachel Henriquez Art Studio, Andrews Living Arts Studio, Downtown Music Hall, Alfred Phillips Art Studio, Art Wear, Collide Creative Incubator, Iron Forge Press, Francisco Sheurat Art Studio, Julio Green Art Studio, and Krueger Audio Technologies. And just a few months back the first Gallery moved into the neighborhood-Gallery 101-from their previous location on Oakland Park Blvd. On the horizon, 18 Rabbit Gallery among several others have also begun discussions to relocate to the heart of the district. Other businesses in the area are getting involved as indicated by Victoria Park Insurance’s Program to host a new artist and an opening in their office every month.