COMMUNITY
The only question with wealth is, what to do with it.
Public Arts
Public arts enhance our lives beyond measure, bringing a momentary pause to our continuous culture. At CORE, we believe that the arts allow people to enrich their lives, and for that reason alone, we will continually invest in our creative partnerships.
LAKELAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Music connects communities in a way that nothing else can.
The Lakeland Symphony Orchestra, which started in 1965, is driven by their mission of existing to educate, entertain, and inspire audiences and enrich the lives of the people of Polk County through the high-quality performance of symphonic music.
With their diverse talent made up of dynamic, auditioned, professional musicians, they are able to draw from a variety of roles and experiences to move people by igniting creativity and sparking emotion.
No matter what your musical interests are, they are intentional about welcoming listeners and expanding their repertoire. Be sure to visit their website to learn more about them and their various upcoming concerts and events.
In 2021, symphony supporters reimagined the brand to reflect the orchestra’s values and impact. As a result, the organization became known once again as the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra. During the 2022-2023 season, patrons have more than a dozen opportunities to reconnect to the music and one another through symphonic and ensemble performances.
PLATFORM ART
Platform Art enriches the community by providing forums for art experiences and supporting the creation of socially engaging public art.
Platform Art commissions nationally renowned artists for public art projects, collaborating with organizations including the City of Lakeland, businesses, artists and regional, state and national foundations supporting the creation of public art for communities.
Recent public art sculptures in Lakeland include: “Fibonacci Sequence” by Matthew Mosher at MidTown Lofts; “Sound Wall” by Becky Ault at Bonnet Springs Park; “Honor, Sacrifice, and Service” by Tom Monaco at Veterans Memorial Park; “Entrepreneurial Spirit” by Josh Bump Galletta at Dixieland Village; and “Goddess,” a John Garth tile mural reproduction by Tom Pitzen at PC Tax Collectors.
Platform Art presents socially engaging art projects, including site-sensitive works that enhance public spaces.
POLK MUSEUM OF ART
The Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College is a teaching museum that enhances lives through inspirational and engaging art experiences for all.
The Polk Museum of Art strives to reach all potential learners and art lovers where they are. It offers exhibitions, classes and events to create an inclusive and accessible environment for education and refuge in the form of art and art appreciation.
The museum hosts hundreds of works each year, in addition to a permanent collection of over 2,800 works of art, including pieces by Rembrandt van Rijn, Andy Warhol, Faith Ringgold, Pablo Picasso, Miriam Shapiro, James Rosenquist, Barbara Kruger, Marc Chagall, Damien Hirst, Hung Liu and others.
Admission is free, and approximately 140,000 visitors come to the Museum annually to learn through artwork from across time and place. Each year, the Polk Museum tours over 5,000 fourth grade students and hosts nine K-12 Student Art exhibitions.
LAKELAND COMMUNITY THEATRE
Lakeland Community Theatre provides an affordable, high-quality theatre experience and opportunities for artists of all ages to showcase their talents.
Community theater helps us connect with history and understand diverse cultures, ourselves and those around us a bit better. Lakeland Community Theatre produces performances that spark creativity and make us laugh together, cry together and understand our world better together. Lakeland Community Theatre is comprised of a diverse group of people from our own community who unite to achieve a single shared goal: to put on a great production. Approximately 1,500,000 volunteer hours have been logged over the past 30 years. Over 375 of the volunteer actors and backstage personnel who started with the theatre have pursued careers in the entertainment industry.
FLORIDA CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
Florida Children’s Museum aims to grow in line with the local community’s needs.
Previously named the Explorations V Children’s Museum, the 30-year-old institution, now located in Bonnett Springs has become the Florida Children’s Museum. With a stated mission to curate the world for all children to explore, there is over 47,800 square feet of hand-on exploration. Their new, state-of-the-art facility was designed to build a purpose for the community and has two floors of interactive galleries. With plenty of programs, events, and educational opportunities available, the museum caters to the needs of all children, including a space that is sensory-friendly. As the museum continues to grow, they hope to inspire the next generation and equip them with confidence, creativity, and a love of learning.
THE POLK ARTS & CULTURAL ALLIANCE
The Polk Arts & Cultural Alliance aims to create an environment in which the arts flourish.
The Polk Arts & Cultural Alliance (PACA) is the Local Arts Agency for Polk - as designated by the Board of County Commissioners.
This non-profit organization is driven by its mission “to create an environment in which the arts flourish”. In addition to providing financial and promotional support for local arts and cultural organizations, PACA also serves local artists who contribute to both the local economy and to our quality of life here in Polk County. PACA also publishes an award-winning quarterly arts and culture magazine and an annual arts guide for visitors and new residents.
PACA’s main event each year is the Polk Arts & Culture Hall of Fame Gala. This event highlights the work of local arts and cultural organizations through an annual awards program and honored six local arts and cultural icons by inducting them into the Polk Arts & Culture Hall of Fame - located in the Polk History Center in Bartow.