Crealdé School of Art Expands Creative Opportunities Through Orange County Cultural Tourism Grant

Crealdé School of Art is among the latest recipients of Orange County’s Cultural Tourism Grant Program, an initiative that supports arts and cultural organizations that enhance the region’s economy while enriching quality of life for residents and visitors.

Administered through the County’s Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs and funded by a percentage of the Tourist Development Tax, the program supports projects that attract cultural tourism, strengthen the local arts community and showcase Central Florida as a vibrant destination for creative experiences.

For more than 50 years, Crealdé School of Art has been an important part of Central Florida’s cultural landscape, offering a welcoming space where people of all ages and skill levels can explore creativity through classes, exhibitions and community programs.

“Crealdé is a non-profit dedicated to making art accessible to everyone and creating a space where creativity and community come together in meaningful ways,” said Executive Director Emily Bourmas-Fry. “Our mission is grounded in the belief that creativity brings people together, strengthens communities and enriches lives.”

Located in Winter Park, Crealdé offers a wide range of hands-on learning experiences led by professional working artists, allowing participants to develop artistic skills while engaging with others through the creative process. Rotating exhibitions and public programs further encourage participation, dialogue and shared cultural experiences.

A key part of the organization’s impact is the Hannibal Square Heritage Center, which preserves and shares the history of Winter Park’s historic African American community. Through exhibitions, oral histories and educational programming, the Heritage Center links artistic expression with cultural history, providing deeper cultural context and helping ensure important community stories continue to be shared.

Funding from Orange County’s Cultural Tourism Grant will allow Crealdé to expand its exhibitions and hands-on workshops designed to engage both residents and visitors. Short-term classes and immersive experiences provide opportunities for participants to create art while gaining a deeper appreciation for the community’s cultural heritage.

“This investment allows us to enhance experiences that invite people to participate in the arts while also exploring the history and stories that define this community,” said Bourmas-Fry.

Crealdé’s programs reflect the broader role the arts play in strengthening communities and improving quality of life by offering opportunities for expression, reflection and shared understanding.

“The arts shape how people experience their lives and their communities,” explained Bourmas-Fry. “People come away not only having seen something, but having felt something — and that’s what stays with them.”

Through the Cultural Tourism Grant Program, Orange County continues to invest in organizations like Crealdé School of Art that support cultural growth, economic vitality and meaningful community connections.