The Depot Arts District

Mary Correa is the vice president of the Lakeland Arts Association and was kind enough to answer a few questions about the new Depot Art District in Lakeland. Learn about their vision for making art more accessible, their passion for community, and how they’re turning inspiration into impact.

WHERE DID THE IDEA FOR THE DEPOT ARTS DISTRICT ORIGINATE?

The Lakeland Arts Association (LAA) had long had a dream of having a physical location to host workshops and gallery space. Over the past year, we have met with several city officials and members of the local arts community, but had been unable to find a location that our non-profit could afford and sustain. In June of this year, we were introduced to the owner of Lakeland Town Center and realized that our ideas for an arts community could be a collaboration. The owner came to us with an unused space inside the shopping plaza. As the spouse of an artist, he was as excited as we were about creating an arts hub for Lakeland. The Depot Arts District by Lakeland Arts Association covers almost 10,000 square feet of space with 36 artist studios, 2 classroom spaces, 5,000 square feet of gallery space, a kiln room, a retail store, and an art supply re-use store.

As we thought about the arts community, we wanted to honor the origins of the town, the railroad. The Depot Arts District is a nod to the historic beginnings of Lakeland.

HOW DO YOU SEE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE LAA AND THE DEPOT EVOLVING OVER TIME?

MC: The Depot Arts District will always be a part of the Lakeland Arts Association. The LAA board will be the ultimate deciding factor for any activities within the Depot, working alongside the Depot Steering Committee. LAA provides the programming that will keep the Depot alive and bustling.

WHAT IS THE CORE MISSION OF LAA, AND HOW IS THAT TRANSLATED INTO THE DESIGN AND OPERATION OF THE DEPOT?

MC: The main mission of LAA is to foster art in our community and provide opportunities for artists within the community. This is the main purpose of the Depot. Lakeland has not had a sustainable, affordable studio rental option for artists. This project gives many artists the opportunity to focus on their artwork. Through the educational and entertainment programming, LAA will engage with the community and increase the amount of art touch points.

HOW ARE YOU BALANCING PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS, EMERGING ARTISTS, & HOBBYISTS?

MC: Our programming offers a variety of offerings, so there is something for everyone. Our educational opportunities vary from a two-hour Take Two Intro workshop to 3-day intensive trainings. We also offer a variety of creative business workshops to learn about branding, social media, and website construction.

WHAT AMENITIES AND SHARED RESOURCES WILL BE PROVIDED?

MC: We are currently working on the installation of two new kilns in our kiln room. These will be available to ceramic artists with studios at the Depot and in the community through a monthly membership. Our two education centers will focus on adult and child education, providing a variety of workshops for all creatives. The retail store will feature artwork of local artists as well as creative products and our signature Depot apparel. Our future re-use store will include lightly used art supplies available at a discount to local artists.

ARE THERE PLANS FOR GALLERY SHOWS, WORKSHOPS, OR PROGRAMMING?

MC: Our Grand Opening is Saturday, November 1st. This first event will include an Artist Walk, where the community can engage with artists in their studios. We are extending the Halloween weekend by including a studio decorating contest and an opportunity for anyone to come dressed as their favorite artwork. We will also have our first gallery show opening the same night. You can browse all three galleries, which will be filled with artwork from Polk County artists.

Our Artist Walks will continue each month, on the first Saturday. Our education centers have already begun booking workshops. These workshops are open to the public and registration is available on our website.

WHAT IMPACT DO YOU THINK THE DEPOT WILL HAVE IN 5–10 YEARS?

MC: Over the next 5-10 years, Lakeland will become known as the arts town. The Depot Arts District will provide studios for artists, helping create small businesses. By having a central arts community, arts organizations across Polk County will be able to collaborate and increase everyone’s reach. The gallery space at the Depot is going to give many opportunities for artists to show their work to the community. Plus, by increasing outreach to the general community, we increase the recognized importance of the arts. I expect that we will look back at this moment as the start of a big change for the arts in Lakeland and Polk County.

ARE THERE PLANS TO EXPAND BEYOND THE INITIAL PHASES?

MC: LAA has many lists of dreams for the Depot Arts District. We want this location to serve all artists in the community. We are excited to already have a variety of creative endeavors in the Depot, including musicians, visual artists, ceramicists, dancers, and photographers.

Our ability to sustain and expand the Depot Arts District will be dependent on the support of our community. Although LAA is extremely grateful for the space allocated to us, we are not financially benefiting from this collaboration. Our organization relies on the financial support and volunteer labor in our community. That help is needed more now than ever.

THE DEPOT ARTS DISTRICT

955 E Memorial Blvd, Lakeland

lakelandartsassociation.com

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