20 years ago, the DDA initiated what is now a County-wide program to wrap mundane traffic control boxes with colorful artwork and photography. This started as a pilot program in partnership with Broward County to wrap 16 boxes in DowntownFTL in 2004 and has grown to now hundreds of boxes in cities throughout Broward with designs unique to each location.

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In 2023, The DDA and Business for the Arts of Broward (BFA) partnered to select an artist to produce new artwork for Downtown Fort Lauderdale’s highly visible traffic signal control boxes. These boxes can be spotted throughout downtown in key locations such as Las Olas Boulevard, SE/SW 2 Street, and south of the New River. The DDA is now moving forward to replace the original box wraps with new artwork that celebrates the future of Downtown Fort Lauderdale.

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"We are excited to reintroduce our ‘Urban Acupuncture’ program to Downtown Fort Lauderdale by injecting art and creativity into everyday spaces,” stated Jenni Morejon, President and CEO of Fort Lauderdale DDA. “Art has the ability to transform the public realm and inspire a sense of community. We think everyone will agree these new box wrap designs will add a splash of color and a bit of fun to our downtown sidewalks."

 

Following a competitive process evaluating the portfolios of more than 75 artists across the United States, the DDA and BFA selected local visual artist Stephanie McMillan (Instagram: @zone10b.art) to redesign these wraps based on the theme of “Fort Lauderdale of the Future,” where Stephanie’s designs incorporate our local plants and wildlife into downtown’s urban lifestyle.

 

With long-standing ties to Fort Lauderdale as a third-generation resident, Stephanie draws and paints local plants and wildlife in a charming, quirky style that combines affectionate humor with the bright colors of the sunny tropics.

 

“I believe that my designs will enhance the experience of living, working and traveling in Downtown Fort Lauderdale. They are cheerful, inviting, and inclusive. The bright colors and appealing subject matter are appropriate to South Florida, reflecting and enhancing its tropical energy” said artist Stephanie McMillan.