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CIC logo
Visit our 8,100 square-foot facility on the
1st floor of the Broward County Main Library,
at 100 South Andrews Avenue
...
in the heart of the Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale
Downtown Arts & Entertainment Center
.
The Broward County Cultural Division’s Cultural Information Center is a service of the Broward County Commission. 
History:
CIC outside marqueeThe cultural community had a vision to create a gathering place for residents and visitors of Broward County.  In 1991, the idea for a one-stop shop for cultural information and tickets was conceived. The Broward County Commission’s Libraries Division offered space within the Main Library to house the Cultural Information Center. The Chamber of Commerce Cultural Committee kept moving this dream along. They were instrumental in acquiring pro-bono architectural design services. This preliminary plan was used in a grant application to the State Division of Cultural Affairs in 1999.
 
Funding Sources
The Broward County Cultural Division created a plan for the development of the Cultural Information Center. They applied for and received a National Endowment for the Arts grant for $32,000 to create a pilot e-commerce online ticketing program.

The Cultural Division also applied for and received a grant from the Florida State Division of Cultural Affairs for $160,000 to plan and build the Cultural Information Center. Construction of the Cultural Information Center began in July 2001 and was completed in November 2001.
 
Components:  
A public art marquee defines the entrance to the Cultural Information Center. The bright red artwork, complete with playful images carved into the metal supports, welcomes visitors into the lobby on the second street entryway. The public art was designed by artist Kim Krupnick, who also designed the entire Cultural Information Center.

The Cultural Information Center consists of a retail store with merchandise on consignment from Broward-based cultural organizations. The purpose of the retail store is to promote local cultural organizations and the work of local artists.

The store is operated by the Broward County Cultural Division through the assistance of volunteers. These volunteers provide an invaluable service as Cultural Concierges, adding a personal touch and service with a smile.  If you would be interested in helping promote the arts in Broward County by volunteering some of your time please contact: 
Hannah Wilner either by email hawilner@broward.org or by phone 954-357-7799.  Inside the store the multimedia display airs clips of upcoming events.

Other components include: gallery six, a fine arts gallery on the 6th floor of the Main Library; indoor and outdoor backlit posters; and an “electronic billboard.”
 

Architectural Designer:  
The Cultural Information Center was designed by local artist Kim Krupnick. Since 1984, she has integrated modern design and effectiveness in local restaurants and other public places including the Cultural Information Center. She emphasizes simple forms by using different materials and manufacturing techniques to sculpture new environments that are friendly to customers and engaging to the eye.

Krupnick Studios, which opened in 1994, has given Kim, who is not only a partner but also lead designer in the firm, the opportunity to expand her visions.  Visit www.krupnickstudio.com to learn more. 

From being named the “Most Accomplished Design Student” while attending the University of New Mexico where she graduated in 1989 to a three time winner of the AIA Award of Excellence for Design (1997,1999, 2000), Kim Krupnick continues to take on a formal presence in our community fusing utility and beauty into functional working art.
 

Partner Organizations & Links:  
Many local government agencies and arts organizations have partnered with the Cultural Division to provide funding, technical assistance, and in-kind services to make the Cultural Information Center a place that serves the cultural arts needs of the public.

These organizations include (click on the name and the link will take you outside of our website):

Broward County Library

Broward County Office of Information Technology

Broward County Transit

National Endowment for the Arts

 

Florida Department of State Division of Cultural Affairs

ArtServe

Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Sun-Sentinel

 

 
   

Broward County Board of Commissioners
Community Services Department

Cultural Division
100 S. Andrews Ave
Fort Lauderdale, FL  33301
Phone: 954-357-7457 Fax: 954-357-5769

email:  cultraldiv@broward.org