Since 1995, the Broward Cultural Division has received more than $726,000, and the funds have been earmarked for the development of the project Artspace, an artist’s live/work environment in Broward.  Two sites have been selected, the historic West Side School at Sailboat Bend in Fort Lauderdale and the Art and Culture Center in Hollywood. 

Artspace Projects, Inc., a Minneapolis-based not-for-profit real estate developer for the arts, contracted with Broward County for development of this project.  They are forging ahead in partnership with Lennar Homes, Inc., civic groups, city and county commissions, and the Cultural Division to develop affordable artist’s lofts in the Sailboat Bend and Hollywood area.  Here, Artspace will provide affordable living and working units from studios to three-bedroom apartments for artists and their families.  The Sailboat Bend artist’s lofts site includes the historic West Side School which will be restored to the new home of the Broward County Historical Commission.  The project will also incorporate community meeting space for civic groups and exhibition space for artists. 

The first-time fee for the specialty plate is $32 over the usual cost at vehicle registration renewal time.  The annual renewal fees are $22.  Of each sale or renewal, 93 percent is returned to the Cultural Division. 

Artist Stephen Kline, whose exhibitions are displayed worldwide, designed the multi-color Florida ‘State of the Arts’ tag.  New plates may be obtained, in person, through the Department of Motor Vehicles tag offices or by requesting them by mail registration.  Individuals who lease vehicles may ask their dealer for the plate.