ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal.
Years ago, before the downtown Orlando festival Immerse existed, Cole NeSmith was enraptured by an annual event in Spain: Fallas de Valencia, where large, intricate statues are paraded through the city and then set on fire to usher in the spring season.
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While traveling in Europe with a friend, NeSmith was struck by the festival’s use of public space to create large, temporary art installations. Years later, through his venture Creative City Project, he founded Immerse in 2012 — a weekend of bold, creative expressions along Orange Avenue.
Funding the festival through a combination of sponsorships, ticket sales and partnerships with local businesses and organizations, NeSmith has also secured support from private donors and smaller grants.
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