Zero Empty Spaces: Activating Real Estate with Art

Evan Snow and Andrew Martineau of Zero Empty Spaces connected through a TedX event and soon realized they both shared some experience in real estate and have a strong passion for art. They wanted to do good for artists and help put Fort Lauderdale on the art scene map.

They began by creating an art show within beautiful multi-million dollar homes on the waterways of Fort Lauderdale. Art lovers would purchase a single ticket that took them mansion hopping to observe beautiful art displayed inside all these waterfront homes. The ticket included a water taxi that allowed them to connect with other art enthusiasts and discuss the art they have just seen.

Not only were they able to purchase the art on exhibition but the homes where they were being displayed were also for sale.

The concept was such a success and unique idea eventually leading to FL Art Design Week and the creation of Zero Empty Spaces!

Zero Empty Spaces is making it easier for local artists to set up shop in South Florida. Because of the scarcity of studio spaces for artists in Florida, Snow and Martineau were seeing so many vacant retail spaces that were not being utilized, they also knew that there are very few art studio spaces for artists to work out of, let alone affordable spaces. So they made it their mission to create affordable studios in vacant spaces throughout Fort Lauderdale.

Zero empty spaces lease vacant retail spaces on a month-to-month basis and then rent out the spaces to artists for $2.00/ sq ft including utilities. These are unheard of numbers, especially for newly emerging artists who need a break. Commercial real-estate developers and landlords had a need to fill vacant spaces and artists had the need to create outside their houses have studio sizes ranging from 100 sq ft and 600 sq ft in cities across the country at $2.00/ sq ft including utilities.

All artists are able to rent the commercial studios on a month-to-month basis providing a creative outlet for those on the come-up, who can’t necessarily afford their own space! Because Zero Empty Spaces are unmeasured by any other, Artists are required to produce at least one piece a month. Not only to create a fair environment for artists to thrive, but to utilize during gallery showings.

The idea is to truly expand the scope this artist can have, through creating a thriving community for creators within the cities that surround them. Through their website zeroemptyspaces.com you can apply to rent a space or provide one of your own. ZES works with city commissioners, community redevelopment programs, and property owners to find the perfect spaces to find and identify the best spaces.

The ZES program hosts a grand opening with every new location and other unique experiences including the Broward Country art experience where they take paying patrons through the streets to visit all local spaces. This program doesn’t exist anywhere else, giving an opportunity for artists to make a living from what they love.

Stay tuned for more exciting stories about how real estate is evolving and be sure to check the Secrets of Success with Million Dollar Listing Star Ryan Serhan‪t‬ or listen to the BACKSTAGE podcast.