Fort Lauderdale, FL – Once-gray walls now explode with color, creativity, and bold storytelling, thanks to the city’s premier street art celebration—AOTA FEST. The festival, which stands for “Avenue of the Arts,” has redefined the urban landscape, turning the city into an open-air gallery where every corner tells a new story.
“The third annual AOTA FEST has officially wrapped,” said Maxence Doytier, Founder & Director, AOTA FEST. “Leaving a progressive mark on Greater Fort Lauderdale’s cultural landscape. With over 20,000 square feet of murals and 40+ commissioned visual artists, AOTA FEST 3D brought a bold new vision to South Florida’s art scene.
Have you driven down NW 7th Avenue lately? If not, you’re missing out on a masterpiece in motion.
Local artist Sophia “SONA” Wong (@_artbysona) brings the building to life and stands tall with her stunning first mural.
Each brushstroke and spray of paint adds to the city’s growing identity, transforming blank walls into mirrors reflecting the soul of the community. Art lovers, tourists, and locals alike find themselves drawn into these immersive visuals, sparking conversations and inspiring the next generation of creators.
This year’s festival shattered records with over 450 artist applications, culminating in a carefully curated lineup of talent. More than 60% of the selected artists hailed from South Florida, spanning Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties, ensuring a blend of local and international creativity. The result? Over 20 newly completed murals, creating a lasting artistic legacy in Fort Lauderdale.
Pushing Boundaries: AOTA FEST 3D’s Immersive Experience
Through AOTA FEST, Downtown Fort Lauderdale is no longer just a city of beaches and boats—it is a city of color, movement, and imagination. This year’s theme challenged artists to explore three-dimensional techniques, introducing cutting-edge anamorphic murals and AR-enhanced artwork.
In collaboration with Uncommon Path Brewing, the festival also debuted “Deja Vu – Lemon Meringue Sour”, a craft beer featuring augmented reality beer labels, bridging the gap between technology and street art.
This year’s festival also introduced a 20/20 Vision Gallery Exhibition, featuring 20” x 20” original works from AOTA FEST alumni artists, alongside the return of the beloved “Chalk Zone” interactive kids’ art activation over two days – inspiring the next generation of creatives.
Nate Dee (@miaminate) Artist Miami Nate hero shot in front of his mural on NW 7th (Ave of the Arts)
One of the most distinctive aspects of AOTA FEST is its ability to attract international talent that is exclusive to Broward County.
“AOTA FEST is unique in so many ways,” said Doytier. “The international attraction of this event has invited artists such as Rodrigo ‘Vile’ Nunez from Portugal (@vile_graffiti), a mega-influential calligraphy 3D visual artist, to paint his first-ever mural in the United States—right here in Fort Lauderdale.”
Rodrigo ‘Vile’ Nunez (@vile_graffiti) paints a massive 100′ L x 13’4 H mural in Flagler Village for AOTA Fest.
With a reputation for championing creative freedom, the festival has become a beacon for muralists from Europe, Latin America, and beyond. The event not only showcases their talent but also fosters cultural exchange, allowing artists to infuse their diverse influences into the city’s evolving visual landscape.
“He’s not in Wynwood, New York, or Los Angeles,” said Doytier. “He’s exclusive to our city. In addition to Vile, we welcomed Matthieu ‘KOGAONE’ Antignac from France, whose mural is another exclusive addition to Broward County. We are creating a unique festival that is attracting international popularity. This is the quality we are bringing here.”
AOTA FEST 3D also proudly showcased local, national, and international talent, including:
International Artists:
- Rodrigo “Vile” Nunez (@vile_graffiti) – Portugal
- Matthieu “KOGAONE” Antignac (@kogaone) – France
- Pierre “SCAF” Bertolotti (@scaf_oner) – France
- Tirso “Bublegum” Paz Sans (@bublegumsr) – Spain
- Jeff Denomme (@thehauntedzoo) – Canada
Local & National Talent:
- Marcus “GRAB” Borges (@grabster) – Broward County
- Diana “Didi” Contreras (@didirok) – Miami-Dade County
- Patrice “SMOG ONE” Moretti (@smogoneart) – Palm Beach County
- Erni Vales (@ernivales) – Miami-Dade County
- Naomi Haverland (@naomihaverland) – Orlando, Florida
- Nate Dee (@miaminate) – Miami-Dade County
- Sophia “SONA” Wong (@_artbysona) – Miami-Dade County
- Phoebe Joynt (@feebee_n_jay) – Texas, USA
A Week of Art, Education, and Community Impact
Throughout the week, AOTA FEST hosted artist masterclasses, art and business panel discussions, and networking events, fostering conversations on the future of public art. The “Chalk Zone” interactive activation at New River Child Care Learning Center returned for its second year, giving young artists an opportunity to create their own large-scale chalk murals. The festival’s impact extends beyond the murals themselves. AOTA FEST continues to elevate Fort Lauderdale as a global destination for public art, enriching neighborhoods, supporting art education, and bringing international artists to South
Florida’s thriving creative community.
Looking Ahead
As AOTA FEST 3D comes to a close, plans are already in motion for AOTA FEST 2026, with an even bigger vision to expand public art activations, educational programming, and community partnerships.
“We’re expanding our artist lineup,” said Doytier. “Bringing in more world-class talent to transform Fort Lauderdale.”
For more information about AOTA FEST and how to participate in future editions, visit
Media Contact
Maxence Doytier
Founder & Director, AOTA FEST
Maxence@Twenty6North.com | +1.954.648.1332
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