Why Zero Empty Spaces Is Becoming the Most Important Creative Infrastructure Project In America

In a region shaped by growth, cultural ambition and a rising appetite for community connection, Zero Empty Spaces stands as one of Broward County’s most influential homegrown cultural movements. Launched on Las Olas in 2019 by the same creative co-founders behind Choose954 (Evan Snow & Andrew Martineau), the initiative has expanded into the largest reaching and fastest growing affordable artist studio program in the country. Its scale is notable, but its origin story is what makes it resonate so deeply here. It began as a Broward idea built by Broward creative entrepreneurs and community builders responding to Broward challenges. Today, it is reshaping conversations around how communities support artists, reimagine underutilized property and build cultural identity from within.

A Model That Turns Vacant Space into Cultural Energy

Zero Empty Spaces was created with a straightforward mission. To transform unused commercial properties into working artist studios that bring creativity back into public life. What began as a practical solution to the lack of affordable workspace quickly evolved into a powerful engine for community building. Every location becomes a place where artists create, neighbors gather, visitors explore and the creative process becomes accessible rather than hidden. The studios serve as cultural pulse points that elevate the areas around them while giving artists the physical and emotional room they need to grow.

The initiative has now opened thirty three locations across four states since launching in 2019. Over eight hundred artists have participated in the program, many of whom have seen their careers accelerate through new exposure, community support and collaboration. The ripple effect is unmistakable. Zero Empty Spaces has changed hundreds of lives thousands of times over by giving people a place to create, connect, share and be seen.

A Landmark Expansion at DCOTA

Earlier this year, Zero Empty Spaces opened a major new location inside the Design Center of the Americas (for visual context click here for the grand opening recap video). DCOTA is one of the premier design destinations in the country, and its partnership with ZES represents a significant moment for local creators. It places working artists in the middle of a world class design environment, creating natural intersections between art, architecture and commerce. The space is also the new home for CreativeZen Talks, a monthly breakfast lecture series hosted by Zero Empty Spaces co founder Evan Snow (click here to hear him sharing his story including how Choose954 & Zero Empty Spaces came to fruition). These gatherings bring together artists, designers, entrepreneurs and community members for meaningful conversation and inspiration. Hosting this series in a ZES studio reinforces the growing importance of “third spaces” in the cultural ecosystem. These are the places where people connect outside of home and work, where ideas circulate freely and creative identity takes root.

The Gulfstream Park Location: Active, Visible and Community Building

Zero Empty Spaces has also become a vital cultural presence at Gulfstream Park. The studio, located next to Williams Sonoma, has evolved into an unexpected creative anchor within a bustling retail and entertainment district. It not only provides artists with valuable visibility, it also now serves as the host site for the initiative’s quarterly artist potlucks. These gatherings have become a cornerstone of the community experience ZES provides. Artists from across the network come together to share food, stories, challenges, wins and ideas. Relationships deepen. Collaborations form. New voices find support. The potlucks are a testament to the role these studios play as third spaces where belonging matters as much as creation.

Studio space is immediately available at this Gulfstream Park location, offering a rare opportunity for artists to work in a highly accessible and high traffic environment.

A Network Shaped by Impact and Real Human Stories

Across all Zero Empty Spaces locations, the success stories continue to grow. Artists who once worked out of kitchen corners or cramped apartments now have dedicated studios that elevate their professionalism and creative output.

Many have launched new collections, secured gallery representation, built client bases, taught classes or collaborated with neighboring artists. Some have connected with buyers, commissioners and collectors they may never have encountered without the visibility the program provides.

These transformations reflect the deeper impact Zero Empty Spaces has on both creative careers and personal development. Artists find stability, community and momentum that allow them to think more boldly and create more freely. These stories are amplified as part of the Zero Empty Spaces podcast, which has amassed over 75 episodes and growing.

Why Zero Empty Spaces Is Becoming the Most Important Creative Infrastructure Project in America

Across the country, cities are struggling with the same dual challenge. Commercial vacancies are rising while artists and emerging creative entrepreneurs continue to lose space. Zero Empty Spaces sits at the intersection of these two realities and has become one of the only scalable models that solves both problems at once. What began as an affordable studio initiative has now grown into a full creative infrastructure system capable of revitalizing properties, supporting artists and strengthening local economies at the same time.

This next chapter of Zero Empty Spaces marks a significant evolution. The initiative is piloting new verticals that address the full continuum of what artists, makers and creative entrepreneurs need to grow. These additions turn the program from a studio model into a multi dimensional innovation ecosystem.

The new co retailing concept will provide emerging brands and makers with short term, low risk retail opportunities that allow them to test products, reach new audiences and participate in the local economy without the barriers of traditional leases. The mixology academy vertical introduces a hospitality driven learning environment that brings foot traffic, education and experiential retail into properties where activation is needed most. And the upcoming ecommerce component will give artists and makers a digital platform to complement their physical studio presence, creating hybrid pathways for income and audience development.

At the same time, Zero Empty Spaces has launched a national Vacancy Activation Advisory designed to help cities, developers and economic development agencies replicate the model in their own communities. The advisory provides assessments, strategic planning, layout and programming frameworks, budget modeling, insurance guidance and implementation support based on years of lived experience.

It essentially gives cities a blueprint for turning vacancy into value without the R and D cycle or costly missteps.

Together, these components form a creative infrastructure system that meets real needs at every level. Artists gain affordable studio space, visibility, community and new revenue channels. Property owners activate dormant assets and generate positive momentum that supports leasing. Cities strengthen their cultural identity and economic resilience. Communities gain third spaces where connection, learning and creativity take root.

This is why Zero Empty Spaces is no longer just a studio program. It is becoming a national model for how America can revitalize underused space, support creative talent and rebuild cultural infrastructure at a time when it is needed most.

Nonprofit Collaborations Strengthening the Creative Ecosystem

Community development has always been woven into the initiative’s DNA. ZES regularly collaborates with nonprofits, cultural councils and community partners to host workshops, artist talks, mentorship programs, pop ups and public events. These partnerships help broaden access to the arts while reinforcing the role of ZES studios as inclusive hubs for learning, connection and support.

One of the most meaningful partnerships to emerge from the new Zero Empty Spaces studio at DCOTA came through resident artist Jamie Lapidus. After setting up her studio inside the design center, Jamie connected with a family member whose on the board of Breakthrough T1D, a leading organization dedicated to accelerating life changing breakthroughs for people living with Type 1 diabetes. The connection quickly evolved into a creative collaboration that blended advocacy, awareness and art in a powerful way.

Jamie’s work, shaped by personal storytelling and emotional depth, resonated with the Breakthrough T1D team. What began as a studio visit transformed into a partnership that allowed her art to support a mission that impacts countless families. This type of authentic collaboration speaks to the importance of “third spaces” like Zero Empty Spaces studios. They create room for conversations that would never happen in isolation and give artists the visibility and community touch points that lead to unexpected, meaningful opportunities. The DCOTA location has already become a hub for these kinds of connections, reinforcing the cultural, social and human value of keeping creative work accessible and visible in Broward County.

Local, National and International Press Spotlighting Broward’s Creative Vision

The model has captured widespread media attention. Zero Empty Spaces has been featured in local South Florida outlets as well as national and international press, which have highlighted it as an innovative and scalable approach to creative placemaking. This visibility positions Broward County as a cultural leader and strengthens the reputation of the region as a place where creative voices are valued and actively supported.

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Why Property Owners Should Pay Attention

For landlords and developers, Zero Empty Spaces offers a turnkey activation strategy that brings immediate value. The model increases foot traffic, enhances walkability, drives positive press and injects energy into properties that might otherwise sit dormant. ZES handles operations, insurance and daily management, allowing owners to activate space quickly without capital investment or complications. In many cases, these activations attract interest from long term tenants who appreciate the vibrancy the studios create.

Why Artists Continue to Join and Thrive

For artists, the benefits are clear. Affordable studio space in professional environments is incredibly rare. ZES provides stability, visibility, community and opportunities to develop new creative and business pathways. The network of artists across multiple states creates an ecosystem of support that extends far beyond individual locations.

A Broward Born Movement with National Reach

As Zero Empty Spaces expands into new concepts including co retailing opportunities for emerging brands and makers, as well as mixology academies and creative learning experiences, the initiative continues to build a future where creativity is both accessible and integrated into the daily rhythms of community life.

But at its core, the movement remains rooted in the values it started with right here in Broward. Creativity should have room to grow. Communities should have places to come together. Artists should be supported not in theory, but in practice.

More artists are ready for space. More communities are ready for activation. And more property owners now have the opportunity to turn vacancy into vitality.

The invitation is open.

For more information on Zero Empty Spaces log on to www.zeroemptyspaces.com or e-mail info@zeroemptyspaces.com

About Choose954

Choose954 is a hyper local cultural platform dedicated to celebrating and supporting Broward County’s creative community. Through social media, newsletters, editorial storytelling, event listings and partnerships, Choose954 works to connect residents with the people, places and experiences shaping local culture. The platform champions artists, organizations, small businesses and cultural initiatives that contribute to a vibrant and engaged Broward County.