The Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) has launched ¡ARTE VIVA!, a year-long celebration honoring the Hispanic cultures that make up nearly 30% of the region's population. The 2025-2026 season includes Día de los Muertos events at multiple venues, visual arts exhibitions such as Joan Miró: Fire in the Soul at Naples Art Institute, and performances by Gulfshore Opera, Opera Naples, and Latin Grammy nominee Leslie Cartaya, among others.
This initiative matters because it positions the arts as a key economic driver for Collier County while amplifying the visibility of Hispanic heritage in a region where nearly one in three residents is Hispanic. By weaving together museum exhibitions, public art, music, and culinary experiences, ¡ARTE VIVA! demonstrates how cultural tourism can foster community pride and attract visitors, reinforcing the connection between local identity and the arts economy.