How does Orlando become more than a theme park town? In this episode of The Orlando Real Podcast, Ken Pozek sits back down with Cole NeSmith, one of Central Florida's most creative minds and the founder of Creative City Project, IMMERSE, and Dazzling Nights, to talk about his vision for turning Orlando into "Creative City, USA."Cole and Ken get into his Memoir Agency's new investment from Avalon Park Group, how creativity and placemaking build real community in new developments, why so much of Orlando outside the theme parks feels generic, what downtown Orlando actually needs to thrive, the tourist development tax funding behind the arts, the future of Leu Gardens and Dazzling Nights, and the upcoming Celebrate the City events planned for 2027.Cole NeSmith is the Executive Director of the Creative City Project and co-founder of The Memoir Agency, the team behind IMMERSE, Dazzling Nights, and immersive placemaking work for cities and developers. An experienced curator, writer, musician, and actor, he created IMMERSE, which platforms 1,000 artists for more than 100,000 guests in Downtown Orlando each year. Learn more about the Creative City Project at www.creativecityproject.com and follow along with Cole on Instagram at www.instagram.com/colenesmith.Whether you love Orlando, are a local creative, work in real estate or development, or just care about where the city is headed, this conversation is a blueprint for building a future Orlando with meaning.This episode is brought to you by The Pozek Group. Thinking of selling or buying a home anywhere in Greater Orlando? We’d love to help! Reach out at https://pozek.com/youtube or email info@pozekgroup.com to get started.
