11. Inside Orlando’s Creative Renaissance: Poet Laureate Shawn Welcome Shares His Vision

In this episode of The City Playbook Podcast, host Tim Giuliani sits down with Shawn Welcome, Poet Laureate of the City of Orlando, to explore the deeper story of Orlando beyond theme parks and tourism. With over 30 years in Central Florida, Shawn shares how the city has shaped his life as an artist, educator, and community builder, and how poetry gives voice to neighborhoods that are often overlooked.

You will hear about the evolution of Orlando’s literary arts scene, from open mics and spoken word residencies at Dr. Phillips Center to the creation of the Literary Arts Council of Central Florida. Sean and Tim dig into Orlando’s identity as a collaborative, innovative city, where creatives, business leaders, and residents have a unique opportunity to co create what comes next.

They also talk about big visions like bringing the Southern Fried Poetry Slam Festival to Orlando, launching Lit Lando as a literary festival on the level of the Miami Book Fair, honoring the legacy of Zora Neale Hurston and Eatonville, and connecting arts, education, and economic development across the region. If you care about the future of Orlando, storytelling, and how cities build culture, this conversation will leave you inspired to play your part in the mosaic of Central Florida.

In this episode you will learn:

• How Orlando’s identity is evolving far beyond tourism
• Why literary arts and spoken word matter for youth, neighborhoods, and civic life
• How local leaders are working to position Orlando as the literary arts capital of the South
• The story behind Sean’s upcoming documentary, Welcome, and his journey from open mic host to Poet Laureate

If you are a policymaker, business leader, student, or resident who loves this city and wants to see it thrive, hit like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who cares about Orlando’s future as much as you do.


Connect with Shawn and get information on his documentary at:
Instagram: @shawn.welcome | @welcome.shortfilm
Website: shawnwelcome.com

If you enjoy conversations with the decision makers and difference makers shaping Central Florida’s future, like, comment, and subscribe to The City Playbook.
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What do you want to see more of in downtown Orlando? Drop a comment with one placemaking idea you think would make the biggest difference.

Like, subscribe, and share with a friend who cares about building great cities. New episodes explore the people and ideas shaping Central Florida’s future.

Connect with our host Tim at:
Social: https://www.instagram.com/timgiuliani/
Website: https://timgiuliani.com/

Brought to you by the Orlando Economic Partnership Learn more: https://orlando.org