ORLANDO, FL. – Continuing its commitment of support for the arts and culture of the region, Orlando International Airport (MCO) on July 1 opened its first-ever exhibition featuring poetry by 13 local writers including Billy Collins, the former two-term Poet Laureate of the United States and current Senior Distinguished Fellow of the Winter Park Institute, as well as two teen poets from the Parramore community.
WORDS IN FLIGHT, A Celebration of Orlando Area Poets offers poems inspired by the theme of flight, travel and transformation paired with photographs from the airport archives. The exhibition continues through September 30, and is on view at the airport’s 3rd Level, near the Checkpoint for Gates 70-129 (by the Starbucks) in the Main Terminal.
The exhibition represents a partnership between the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority and the City of Orlando, with Orlando’s first Poet Laureate Susan Lilley assisting with the curation of the poems as well as contributing her own words. In addition to Collins and Lilley, the selected poets offer diverse voices:
“Orlando International Airport has a long history of supporting and showcasing the arts in our community,” says Phil Brown, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “Our latest venture is a collaboration with the City of Orlando and local poets to capture the beauty and essence of the Central Florida experience through the power of words.”
“During this time, it is important for our community to come together, while remaining socially distant. Poetry and art unite us and I hope that this exhibition sparks a new appreciation of poetry for our residents and our visitors,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “This is our first collaboration of this kind with GOAA. We are pleased to partner to showcase our diverse and extremely talented poets.”
Basic MCO Information: In 2019, Orlando International Airport welcomed more than 50 million annual passengers making it the busiest airport in the state and the 10th busiest in the U.S. MCO is currently engaged in a $4.2 billion Capital Improvement Program to increase capacity and enhance customer convenience.
2022 Charlotte Douglas International Airport Report of Achievement
Giving back to the community is central to what Charlotte Douglas International Airport and its operator, the City of Charlotte Aviation Department, is about, and last year was no different.
Throughout 2022, while recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, we continued our efforts to have a positive impact on the Charlotte community. Of particular note, we spent the year sharing stories of how Connections Don't Just Happen at the Terminal - from creating homeownership and employment opportunities to supporting economic growth through small-business development and offering outreach programs to help residents understand the Airport better.
This whitepaper highlights the construction projects, initiatives, programs and events that validate Charlotte Douglas as a premier airport.
Download the whitepaper: 2022 Charlotte Douglas International Airport Report of Achievement.