As a former Vice President of Disney Live! and Disney on Ice for Feld Entertainment, Rana Florida brings a multifaceted art background that reflects her passion for creativity, her leadership within cultural institutions, and her dedication to entertaining children while promoting the arts through writing, philanthropy, and community engagement. Her projects often focus on integrating art, design, and innovation into everyday spaces and experiences, particularly through urban revitalization and cultural events. Her eye for design and love for creative expression are central to her work.
Rana has served on several prestigious arts and culture boards, showcasing her deep commitment to fostering the arts including the Detroit Institute of Arts Founders Junior Council, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the National Ballet of Canada, and Silver Arts Projects which supports emerging and underrepresented artists through mentorship and studio spaces at the World Trade Center in New York.
Rana’s passion for art and design extends into her writing, where she wrote Creative Spaces Column for The Huffington Post: Through her widely-read column, Rana explored how design and creativity transform workplaces, homes, and cities, blending her expertise in business with her love for art and innovation. She further emphasized the importance of creativity and design in everyday life through her work with HGTV, showcasing artistic home design.
Rana, alongside her husband world renowned urbanist, Richard Florida, has been instrumental in organizing art-centered events and fostering community engagement. Co-organizing events at global platforms like CityLab and the Aspen Ideas Festival, highlighting the transformative role of art in cities. They were also key partners in launching Art Basel Cities with an economic growth strategy for Buenos Aires. Rana and her husband are avid art collectors, particularly focused on contemporary and emerging artists. Their personal collection and support for the arts reflect their belief in the transformative power of creativity.
Co-Founding Creative Class Studio, alongside Interior Designer and Architect Amanda Elliott, this hands-on art space is designed to inspire children to connect through art. This immersive space aims to inspire children to disconnect from devices and explore creativity through monthly themes featuring iconic artists.
