Today we’d like to introduce you to Maxence Doytier.
Maxence, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My background in arts came at an early age. My hands were always in paint jars, finger painting after school and mother was a big supporter in finding my “creativity.” My mother, Chantal Bandoni is an art teacher for 20 years in Broward County and currently is the Broward County Arts Facilitator for all grade levels. My father, Pascal Doytier is a well-known art curator in Wynwood (@talkingoffthewall) and has worked with street artists locally, nationally, and internationally. His events in Wynwood and Miami inspired me to pick up and create my own events in Fort Lauderdale and represent the hidden talent of emerging artists locally.
I was given the opportunity at One Door East to host my first event “Local Support Local” over a year ago. I worked with artists Jason Skeldon (@jasonskelon) and Greg Stakis (@gstakis), local distillers FWAYGO Rum, Lustre Vodka, and Prescribed Gin, and also SOFLO Jeeps was our title sponsor. We got the opportunity to live paint on a brand new 2018 4×4 JLK Jeep Wrangler indoors at One Door East! That was my first show! It was packed, and it kept the bar really high right at the beginning for me.
From that success, the restaurant gave me the opportunity to host more art events. I created a series for the restaurant called “Art, Food, & Emotion” and had live artists painting every show. Now, a year later, we are live painting on a Lamborghini Spyder this Thursday, July 25th at The Wilder. I couldn’t be happier with the way things are moving for my company and the artists that are constantly reaching out that want to be a part of these avant-garde shows happening in Fort Lauderdale. So much gratitude.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road. Honestly, I’ll take the winding, less traveled road any day. That is where life’s biggest struggles reveal themselves, and where I, as the creator rise above.
Where do I begin? Struggles happen all the time with event production. Event production is one of the toughest occupations due to all the initial planning, budget restraints, creation and design, organization required, support and sponsorship needed on the back end and then execution, development, management, and marketing on the front end. Slip-ups can happen at any moment. As an event producer, it’s up to us to be quick on our feet and provide a solution.
Twenty6North Productions – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My company name Twenty6North Productions came about from the location of where these events take place. On a map, Fort Lauderdale falls geographically on the 26th-degree latitude. I started my company in Fort Lauderdale and plan on expanding Twenty6North events (always with an artistic angle!) all over South Florida.
Twenty6North Productions supports the arts. We curate pop up art shows in restaurants and hotels. We facilitate murals both interior and exterior. We provide artistic direction for exhibitions, activations, and programs. Art is life!
I’m proud to continue doing what I love. Every event is unique so there is no perfect recipe. First, I find inspiration by visiting the space – imagining where the artist will paint, the DJ will perform, and the crowds will gather. Next, a theme or series is designed – this is where my Rolodex of artists to accompany the venue comes to mind. We reach out to sponsors to heighten the ambiance and elevate the evening. Last, the event happens – and personally, its a symphony of the highest high to see everything come together so harmoniously.
We are another avenue bringing art to Fort Lauderdale. The city is multiplying in size and being at the forefront of the art culture is such a joy. One of our newest projects is linking up with Virginia Shuman Young, a public elementary school. We are fundraising $100,000 to paint over 7,500 sq ft of murals. The largest mural in Fort Lauderdale, $25,000 of that total will be a donation to the school to support and fund the arts program. We are linked with the Broward Education Foundation and donations are 100% tax-deductible. Check out our gofundme page:
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Proudest moment has been using our artistic resources and fundraising for the Broward Education Foundation. We are raising $100,000 to support Virginia Shuman Young, a public Montessori elementary school in Fort Lauderdale. We are painting over 7,500 sq ft of surface area! We are working with an international artist that will fly in and paint the largest mural in Fort Lauderdale. We are creating this project to inspire our students and elevate the community.
Contact Info:
- Website: Twenty6North.com
- Phone: 954.648.1332
- Email: ArtIsLife@Twenty6North.com
- Instagram: @Twenty6NorthProductions
- Facebook: @Twenty6NorthProductions
Image Credit:
@Maxson.Media
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