Your Voice Matters: State of Florida Arts Funding

Dear arts and cultural supporters,

Last week, we were dealt quite a shock when Governor DeSantis vetoed $32 million in arts and cultural funding to 640 organizations around the State of Florida. This included $26 million in Cultural and Museum Grants, which would have provided critical general operating support to 625 organizations, and $6 million in Cultural Facility Grants for 15 organizations. This has a $3.1 million impact on Palm Beach County (51 grants), and with this unprecedented action, Florida ranks at the bottom of the list in terms of state support for the arts.

The arts industry in the State of Florida is strong. According to the Arts & Economic Prosperity Study (AEP6) released in October by Americans for the Arts, the sector in Florida contributes $5.7 billion in annual economic impact, $1.1 billion in federal, state and local tax revenue, 91,270 jobs, and 63 million attendees annually. In Palm Beach County, the arts generate $335.3 million in economic impact and 4,360 jobs. The arts also influence tourism, enhance education, and have social impact. The study shows that 87% of Americans believe arts and culture are “important to their community’s quality of life and liveability.”

Public funding to the arts and cultural sector is critical. The state grant program is administered by the Division of Arts and Culture. Every year, applications are vetted, scored, and ranked through a rigorous process, including a live panel review. Twice annual reporting is required, and all grants must be matched dollar-for-dollar by the organization, which is often leveraged through private philanthropy. Data shows these grants have a 9 to 1 return on investment.

How do we move forward? The Cultural Council is working with our legislative delegation, the Florida Cultural Alliance, the Division of Arts and Culture, and our Palm Beach County cultural partners to create an action plan. We will continue to advocate for arts and cultural support and to restore critical funding in the next budget cycle.

Your voice matters. As we prepare our advocacy messages for the next legislative session, your calls, emails, and letters to your House and Senate representatives will be needed. In the meantime, however, arts and cultural organizations need your support now—your time, talent, and treasure—as they rebound from these devastating cuts to critical operating support.

The Cultural Council has also been impacted by the State funding cuts, however we remain steadfast in our mission to support the health and growth of our cultural sector. We look forward to sharing more important advocacy information on our website soon.