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Arts groups press delegation to restore state arts funding after veto
Summary
Cultural leaders asked the delegation to support full restoration of state arts grants that were vetoed the prior year, arguing arts funding supports education, tourism and local economies and that Orange County organizations lost vetted grants.
Leaders of local cultural organizations urged the Orange County legislative delegation to restore state Arts & Culture grants that were cut by a state veto last year.
Karina Barn, representing the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, said the orchestra’s Young People’s Concerts reached more than 65,000 students and that public funding is essential to provide access for children who otherwise may not experience live performance. Carol Hanley Goggin, chair of the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, told the delegation that arts and culture produced substantial economic returns in 2022 and that fully funding the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs’ programs supports jobs, tax revenue and community resilience. Several presenters noted that Orange County organizations had vetted requests for specific cultural projects and facilities funding that were left unfunded after the veto.
Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith told the audience that restoring arts grant lines is a top priority for him in the current session and that many colleagues — including across the aisle — are supportive of reversing the prior veto.
Ending: Cultural leaders asked the delegation to champion appropriations for general program support, project grants, facilities and endowments, asserting that the return on investment of arts funding extends to education, tourism and local business recovery.
