Homeschool Theatre Class Explores Playwriting and Puppetry
Students drive the creative vision...
Learn MoreOrlando Family Stage
The Finest in Family Theater
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ recent line-item veto of arts and culture funding from next
year’s budget is a devastating blow to our community. This decision, while not
surprising, is yet another example of the headwinds we continue to face as a sector.
This veto eradicates essential support for organizations like mine, Orlando Family
Stage, and further reveals a gross misunderstanding of the value arts institutions
bring to a healthy society.
Orlando Family Stage ranked eighth out of 630 applicants through a rigorous grant
process and was poised to receive the full $150,000 allocation from the state. More
than 600 organizations around the state spent weeks’ worth of time and effort to
prepare, write, submit, read and review applications that support general and
programmatic operating dollars. This allocation was first halved earlier this spring,
and then zeroed out entirely by the governor in June. For organizations that already
have limited resources, this elimination strikes a fatal blow. Such a move dismisses
the critical role of the arts in fostering healthy and vibrant communities.
For context, the state’s budget for next year is $116.5 billion — that’s billion with a
B. How can we not find dollars to support arts and culture in our state when there is
a reported $17 billion in reserves? Our sector represents 3.15% of Florida’s GDP and
generates over 268,000 jobs. Every dollar we receive from the state has a 9:1 return.
Nationally, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) says the nation’s arts and
culture sector was a $1.1 trillion industry in 2022. This represents 4.3% of the
nation’s economy — a larger share of GDP than sectors such as Transportation,
Construction, Education and Agriculture. We drive billions of dollars in tourism each
year and create cities that people want to live in, yet apparently this isn’t important
enough.
Beyond important economic contributions, the arts serve indispensable human
needs, especially in times of volatility. Humans around the world are suffering from
isolation, loneliness, anxiety and depression at dramatically increasing rates. Some
of the most startling statistics are amongst children. A recent book, “The Anxious
Generation” by Jonathan Haidt, provides endless examples of how new technologies
and our devices have dramatically altered the childhood experience; how teenagers
all over the world are struggling to find their place as their developing minds are
continuously manipulated by the devices in their pockets.
We work every single day at Orlando Family Stage to combat this. Every child is
welcome and belongs at the theater. Our work and our sector not only entertains
you, but helps you build meaningful connections. We foster confidence and
empathy, and most importantly provide a platform for all of us to experience
diverse voices and stories. The impact of arts organizations extend well beyond their
immediate economic footprint, we enrich the very fabric of our society.
In Central Florida, we have over 82 arts and culture organizations that receive
funding from the state of Florida arts and culture grants. The recommendation was
a measly $6.9 million dollars to support the 82 organizations — 82 organizations
whose missions directly serve our community in incredible ways. Our organization
alone supports 40,000 student field trips each year. The Florida Agricultural
Promotional Campaign Trust Fund is receiving $27.5 million dollars in a
“permanent distribution” to promote thoroughbred breeding and racing. I can’t
imagine that allocation is impacting 40,000 children each year.
Orlando Family Stage works with service providers and nonprofits to infuse theater
strategies into their daily work and afterschool programs. We served over 100
teachers this year with professional development to enrich their classrooms and
make learning more engaging for students. For the last two decades we have worked
with graduate students at UCF and lead our field nationally with innovative work.
Defunding the arts is a short-sighted decision with long-term repercussions. Arts
and culture are not fringe activities, but central to our humanity. I understand there
are important needs everywhere you turn, but does the Casey DeSantis Cancer
Research Program really need $127.5 million allocation in the state budget? Are they
serving 40,000 children annually? The governor’s veto not only undermines the
sector’s contributions and ignores the economic values, but it will also remove
access to the social and cultural benefits that our institutions provide, especially for
those who need it the most.
It is time for our leaders to recognize that the arts are essential and take action.
Funding for arts and culture is an investment in the state’s future, promoting a
thriving, dynamic, and inclusive community and should be a priority. The governor
should reconsider his priorities and restore this crucial funding.
Chris Brown
Executive Director | Orlando Family Stage
The above letter was originally published in Orlando Sentinel on Sunday, June 16, 2024. Read the original piece here.
Orlando Family Stage empowers young people to be brave and empathetic by creating quality theatrical experiences.