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.

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